Every now and again it’s nice to hear some doom that has an upbeat to it, a sort of reversal from the typical ‘doomy’ retiring sound that is part and parcel with the genre. Wall of Sleep may take its name from a Sabbath song, but the music on When Mountains Roar is definitely more major than minor in sound structure, unless of course you count the Seventh Star era.   

Everything about this album just clicks for me, from the straight-ahead vocal melody to the rhythmic traditional sounding melodies. I am only familiar with the band’s Sun Faced Apostles from ’05, and I thought that was a fine effort, so this newest effort is a continued positive presence. “Receive the Pain” fast became my favorite track on this album, but the mix-and-match of style in each song manages to keep my attention where I might otherwise find boredom in repetitiveness and lack of originality.

As I said, the very “up” sound of music is what keeps this more out of the doom category and sandwiched between progressive and psychedelic rock. You don’t have the forlorn depression of Warning or the drinking-class fun of Midnight Chaser; here you have a happy middle man that makes some heavy metal that will appeal to rock, metal and prog fans alike. While there isn’t really a 70’s vibe here, there certainly could be a small NWOBHM influence going, especially in the vocals. There are no high range screams or long, drawn out notes; what you get is simplicity and strength in a Tony Martin minus the wide octave range. These songs are quite good; so much so that you might even hear these on radio back in the day, but, alas, those days are no more.

I would hasten to compare this to Sabbath because, seriously, that comparison to anything even remotely doom-related is so overused and trite at this point, but if you picture Tyr or even certain parts of The Headless Cross you might find some enjoyment in When Mountains Roar. The Tony Iommi guitar sound isn’t exactly perfect, but the feel is definitely there in “Bitter Smile” and “Trapped in Sorrow”, with the latter carrying a bit more of a Diamond Head feel to the main riff, which always works for this aged metalhead.

While the collective is certainly worth a listen or five, these tracks mentioned really stand out for me. This brand of doom metal is something a guy could get used to when he needs to be picked up as opposed to left in a weeping ball of melancholy. The shift in priorities is always a welcome transition, and Wall of Sleep provides a hard shell with which to find solace and refuge.     

TRACK LISTING

*By clicking "Submit" you agree to the following Terms of Use. You agree not to post any material that is obscene, slanderous, or threatening, or that may violate any law of your country of origin or the United States or of international law. Should you wish to restrict viewing of your email address by third parties, you must select "Hide My Email." You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Metal Psalter from any claims, actions, suits, damages, or other costs arising out of any breach of these Terms of Use.

*Comments:

1.  Hungry Spirits
2.  Receive the Pain
3.  Into the Light
4.  Raven Avenue
5.  Hell Sells
6.  Bitter Smile
7.  Trapped in Sorrow
8.  Army of The Dead

Total playing time:  42:25

Release Date: 2010
Label: Nail/PsycheDOOMelic

Wall of Sleep - When Mountains Roar

Reviewer: Chris

April 28, 2011