For all the different forms that doom metal can take, there’s always something to be said for when it knows when to pull back. Almost channeling the more classic vein of the sound, there’s a certain charm to it all that very few other sounds are able to bring to the table in any similar form with there arguably even further bands that are able to bring the style to justice yet again. For their debut creation, Druidess more than delivers on that very premise.
Simple but immense effective is oftentimes the way of doom metal the further back you stretch into the style’s history, and yet, somehow, that’s a concept that many fail to use to their advantage. Druidess, however, never once fails to capitalize on that very potential. There are but five tracks that adorn “Hermits & Mandrakes” outside the 40-second intro piece, and every single one of them achieves the glorious feat of channeling the old school while never once wholly leaning on it for success. Plenty rhythmic and loads of charm from top to bottom, these tracks are simply hypnotic without exception as Druidess weaves a fascinating tapestry that holds true to much of what was laid forth in those well-worshipped veins of doom where things could easily become ethereal and intense while nevertheless carrying a special form of heaviness and an impeccable sense of intoxication through hooks and melodies. It’s all simplistic and as far as one could be from rocking the boat as far as doom goes, but it demands to be made clear that Druidess does it all exceedingly well! Where many others have sought to tackle this particular corner where doom metal and rock mix together with psychedelic tendencies, “Hermits & Mandrakes” rises far above the competition.
Laying the groundwork for plenty of room to grow in any direction they damn well please, Druidess has really put itself in a tremendous position with this flavorful debut. An enchanting albeit brief work with loads of promise, there are few things that can be done to break the spell that “Hermits & Mandrakes” puts upon your mind the moment it begins moving forward.
LISTEN to “Hermits & Mandrakes” on Bandcamp here.
LIKE Druidess on Facebook here.
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