Album Review: Shamael – Melancholie der Engel (Negre planY)
The solo project of Raffaele Galasso (Gardenjia, Nightcrush), Shamael’s debut album ‘Melancholie der Engel’ will be released on April 15th, 2021 via Negre planY.
The crescendo of funeral doom hits like a tidal wave forcing all the air out of the lungs and sending those caught in it, spluttering to the surface. Suck in that brief opportunity for air though as wave after wave continues to hit. This is 40 minutes of slow and drawn out drowning.
There are hope spots. Moments of calming melody that makes the struggle more bearable. Though, the mammoth tones of Shamael’s funeral doom is what will remain lodged in the mind.
Super-depressing but so listenable, the constant slow pace of the guitars with powerful thumping drums and guttural low vocals is very appealing. There’s no respite to be found throughout the first two tracks, Leaf and Crown Shyness even if there is layered atmosphere here and there.
It’s with Way of Woe that relief can be found. Albeit in short and stoic moments. Each filled with misery and pain but still with a calming and relaxing touch. It’s then followed by Moonsoon. Where a stormy intro erupts into a whirlwind of viscosity before dropping into deeply mournful melodies and back into the thickness of the funeral doom sound.
Each track flows so perfectly into one another that the only proper way to experience Melancholie der Engel is to listen to it in one full sitting. You won’t regret it.
Shamael – Melancholie der Engel Full Track Listing:
1. Leaf
2. Crown Shyness
3. Way of Woe
4. Moonsoon
Links
Shamael - Melancholie der Engel (Negre planY)
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The Final Score - 8.5/10
8.5/10