EP Review: Leonov – Shape of Ash (Pelagic Records)

For 15 years, Leonov have been honing their captivating brand of celestial doom metal and now, on July 4th via Pelagic Records, they return with ‘Shape of Ash’, their new EP.

Celestial doom metal… it just sounds grand, doesn’t it?

Shape of Ash is a 4-track EP that challenges perceptions of doom and metal through the use of powerful melody and memorable layers of atmosphere. Beginning with the glorious Samaritan, a subtle track that emphasises the vocals, which, unsurprisingly are hauntingly gorgeous. Then, with around two minutes left of its near six-minute runtime, it heavies up. This is doom, epic doom.

Auld Ashok is next, and this one has an intriguing psychedelic edge that creates a different vibe. One that grows in intensity, showing off more melodic and heavy range. Guess what? The vocals are immense again, but you already know that, right?

Continuing to challenge in the most enigmatic and exciting ways, Bygg En Menneskekropp begins softly, likably so, growing as the track goes on until it takes on a more elaborate form, especially as conflicting vocals arrive and showcase new dark depths. Again, the word that comes to mind is haunting. It is one of the EP’s more challenging tracks, but that badge of honour could also be given to the title track, which has fascinating repetition and gets quite trippy. It’s quite wonderful, and the exclamation mark on this EPs quality.

You’ll feel this one in the pit of your soul.

Leonov – Shape of Ash Track Listing:

1. Samaritan
2. Auld Ashok
3. Bygg En Menneskekropp
4. Shape of Ash

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