(Spikefarm) Total Time: 73:24
Although I was anxiously anticipating its release I had no worries regarding if the new REVEREND BIZARRE album would be good. This confidence of mine was based on two facts. Firstly, the band in all its so far releases has demonstrated an admirable consistency in quality, and secondly I was already familiar with older versions of three 3 out of the total of 8 songs included in this new album; I am referring to "Doom Over the World" that was included in the "Doom Or Be Doomed" compilation (as well as in the form of a video in the re-issue of their debut album "In the Rectory"), "Fucking Wizard" whose original version was included in their "Slice of Doom" demo, and to "Slave of Satan" that was released in an extended version in CD single form a while ago. In other words, I knew that I would like "Crush the Insects", the question was only how much I would like it, and how it would measure up to the previous releases of REVEREND BIZARRE.
Well, no need to wonder anymore, "Crush the Insects" is finally here, the second full-length album of the Finnish True Doom trio (yes, 2nd, do not get confused, the band considers the 74-minute long "Harbinger of Metal" as an extended EP, and so is the case with the 65 minute long "Return to the Rectory" CD full of new material that was included as a free bonus in Spikefarm's re-issue of their debut album; so second it is, who am I to argue?). So, how's this album compared to the previous releases? Well, the main difference is that the speeds have increased. In the past, REVEREND BIZARRE has gotten us used in ultra slow doom metal compositions with occasional outbreaks. In "Crush the Insects" next to the creepy torturing slow songs we also find faster ones, yet still very much doom metal, and of course of the true authentic variety (it couldn't be otherwise!). So in other words, the new album is more varied. But, lets move on to the songs themselves.
The album kicks off with the re-recorded version of "Doom Over the World", one of the faster songs, based on an NWOBHM-style (of the heavier spectrum) riff, with a very catchy chorus. A true doom anthem, a wonderful doom metal manifest that will get stuck in your mind immediately. Next is the "The Devil Rides Out" based on an addictive morbid galloping main riff that justifies its title. A really good song that will have you headbanging from the very first spin. So will "Cromwell" which follows, a truly brilliant composition that continues on the up-tempo (for RB standards) riffing. It's the album's shortest song, but also one of the best. The riffing is magnificent and its feeling awesome, "Cromwell" will have you pressing the repeat button quite a few times.
This song also signifies the end of the faster songs "section" of the album, the remaining 5 songs belong in the well know RB creepy slow doom metal with occasional outbreaks. "Slave of Satan" gives the signal, and although to be honest I was a bit disappointed by the single version of the song, the album version finds it reduced from 21 minutes to less than 14 minutes, with the long intro (which in my opinion was boring) omitted. So although this song represents the least good moment of this album, to this reviewer's ears this version is certainly much better than the extended one of the CD single. However, "Council of Ten" which follows raises the quality levels to the usual high point that RB have gotten us used to, while the phenomenal "By This Axe I Rule" will leave you jaw-dropped. Lyrically related to "Demons Annoying Me" from the 12" split with ORODRUIN, it narrates the tale of an insane killer that murders his girlfriend (in other words a "Die, Die My Darling" style story). Why do I give so much weight to the lyrics of this one? Simply because the way Albert impersonates the killer and its insanity is incredible, while the different states of mind of the psycho man are astoundingly reflected in the song's music, which each time adopts to it in a perfect fit. Albert here proves once again that he is a charismatic singer, both in terms of voice and performance, the latter being characterised by a theatrical aspect that makes him unique. A brilliant song from all aspects!
But, the best was yet to come, in form of the masterpiece entitled "Eternal Forest". Heavy as fuck but fragile and emotional at the same time, with a more serious lyrical approach, featuring a unearthly mystical atmosphere and imposing and enchanting riffing, this one (as well as "Cromwell") already belongs to the best songs RB have ever written, next to personal favourites like "Hour of Death", "Demons Annoying Me", "Strange Horizon", and the priceless "Goddess of Doom", to name only the first few that spring to mind . A striking composition, really striking!
For closer the band has chosen a song that was originally included in their 1999 "Slice of Doom" demo. This one can be considered as homage to BLACK SABBATH as it is based on the repetition of the three diabolic notes and a hellish atmosphere, very similarly to "Black Sabbath" the song. This is not the only direct reference to the Sabs in this album, there are several others, the most characteristic of those being the closing riff of "The Devil rides Out" which directly refers to "Electric Funeral". Eventually, the song evolves into an intense up-tempo doom monster that constitutes an excellent epilogue to the album.
So there you go; Albert, Peter, and Void are back with yet another brilliant album, which might prove to be their best yet. It is difficult to decide, as in my mind all releases are really close, with most probably the new one and "Harbinger of Metal" fighting for the title of the best release.
This is my 7th review of an RB release (including split singles, EPs, etc) and I am really out of compliments regarding their talent and output. All I will say is that once again they confirm their position as one of the top, leading, and most talented True Doom Metal bands of this millennium, and leave promises for even greater things in the future, despite the exceptionally high standards they have set with their so far releases that make this task very challenging. Regarding the album, well, needless to say that to me is certainly a top-tenner for 2005 (and I am sure in a high position), and an essential buy for all those who are fans of the genuine orthodox Doom Metal, the only one that has the right to bear this title. Regarding which are the insects that need to be crushed? Well, I'll leave you figure that out yourselves.
