Today we have the privilege of sharing an early stream of ‘Echoes‘ the debut full-length album from Helsinki, Finland-based doom metal trio ALTAR OF BETELGEUZE. These folks put themselves on the map back in the mid-to-late 2010’s with two full-lengths that’d blurred the lines between stoner rock/metal, traditional doom metal, and death metal. The seven year wait between albums couldn’t have been easy as this record was completed back in mid-2021 not long after one of their two vocalists left, but as it turns out change is good and what they’ve managed on ‘Echoes‘ is arguably their best work to date as well as a bit of a paradigm shift towards more death/doom metal attuned vocals and a sort of generations-blurring style which melds various modes of death, doom and gloom to a notable result. Whether you are a fan of traditional Finnish doom metal, modern sludged-up variants, or earlier death/doom metal which emphasized the trad doom riff ‘Echoes‘ has style and sub-genre bases covered in its very own way… but truly this album thrives within its memorable songcraft and the resonant feeling imbued into each lumbering riff. [Click Here for my Full Review]

Band quote: “Our third full-length “Echoes” is finally here! These seven songs feature Death and Doom Metal in the AOB style. “Conclusion” showcases the more atmospheric side of the album while songs like “Salvation” and “Embrace the Flames” offer a bit more variation in the sound. And the title track brings it all together with its huge riffs. We are definitely satisfied with the results and we hope you will enjoy “Echoes” as well! The CD version is available from Wise Blood Records and the digital version on our bandcamp site. Make sure to play it loud!“

Thanks goes out to ALTAR OF BETELGEUZE and their representation for the opportunity to share this fine album early. Scroll down to the YouTube embed below to finalize your descent… As always, please do your best to support the death and doom metal underground worldwide and grab a copy of this album this coming March 22nd, 2024:

• ALTAR OF BETELGEUZE: @speedkiller666

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Per the Press Release:

“Echoes” is the latest album from Helsinki’s doom-metal merchants Altar of Betelgeuze, the band’s first material since their critically acclaimed second full-length “Among the Ruins” released by Transcending Obscurity in 2017.  Comprised of seven tracks, this new effort sees Altar of Betelgeuze further refining their tight blend of deathly doom and traditional doom, yet this time there’s a clear focus on more swampy and gloomy tones in detriment of the stoner-rock vibe explored on its predecessor. 

The band let you know what it’s all about with the opening track, “On the Verge”, a sombre march with gloomy, heavy riffs and cavernous growls that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Elsewhere, immensely soaring vocals melodies akin to traditional doom artists like Candlemass are woven into galloping riffs and throbbing drums on songs like “Salvation” and “Embrace the Flames”. The title track of “Echoes”, on the other hand, offers a massive atmosphere with its crushing passages.

Armed with memorable songs and riffs, “Echoes” is a remarkable and perfect encapsulation of death/doom-metal merged with traditional doom elements. 

Line-Up:
Matias Nastolin – Vocals, Bass, Guitars
Juho Kareoja – Guitars
Aleksi Olkkola – Drums

Credits:
Drums recorded at Saarni Music & Lammaskallion Audio, in Tuusula, by Markus Heinonen.
Guitars/Bass/Vocals recorded at Louhinta Studios, in Helsinki.
Mixed by Matias Nastolin & Juho Kareoja. 
Mastered by Matias Nastolin. 
Produced by Altar of Beltegeuze.
Artwork by Skaðvaldur.

Links:
https://altarofbetelgeuze.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/Aobofficial
https://www.youtube.com/aobofficial

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