Old Mother Hell – Lord of Demise

Old Mother Hell

‘Lord of Demise’

Cruz Del Sur Music

Doom Metal

FFO: Terminus, Atlantean Kodex, Visigoth, W.A.S.P.

Old Mother Hell (OMH) hit the ground with a colossal stride with their release of their frankly excellent self-titled debut album back in 2017 and whilst it has been a few years since then, the German three-piece are back with their sophomore album ‘Lord of Demise’.

                During their absence, it is clear that OMH have been busy on the live circuit, what the band deliver with ‘Lord of Demise’ is an album which stretches out from the mould in which OMH cut their debut album. This is the sound of a band that has become dyed in the wool and has rigorously honed their sound to create diverse layers within their music. ‘Lord of Demise’ presents good old fashioned authentic doom metal, locked in through the evolution of a formidable bass and drum groove, whilst the guitar adds shades of tonality, but it is the vocals of Bernd Wener where this album once again excels; there is something unique to this, able to add the delicate phrasing of Messiah Marcolin with the commerciality of Blackie Lawless with tracks such as ‘Estranged’ and ‘Another Fallen Savior’ having the ability to real hook the listener. However, it is during the hard-hitting track ‘Avenging Angel’ where ‘Lord of Demise’ really excels, providing an excellent highlight.

                What OMH have done with this latest release is not only equal their debut but also better it. ‘Lord of Demise’ is an interesting doom release that would make a great addition to any 2020 doom collection.

Adam McCann