Caronte (Italian for “Charon”) is one of the most original-sounding doom/heavy/stoner bands since their inception in 2011. They’ve released four full length albums and three EPs so far, the last of which came out three years ago. Their style is characterized by a very dense atmosphere, almost-trance-like repeated melodies and a really catchy, classic heavy metal foundation, with a nice touch of gothic rock on top. If you can imagine a cross between mid-era Paradise Lost, The Cult and Chile’s Procession, then you would be close.
The new album Spiritvs will be released in two weeks by the fantastic Ván Records and the opening Scarlet Love is an immediate proof Caronte are as great as I remember them from Wolves Of Thelema. The gothic rock touch is still here, adding something unique to Caronte’s heavy-doom, while frontman Dorian Bones performs some of his best vocal parts ever. Aiwass Calling is also very good, further painting the dark, enchanting audio picture of the Italians and then Sagittarius Supernovae is even better, creating a hymnal, mystical representation of the band’s lyrical vision. This song, together with the next one Antikristos also slightly remind me of the dark heavy metal of their labelmates The Night Eternal, the wall of harmonized guitars crushing with power. Speaking of guitars, we have to mention Spiritvs is the second studio contribution of Asher, who is the only line-up change since the band’s formation.
Beyond Death and Fire Walk With Me are a bit heavier and more doomy, with some sinister, Attila Csihar-inspired vocals by Dorian and guitar riffs bordering on black-metal tremolo picking. The last song, which also happens to be the first single, brings back the heavy metal and gothic rock influences, yet it all has the Caronte stamp all over with a unique feel and message.
Believe me when I say it becomes harder and harder these days to single out a band which has elaborated its own, instantly recognizable, sound and vision. Caronte is one such band and their art and dedication are amazing. Spiritvs is a triumph not only for Caronte, but for the metal scene as a whole, because this album is the definition of creativity, inspiration, originality and true dedication to your art. It is the power of music synthesized into less than 40 minutes and an obligatory purchase.
9,5/10
Spiritvs is out on April 8th and can be ordered from HERE
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