Twenty-seven years after Scald emerges triumphantly carrying the band’s legacy to towering heights, in this essence High Roller Records presents the sophomore release “Ancient Doom Metal” out on July 26th marking the second chapter in the chronology of the band. The majestic quality is displayed in the epic riffs, galloping drums, and charismatic vocals of Felipe Plaza Kutzbach (Capilla Ardiente, Procession, and Crank) giving a glorious range of powerful anthemic tones. In its breadth and epic glory, Scald captures the pondering power of bands like Manowar, the mystical and a true Viking tradition in honor of Bathory albums like “Twilight of the Gods”, “Hammerheart” and “Nordland I and II”.

Riffs emanating from the classic pattern of doom metal are described as “Ancient” by these Russians. The vehement performance of the vocals along the galloping riffs of Harald and Karry is arranged into a monumental work of songwriting quality, the marching drums draw a majestic landscape collide with the omnipresent backdrop of the rhythm guitar. On the opening salvo of “Ancient Doom Metal”.

Besides the ability of the dual guitar attacks, the bass guitar builds a grand scale for the following song “Young God Resurrected” which gives us a remarkable mélange of epic doom metal and Viking riffing. The acceleration of the riffs overflow which delivers catchy moments from the striking guitar solos, and crushing drums; they are so pounding and heavy; the songs are full of solos and perfectly executed as they touch everything from doom metal riffs.

Scald takes its inspiration from countless bands, you can hear some melodies that recall My Dying Bride and Candlemass, although the muse wanders through the archives of epic doom metal. The guitar tone is the very definition of this splendorous album, full of inspiring lead guitars, epic-sounding riffs that thunder through a mystical atmosphere, and emotional harmonies that are breathtaking.

“Master of the Lake” kicks off with an acoustic intro before the pounding riffs rumbling in the background, I could not believe it when my ears began to muse over the beautiful composition, the vocals reminded me of Quorthon. The album is best played loud and while the drums are powerful the music is genuinely crafted to bring the ancient might of doom metal; the embodiment of the mighty riffs and one of the key aspects of the sophomore is the galloping beats of the drums and the heavy thudding of the bass guitar on “Far Northern Corner” gives the song amp full atmosphere of mid-paced styled doom metal showcasing dual harmonies and awe-inspiring solos.

The rhythm section breaks in, showing great talent and a flawless sense of dynamics filled with great melodies in the slower parts of the songs; these moments paint a vivid picture of deep raging blue oceanic waves touching the gleaming red skies. The composition on “ALU (My Protection)” is arrayed with the breathtaking intro of the bass guitar, the splendid majesty, and the detailed work of the crashing riffs, rolling drums, and commanding lead guitar manifesting the greatness of the songwriting and performance, fucking epic!

The mystical doom style of Scald ascends to creativity, and the mesmerizing effect of the lead guitar and the instrumentation is nurtured with a talent beyond compare. Further in this magnificent journey, Scald upholds the roots of heavy metal and perfectly employs tons of shredding solos, and sorrowful melodies alongside the epic passages layered over the charismatic range of vocalization on the majestic track “The Liberating Spells of Fire”.

The long length of the six songs is fascinating creating many majestic riffs backed with anthemic vocals and while the songs are composed to awe-inspiring mid-tempos; the bonus track “The Enemy among Us” is filled with melodically fascinating be it blizzard riffs or the tornado of harmonies drenched in the sharpness of heavy/doom metal.

Of course, I would not compare the sophomore to the band’s masterpiece “Will of God Is a Great Power” but by all means the newest effort “Ancient Doom Metal” is worthy of all the praise and comes highly recommended.

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