Many have guessed what will be the soundtrack of the apocalypse. Poland’s 71TonMan has submitted its idea of such a soundscape. I believe they have a damn good shot with their latest album Of End Times (Transcending Obscurity). All of the heavy influences of doom and sludge metal, with small doses of black metal to cover some of the occult or taboo. Four tracks, averaging ten minutes each, bring this colossal death monolith to life.
‘Conquest’ immediately gives a sense that something bad is coming and suddenly the wall of sound hits you in the chest. Later in the track, the tempo picks up, and the mix of deep growls and shrieking vocals, making it clear that Of End Times has begun. Transition right into ‘Plague’ which is sure to make your skin crawl and your head bang.
71TonMan lays down seventy-one-ton guitar riffs in the midst of this song and then builds up to a goosebump-inducing climax. Then out of nowhere, our collective faces melt with the main riff of ‘War’ which feels like the weight of a tank rolling across the landscape. Then, as the internet meme gods enjoy, the riff returns even slower to finish us off.
After the dust settles, we are left with ‘Famine’, the sounds of a desolate wasteland following the end of days. The wall of sound continues to berate you with harsh noise being blanketed by sludgy guitar and thunderous drumming. A guitar melody plays throughout that is the sound of defeat. After a final tempo build-up, and a last gasp, the main riff and melodies return, slowly leading to the final seconds.
One concept that really sticks with me throughout this record is the anguish and agony being depicted during judgment day. 71TonMan were able to successfully harness the sound of obliteration but even get the very death of hope smeared across the album, especially the second half.
Of End Times feels like a blueprint of how every empire lives and eventually dies. Conquest of the land and resources, Plague takes countless lives and turns everyone on each other, War breaks out and eradicates most, then Famine comes to clean up whatever is left.
Buy the album here:
https://71tonmanband.bandcamp.com/album/of-end-times-sludge-doom-metal
8 / 10
TIM LEDIN