Born in 2012 Bloody Hammers are a husband and wife gothic/doomy metal duo from North Carolina, founded by singer, guitarist and bassist Anders Manga with said wife Devallia providing the keyboard, organ and synth sounds. They may be new but by Jove are they productive, as this album Lovely Sort of Death (Napalm Records) is their fourth in as many years.

This is not music for those of a nervous disposition, it is Gothic metal at its most creepy and sinister – sounding like a soundtrack to an 80s horror film. It has the obsession with death, misery and all things dark of Ghost, as well as the theatrical dress sense, along with the sincerity of Marilyn Manson. On this record they have expanded their musical palette, synth and organs play a more vital role – the electro elements give it a more unique voice. The opening trio ‘Bloodletting on the Kiss’, ‘Lights Come Alive’ and ‘The Reaper Comes’ set the tone perfectly, eerie synth and keyboards creating an ominous ambiance.

This record feels more balanced, it is not just the relentless assault of mid-paced metallic chugging of their previous LP Under Satan’s Sun, which grew tiresome over the ten tracks. When the brooding metal anthems come they stand out more, especially the hypnotic, pendulum like rhythm of ‘Infinite Gaze to the Sun’. Not forgetting ‘Stoke the Fire’, it’s playfully creepy intro leading you to a menacing rocker with a nonstop, marching beat. The production is warm, with the fuzzy guitars and lighter synth and keyboards mixing well on the bassy closing track ‘Catastrophe’. Alas Ander’s penchant for a heavy and sluggish metal number is still alive meaning some moments, like ‘Ether’, lumber on in a rather lifeless fashion.

On this album they have broadened their sound, adding more electro elements to their fuzzy Gothic Metal, intensifying the sinister ambience to horror film levels. Alas some of the heavier, slower moments still drag it down at times.

7.0/10

THOMAS THROWER

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