Finding bands that make up their own genre names is always interesting and sometimes comical. In the case of Conan and their “Caveman Battle Doom”, theirs is a perfect description. The UK Doom trio returns on form with their monstrous new album Existential Void Guardian (Napalm).

Existential Void Guardian sets the tone from the get-go with ‘Prosper on the Path’. The start of the track is slow and thunderous with increased use of dual vocals as the track progresses. In fact, one of the best elements in this record is the increased use of the harmonized dual vocal onslaught that Conan consistently works towards perfection on each album – and it is a development that really helps place this album towards the top of the already outstanding catalog! The tempo also picks up in the second half of the song as well, showcasing everything we can to expect on this record. ‘Eye to Eye to Eye’ is the very next track which accomplishes the same goals as the opening track, except the inverse: the opening is upbeat with a great guitar riff and then suddenly the tempo drops off a cliff with a backbreaking outro.

‘Amidst the Infinite’ very well might be my favorite off of the whole album. I cannot stress enough about Conan’s use of the dual vocals and if any track proves this point on the album more than others, it is this one. Starting off slow and aggressive like the Caveman Battle Doom we have all grown to love, eventually the track evolves and hits a chorus-like section that epitomizes the term catchy a little over three minutes in. Melodic guitar riff, dual vocal harmonies, slow tempo… simply amazing.

Quite honestly, given the time, I could say good things about each and every track on Existential Void Guardian. I have personally been a fan of Conan’s since I was recommended to catch their live set at Maryland Deathfest 2015 and was instantly hooked. This latest collection of work from the doom veterans only continues to impress, inspire, and further prove that Conan are at the top of the doom world.

9.0/10

TIM LEDIN