Violins will and should always belong in various subgenres of Metal, and when done right, the addition of a classical string instrument can transport listeners to vast transcendent landscapes – see Dawn Ray’d (RIP).Going even further and introducing new or grossly underutilized techniques can (and often does) represent a beacon of freshness for both the musicians and fans alike.

Which brings us to Göden, formed by members of infamous Death Doom merchants Winter and their eloquently brutal effort, Vale Of The Fallen (Svart Records). A dark record of the Doom variety, that consists of a little bit of this, a little bit of that and everything else in between,

Margaret Murphy is our esteemed violinist on this record, and “The Divine” begins proceedings with an elegant piano and violin interlude which doesn’t exactly preview what’s to come, other than the fact that there is experimentation alongside the tried and true of Metal.

“Black Vortex” sees a downtuned guitar in the introduction bolstered by effective percussions, a sequence which returns later on in a satisfying full circle, and harks back to the band’s roots in the seminal Winter. In between is a spoken-versus-screamed vocal interplay, another plus.

“Rings Of Saturn” is an additionally minimalist, ethereal interlude, but the heavy and hard-hitting is on full display with “Death Magus”. The latter track features full-throated vocals springing to life and the magnificent line, “I want to see you bleed / I live for destruction.”

But the crown jewel of Vale has to be the closer, “Manifestation IX”. On it, there is a spoken interlude with a distorted voice played in the left ear and a female voice in the right simultaneously. It’s quite a simple mechanic, but does wonders for the listener’s immersion and captivation. 

Aside from that, there are moments of cult-like trance (“Urania”) which maintain a sonically heft, pressured tone. The title track is sludgy, abrasive and blemished with ominous, foreboding vocals. 

Oh, and then there’s “Zero” and its magnificent hook of “Zero! Zero! / Zilch!” which, intended or not, got quite the chuckle upon first listen.

There is much to appreciate about Göden’s second full-length. It’s calculated and clearly outlined, while also aiming to be what it is, and not what someone else may want it to be. 

Buy the album here:
https://goden.net/

8 / 10
MATT COOK