Denigrate – To the Goddess Unknown
Release Date: 29th November 2024
Label: Inverse Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Doom
FFO: Candlemass, Sentenced, Avatarium.
Review By: Paul Cairney
To the Goddess Unknown is the 4th album by Finnish doom band Denigrate. Their 4th album since their inception in 1996, the quintet are hardly prolific, however this does mark their 2nd album since 2022, so perhaps they are going to be a little busier.
A welcoming start draws you into the decent opening track, ‘Crystal Rest’, with vocalist Galzi Kallio attempting to rupture his vocal cords in magnificent fashion. Then the clean vocals start, and you know that this guy has some serious chops. It is quite an impressive opener that is then followed up by a piano welcoming you into track 2, ‘The Ethics of Loss’.
The 8 tracks on offer then lead you through a bombastic slab of slightly progressive doom. Unfortunately, it never quite soars to the heights you would want. Track 2 tries in vain to envelop you within the lyrical content of the song, but it is quite frustrating and naïve in its attempt. Yes, there are a few cool hooks in there, and the dirty vocals again impress, but there is always a ‘but’.
That said, nothing really drastically hinders To the Goddess Unknown. There are some serious impressive moments. Album closer ‘Semidiapente’ rumbles along with aplomb, a decent opening riff followed by an interesting lead during the clean vocals. The guitar tone is excellent, and it is a great way to end the album.
It is no coincidence that this review discusses the beginning and ending of the album. Alas, the middle tracks border on being forgettable, with no real standout moments. They are not poor songs as such, they just slightly not particularly memorable, which is a shame.
To the Goddess Unknown is the definition of an ‘almost’ album. Close, but no cigar!
(3 / 5)
