ON THORNS I LAY – On Thorns I Lay
Release Date: 13th October 2023
Label: Season of Mist
Bandcamp
Genre: Death Doom
FFO: (early) Paradise Lost, Septicflesh, My Dying Bride, (early) Anathema, Nightfall.
Review By: Jeffery Childress
Peter Miliadis, Christos Dragamestianos, Nikolas Paraskevopoulos, Kostas Mexis, Antonio Ventouris and Stelios Darakis make up the deathy doomy sextet On Thorns I Lay. Hailing from Greece, On Thorns I Lay will release their self-titled album via Seasons of Mist on October 13, 2023. This will be the Athens crew’s first release on Seasons of Mist and I am sure that they have made quite an impression on the label already. This six song full length is atmospheric and brutal all at once, providing a vast array of sounds and layers with traditional instrumentation in the opening moments of several tracks, awesome vocal tracks and straight up killer guitar work. On Thorns I Lay is not bashful on incorporating some guitar solos either, as they have laid down some ripping, chainsaw grade axe solo tracks on the record also which I love to see. Slow and heavy is the name of the game with this album. If you are into doom but just not with the traditional clean vocals that generally accompany a doom record then this is for you. What really makes this album stand out from any other that I have heard so far this year is the traditional instrumentation. I feel like the instruments used for these sections are traditional Greek instruments and styles of playing. I feel like they pull this off brilliantly and the record wouldn’t quite be the same without their presence.
Cinematic stylings open the record initially with Fallen From Grace and sets the tone for the whole album immediately with a truly fine display of guitar prowess. Those with that kink for a great riff will be well pleased with this whole record but particularly with Fallen From Grace, Newborn Skies and Crestfallen. For me, though, the real gem of this record is Among The Wolves. It is gnarly, with its guttural vocals, soaring guitarwork and slow, bone crushing heaviness and atmospheric haziness looming in the air thickly and sweetly. When Raise Empires begins, the initial pop of the first note is like a hammer to the face. It’s like every instrument blasts through the amplifier all at once and with extreme prejudice. As the song approaches the two minute mark you can really start to feel the greatness of this piece. There is a doomy quality with the technicalities of death metal. It pushes, drives and pounds from the very beginning. I can hear a little Cradle of Filth influence here with this song which adds a whole new dimension to the record and for me On Thorns I Lay in general.
Thorns of Fire takes on a trad doom feel through the verses with its slower paced march. Near the midway point you can find a captivating bridge complete with traditional instruments that I myself am not entirely familiar with, but I love it. All in all I would say that if you are a doomer who likes it a little more abrasive at times then you need to check this record out. I can almost guarantee you that you will not be disappointed by it and may even find your new obsession. That’s it for me today, doomers. Until we meet again, stay extreme!
(3.5 / 5)
