Ashen Mortality
Your Caress
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
Those who know this band know what to expect - big, down-tuned gloomy guitars with growly vocals. The uninitiated will delight to know that former Seventh Angel vocalist, Ian Arkley, has been fronting this outfit for a few years. Quite a departure from his thrash days, he hasn't left the heavy out of metal here. Bands like this certainly benefit from the increased interest in the goth-hybrid music prominent today. Fans of doom originators Black Sabbath should find plenty to enjoy, as should the fans of Ian's ex band or even Vengeance Rising (thanks to the vocals). Lyrically, the pain of love lost is a reoccurring theme. To order, send 10.00 (or 20 US$ in concealed notes at your own risk!) To: Forsaken Records, 39 Grayshott Close, Erdington, Birmingham, West Midlands, B23 6JU, England