“An Age of Penance and Oblivion” is a debut album from the depths of Derbyshire in the UK that has been fermenting and maturing since the 2017 inception of Doom Metal duo Pilgrim of Fire. This month sees the culmination of that time, work and effort as Naturmacht Productions releases said album on both CD and cassette.

Intro track “Forsaken” tells a bitter story of a grief-stricken husband who loses his faith in God and strikes down a priest and desecrates his church before turning to the Dark Lord, all to the haunting tones of subtle organ music.

From there we get down to some severe Reverend Bizarre worship with “Rest in Oblivion” which has more than a passing resemblance to the Finns “They Use Dark Forces” but without the 30-minute track length, and with a more Age of Taurus vibe to the vocals. Rich with groove laden guitar solos, deeply melodic and haunting vocal work and the soothing rumble of bass and drums throughout, the album gets off to a near perfect start.

What makes a good album is the ability to shift and progress styles and “The Bargain” has more of an early Candlemass feel to the melody and a beautifully atmospheric quality once more to the clean, soaring dual vocals. Some may take this badly but personally I get a very strong Ghost vibe from “Euphoria”, a slow paced low key track with prominent bass leads and an ethereal quality to the vocals and undertones that just speak to me in the same way as the Swedish supergroup.

As we glide effortlessly into the second half of the album, “Gallows Tree” roars into life with some more than welcome heaviness from the guitar leads as well as some good old fashioned down tuned sauciness very much in the style of Lord Vicar whilst “Queen of Ancient Rites” blends hard hitting riffs with soothing rhythms and absorbing historic/fantasy lyrical themes that ensnare the mind. With its liquid melodies, wandering leads and eerie backing vocals, “Queen” is easily my favourite track from the album.

Even though the album is starting to wind down the quality remains high and the heaviness on point as chugging riffs and powerful drum tones are the order of the day during “Servant of Samael”, a song that may be familiar to some of you as its the song available to listen to on the label’s pre-order page. A strong song it is too, played with heart and charisma and no little amount of technical prowess, as well as some of the more intense and captivating vocals on the whole release.

All good things sadly must end and as a parting gift Pilgrim of Fire offers up “Ashes Over Water” which closes out a magnificent album, all the more spectacular for it being a debut piece. Mired in 90’s Doom lore and sound for the most part with the odd sprinkling of contemporary influences, “An Age of Penance and Oblivion” is captivating from the outset and rigidly holds your attention throughout through engaging lyrical work, engrossing vocals and solid and hearty rhythms. An old friend found after years away, and a breath of fresh air all at the same time.

(8.5/10 Marksson)

https://www.facebook.com/pilgrim.of.fire

https://naturmachtproductions.bandcamp.com/album/an-age-of-penance-and-oblivion