Ten years since their formation, Gévaudan have gained a solid reputation in the British underground doom scene. Their debut album, 2019’s “Iter” affirmed their ability to craft a satisfyingly heavy progressive record. The new album “Umbra” is a bold move. Not only is it a concept album but it is also a single 43-minute track that covers the theme of depression through the eyes of Eldritch Horror. Such dark themes demand an appropriate soundtrack and the band have delivered.

Luscious synth hums lowly providing not so much warmth as a sense of the ominous. The faint screech of guitar in the background builds the tension as the rhythmic thump and layered sounds create a dark aura before a moody, crunchy riff rings out. Adam Pirmohamed’s voice rises, clean and desperate with a sort of The Cult’s Ian Astbury meets Candlemass’ Johan Längqvist richness in its earnest delivery. This is where you settle in, glass in hand and embrace the journey.

Bruce Hamilton’s warm, doom guitar tones compliment bassist Andy Salt’s and drummer David Himbury’s sorrowful rhythm. Gentle wah-wah inflected soloing keeps the gentle upward rise continuing. Hints of Sabbath’s Tony Iommi are on display in the subtle noodling. The vocals start to lose their smoothness and a harsher delivery builds. While this is a single track there appears to be subtle splits and at what appears to be the end of the first movement, a shroud of pure, true melancholy lowers. The vocals reflect the mood beautifully as an almost funereal soundtrack unfolds. A majestic, grandiose riff rises, full of power and showing a band at their tightest – a true unit with a spaciousness that is completely immersive. How they’ve grown as a whole and individually is nothing short of impressive. Hamilton’s soloing unleashes only as required and has a sting that sometimes feels attacking and appropriate to the theme. The fade into a bluesy, almost Hendrix styling is wonderful.

Warm synths return around the 30-minute mark and the album seems to grow exponentially. Like the soundtrack to a sci-fi epic a dark world unfolds. What I’d call the third movement commences with elegant piano. Pirmohamed’s soothing vocals provide the commentary while heavy doom tones punctuated by strung out, high pitched notes add to the pained theme. The climax is pure, crushing power with a sense of the overwhelming.

Gévaudan’s vision has paid off. A courageous work full of emotion and vision, one can’t help but wonder what other doom delights they are capable of going forward. Wrapped in some stunning artwork, “Umbra” is an enthralling listen. What could have been an overlong, bloated concept is instead a fully realised and focused piece of music that is awesome and terrifying in equal measure.

(8/10 Johnny Zed)

https://www.facebook.com/Gevaudandoom

https://meusemusicrecords.bandcamp.com/album/g-vaudan-umbra-mmr040