Rituals of the Oak - Hour of Judgement dinger007 ( SuperAdmin ) 14,898 posts since 10/24/2000 Posted on 1/9/2010 at 7:22:47 PM Rituals of the Oak - Hour of Judgement Reviewed by Andy "Dinger" Beresky (StonerRock.com) Eyes Like Snow Available Now Wow, Eyes Like Snow have really stepped up their game as far as quality doom releases are concerned. The monster Apostle Of Solitude debut came out in 2008, and now in 2009 we see the debut from Rituals of the Oak. The packaging for both of these 2xLPs is spectacular. The engraving on the D-side of Hour of Judgement is probably the best I've ever seen, so this is worth owning on vinyl for that alone. Rituals of the Oak have stepped up their game as well. The Australian outfit's demo took the trad doom world by storm, and the full length expands on their established sounds - Iommian guitar tones, somber and sprawling songs, pounding rhythms, and soaring female vocals. A lot of people dig on strong female vocals, but have been turned off by the recent crop of them for one reason or another. For those of you who dismissed Jex Thoth as not metal enough, or hated the 60's s t y l e retro production, meet your new favourite band. Those of you who can't stand the schtick of Blood Ceremony, take heed also, as Rituals of the Oak's only gimmick is strong songwriting and solid performances. This is a classic debut, with great songs that are carried by stirring and powerful melodies, firmly rooted in the metal and doom traditions, and yet it has a sound all of its own. That's the recipe for a winner in my book, and Rituals of the Oak are certainly a band to watch. If the album's behemoth closing track, "The Spell of Doom," is any indication of things to come, then we're in for a treat when these guys and gal get back into a studio. URL: http://www.myspace.com/ritualsoftheoak Edited 0 Times If you`re hungry, why not try a piece of your friend?   hellmistress ( SuperAdmin ) 2,257 posts since 11/15/2000 Posted on 1/22/2010 at 7:38:13 PM This album is available for purchase from All That is Heavy. URL: http://www.AllThatIsHeavy.com Edited 0 Times Reading comprehension is a lost art.   hellmistress ( SuperAdmin ) 2,257 posts since 11/15/2000 Posted on 2/19/2010 at 10:39:16 PM Vinyl available from All That is Heavy. URL: http://www.AllThatIsHeavy.com Edited 0 Times Reading comprehension is a lost art.   urabaladoom ( Regular Member ) 602 posts since 4/5/2004 Posted on 2/21/2010 at 7:28:53 PM it's ok, i'm still getting into it, ..it's not the perfect mix of Warning and Jex Thoth I was told it would be, not bad though, it'll be a grower I reckon Edited 0 Times   libertycaps ( Community Supporter ) 25,023 posts since 5/8/2000 Posted on 2/21/2010 at 10:43:58 PM Why do COTD type bands come across as boring and uninspired? Same dealio here. Edited 0 Times digital vinyl = butthurt meh   dinger007 ( SuperAdmin ) 14,898 posts since 10/24/2000 Posted on 2/21/2010 at 11:09:22 PM I don't think it sounds much like Warning, honestly, but the Jex Thoth comparison is a bit valid, albeit a more metal, less 60's version of Jex. So in other words, they're pretty much their own thing. And awesome. Edited 0 Times If you`re hungry, why not try a piece of your friend?   libertycaps ( Community Supporter ) 25,023 posts since 5/8/2000 Posted on 2/22/2010 at 12:39:32 AM Sure. One person's "Awesome" is another person's "Boring and uninspired." Who the hell calls anything "Awesome" anymore? Oh wait..... Edited 0 Times digital vinyl = butthurt meh   dinger007 ( SuperAdmin ) 14,898 posts since 10/24/2000 Posted on 2/22/2010 at 12:49:19 PM I'm going to post a picture of the etching on the fourth side when I get home, so all you cats out there can see just how sweet it is. Edited 0 Times If you`re hungry, why not try a piece of your friend?   dinger007 ( SuperAdmin ) 14,898 posts since 10/24/2000 Posted on 2/23/2010 at 11:24:17 AM Edited 0 Times If you`re hungry, why not try a piece of your friend?   cirith719 ( Regular Member ) 2 posts since 5/19/2009 Posted on 3/25/2010 at 1:15:16 AM I don't see how cotd type bands are boring and uninspired.If you don't like true doom then stick to Fu Manchu and Nebula.Rituals Of The Oak are Great. Edited 0 Times     ( Post a Reply to This Thread ) ( Back to Album Reviews )