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Friday, 30 October 2015

Desolate Pathway - Valley of the King - 8 Track Album - To be released 7th November 2014

Desolate Pathway
Valley of the King
8 Track Album
To be released 7th November 2014


Desolate Pathway – London

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/desolatepathway

FLAC Album Credits:   Recorded at Sunlight Studios, Kent UK                            
Produced by Desolate Pathway                                           
Engineered at Brian J Anthony Studios, Catasaqua, PA,

Genre: Doom Metal

 Desolate Pathway


Biography:
“Desolate Pathway. A British Epic style Doom Metal band formed by former Pagan Altar guitarist Vince Hempstead. The band started from April 2014 in London and bring together classic influences from Candlemass, Solitude Aeturnus and Sorcerer. In just one year of crafting music, Desolate Pathway have recorded a full length album, appeared on ifood TVs Metal cooking show Brutally Delicious, had numerous high scoring reviews around the globe, interviews and many gig offers .The Debut album 'Valley of the King' tells the epic tale of Prince Palidor and his rag tag army fighting their way to the Throne of Lights. It includes elements of fantasy and magic, whilst keeping true to the British tradition of heavy, riff based doom. Ideas taken from Epic Screen names such as Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones and the Vikings series with a twist of dark elements to fit the heavy riffs and atmospheric phrases on the album. In 2015 an EP and 2nd album is planned for release with a concept based on Greek mythology. Desolate Pathway are simply a band that tells a good story with clean, powerful vocals taking you to a place of fantasy and adventure!” www.desolatepathway.com

The Valley of the Kings.
There are a healthy dose of aggression on this the opening title track of this album that suddenly merges into a dark phase of sultry rolling rhythms. It has its own path that veers off the beaten track and not the usual doom route it takes either.  The vocals are clean, urgent and loaded with quite a progressive stance which makes this quite a quirky track, and very unexpected.

Desolate Pathway.
Has ‘Sabbathesque’ qualities and is more in keeping with its doom genre. It embraces a very sombre stride and captures a very dramatic and dark element empowered with rich vocals.

Forest of Mirrors.
This track sits nestled comfortably in its doom genre and possesses a great catchy vibrant rhythm that is backed up with a great collection of eerie sound effects that make this a very interesting and pleasing track indeed.

Last of my Kind.
With a growl and strange effects the track opens with some solid bass, sharp frets and tempered drum beats, so let the fantasy adventure begin...

Season of the Witch.
The cackle of what sounds like either a wicked witch or a witch just having fun either way this track is a lot bouncier than the previous one and whips up a storm of enticing rhythms.

King of Vultures.
Holds a very deep and resonating rhythm that spells out darkness and attitude, although it is not a strong track it does have a very interesting and distinct haul of dramatic emotions attached to it.

Shadow of the Tormentor.
From the off this track possesses a heavy quality that shouts and screams metal be it in the doom zone, however, the winding melodies are quite intense with an urgent appeal.

Upon the throne of lights
With some stirring endeavour this track soars with infused grooves and wicked riffs that taunt and tease in a seductive stance.

Summary:
Doom with a difference! The tracks although sounding quite similar to each other does possess slices of unusual effects and not all slow and dawdling as some doom metal tends to be.

Black Sabbath would be proud to cover these tracks I think, as there is plenty of inspiration and fire that surrounds them.

I think Desolate Pathway have done their genre proud and perhaps opened a few more doors as they have veered off slightly and added in some great sound effects that really capture what the tracks are about.

In some instances the tracks bounce with a certain pride that says “We are not all doom and gloom, we are just slightly different to what is considered the norm!” and not forgetting Mags on the drums who does an amazing job on this album.

8.5/10

Track List:
The Valley of the Kings.
Desolate Pathway.
Forest of Mirrors.
Last of my Kind.
Season of the Witch.
King of Vultures.
Shadow of the Tormentor.
Upon the throne of lights.

Members:
Vince Hempstead: Vocals/Guitars
Jim Rumsey: Bass
Mags: Drums

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