CATHEDRAL – THE ETHERAL MIRROR - 1993 (UK) space doom/stoner rock

Cathedral's second full-length album, The Ethereal Mirror, finds the group experimenting a bit with new sounds on their path to discovering the patented sound they would polish on succeeding releases. Hints of their lumbering doom sound from Forest of Equilibrium characterize songs such as "Phantasmagoria," but for the most part Cathedral picks up the pace and instills a welcome sense of groove into their monolithic guitar riffs. Two songs from the album in particular stand out due to their up-beat tempos: the anthemic opener, "Ride," and the metal-disco of "Midnight Mountain." These two songs aren't up-tempo in the sense of death metal or grindcore, but they actually owe a lot to late '60s and early '70s hard rock anthems such as Steppenwolf's "Born to Be Wild" and Black Sabbath's "Supernaut." Singer/lyricist Lee Dorrian's background as a member of the U.K.'s grindcore movement in the late '80s and the ultra-heavy guitar tones of the group elevates songs such as "Ride" above generic proto-heavy metal recycling. Dorrian's voice sounds unlike traditional rock vocalists as he tries his best to sing despite the grave darkness remaining from his past as a growling madman in Napalm Death. Furthermore, his lyrics feature more fairytale-inspired nightmarish qualities than Ozzy Osbourne ever came close to writing. But for as important as Dorrian is to Cathedral as their undeniable leader, the epic guitar riff-laden soundscapes of Garry Jennings and Adam Lehan drive these songs and set perfectly gloomy moods for Dorrian's black magic poetry.

Lee Dorrian (vocals)
Garry 'Gaz' Jennings (guitars/bass)
Adam Lehan (guitars)
Mark Ramsey Wharton (drums)
1 Violet Vortex 1:55
2 Ride 4:47
3 Enter The Worms 6:05
4 Midnight Mountain 4:55
5 Fountain Of Innocence 7:13
6 Grim Luxuria 4:47
7 Jaded Entity 7:53
8 Ashes You Leave 6:22
9 Phantasmagoria 8:44
10 Imprisoned In Flesh 1:47

This trip is fucking groovy! Heavy doom metal with psychedelic touch. The band sounds original, but of course some connections must be drawn to mighty Black Sabbath. Music sounds very live with dirty, fitting production by David Blanco. Unique sound is one of the bandґs strong sides. The other is vocalist Lee Dorrian (ex-Napalm Death), a total madman! He doesnґt usually hit a right note, but he totally hits the vibe, you know what I mean?! Riff-meister Garry Jennings has a magic guitar and magic fingers, so expect some wicked riffing through the whole album. Cathedral sounds a lot more original than on their debut 'Forest of Equilibrium' (1991). Slower songs sound a lot like ones on that album. Band has discovered the ultimate secret of groove as you can hear on songs like 'Ride', 'Midnight Mountain, 'Fountain of Innocence' and 'Ashes You Leave'. No doubt about that!

Mega Super album!!!!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
Rip from CD 256@ (full artwork included)
Download link
http://link-protector.com/254175/