CATHEDRAL - Endtyme
February 13, 2001, 23 years ago
(Earache)
An amalgamation of their previous works, but also the least satisfying and difficult to absorb of the Cathedral platters. The album is all about contrasts, with abrupt changes in both dynamics and melody, often deteriorating into an atonal cacophony. 'Melancholy Emperor' begins as an example of the super-sludge style with which Lee Dorrian started his wild ride, in direct opposition to the kinetic material he'd been involved with in Napalm Death. Towards its conclusion, the song becomes a freaked-out guitar jam, the kind most in the Americanized stoner rock movement would have loved to pen. 'Alchemist Of Sorrows' is really the only example of classic, unadulterated Cathedral on display. 'Whores To Oblivion' ends in a mish-mosh of indistinguishable effects. Perhaps it's somehow connected to the title, but it has potential speaker damage written all over it. Later, Dorian opts for modulated vocals, especially on the belabored pace of'Ultra Earth'. 'Astral Queen' is a subdued, acoustic track reminiscent of old Sabbath (think 'Planet Caravan'), complete with spacey electronic effects and sung-from-a-cave vocals. The 14 minute closer, 'Templar's Arise! (The Return)' could be the soundtrack to a bizarre cult ritual. Very strange.
