GODGORY - Way Beyond
October 24, 2001, 23 years ago
(Nuclear Blast)
In an eerie bit of foreshadowing, Swedish death/doomsters, Godgory have unknowingly issued an album whereby every title could easily relate to the tragedy in NYC. Not wishing to trivialize the terroristic act, but perhaps living in New Jersey brings about an increased sensitivity to such things. But look at the running order: 'Final Journey', 'Payback', 'Another Day', 'Tear It Down', 'Caressed By Flames', 'Farewell', 'Sea Of Dreams' and ominously ending with 'Holy War'. Selecting influences from the best heavy, yet melodic, bands of the last decade (In Flames, early Paradise Lost, Arch Enemy) the Swedes have build an intriguing, but short (eight songs, less than 40 minutes) foundation from which to launch a serious career. The bleak 8:30 opener, 'Final Journey' is a haunting piece of doom, utilizing the beeps of a patient on life support who ultimately flat-lines. The more lively 'Payback' brings the PL tones to the fore, while the acoustic guitar which begins the instrumental 'Sea Of Dreams' is ultimately joined by its electric counterpart.
