Draconian – Under A Godless Veil - Album Streaming & Download

Origin : Sweden

Genre : Gothic Doom Death Metal

Release : 2020

Album Info / Review

Intro:
The Swedish purveyors of melancholic doom metal, Draconian, return with “Under a Godless Veil,” their seventh full-length offering. Emerging from the shadows of the late 90s, Draconian has consistently carved a niche with their signature blend of operatic female vocals, guttural male growls, and an unyielding atmosphere of profound sorrow. This latest release, following the acclaimed “Erebus,” dives deeper into the abyss, exploring themes of existential despair, the absence of divine solace, and the gnawing emptiness that permeates a world devoid of transcendental meaning. “Under a Godless Veil” is not an album for the faint of heart; it is a meticulously crafted descent into the heart of darkness, where beauty and brutality intertwine with devastating effect.

Track Analysis:
“The Sacrificial Flame” ignites the album with a slow-burning intensity. The opening is characterized by a sparse, clean guitar melody that gradually gives way to a crushing, down-tuned riff. Lisa Johansson’s vocals, a celestial siren call, pierce through the oppressive sonic landscape, juxtaposed with Anders Jacobsson’s guttural roars, creating a visceral tension. The tempo builds, incorporating subtle orchestral elements that swell and recede, adding a layer of gothic grandeur.

“Dropbox” is a masterclass in dynamic contrast. It begins with a mournful, almost fragile acoustic passage, before erupting into a ferocious, blast-beat-driven onslaught. The interplay between Johansson’s soaring operatic passages and Jacobsson’s venomous growls is particularly potent here, showcasing the band’s command over their vocal duality. The guitar solos are piercing and melodic, lamenting rather than shredding.

“The Last Greeting” is a more introspective track, characterized by a pervasive sense of loss. The instrumentation is sparse and atmospheric, with a prominent, echoing bassline anchoring the melancholic melodies. Johansson’s vocals are delivered with raw emotion, conveying a profound sense of yearning and resignation. The track gradually builds in intensity, culminating in a devastatingly powerful chorus.

“Children of the Dark” is a more aggressive outing, featuring a driving, mid-paced riff that propels the song forward. The growls are particularly prominent here, conveying a sense of primal rage. Yet, even within this aggression, the band maintains its signature atmospheric depth, with subtle keyboards adding an ethereal layer.

“Sleepless,” a pivotal track, is a sprawling epic that encapsulates the album’s thematic core. It shifts through various tempos and moods, from crushing doom passages to moments of fragile beauty. Johansson’s vocal performance is particularly breathtaking, conveying a range of emotions from despair to defiance. The instrumental passages are richly layered, with intricate guitar work and a powerful rhythm section.

“The Ghoulish Lord” possesses a more brooding and sinister atmosphere. The riffs are heavy and deliberate, creating a suffocating sense of dread. Jacobsson’s growls are at their most menacing, while Johansson’s clean vocals offer fleeting moments of respite, like faint stars in a starless sky.

“La Cathédrale Engloutie” (The Sunken Cathedral) is an instrumental interlude that offers a momentary breath before the album’s final descent. It is a hauntingly beautiful piece, filled with somber piano melodies and atmospheric synth textures, evoking images of submerged ruins and forgotten grandeur.

“Ascend into the Astral Abyss” closes the album with a final, cathartic outpouring of despair. The song is a slow, crushing behemoth, characterized by immense riffs and a relentless, suffocating atmosphere. Johansson’s vocals reach their most operatic peak, while Jacobsson’s growls serve as a final, guttural lament. The track ends on a fading note of pure desolation.

Conclusion:
“Under a Godless Veil” solidifies Draconian’s position as masters of gothic doom metal. The album is a cohesive and immersive experience, seamlessly blending crushing heaviness with exquisite melody and profound lyrical introspection. The band’s ability to evoke such a potent atmosphere of sorrow and existential dread is unparalleled. While the album adheres to the genre’s conventions, it does so with a level of artistry and emotional depth that elevates it beyond mere imitation. This is an album that demands repeated listens, revealing new layers of despair and beauty with each immersion.