Doomsday Hymn

Founded in 2012 by Gil Lopes (former vocalist for Delohim) and ex-Survive member Jarlisson Jaty, Doomsday Hymn’s debut album can be described in three words: metalcore for metalheads. Mene Tequel Ufarsim gives listeners the vocals of metalcore, but with death metal tendencies. The Brazilian-based band carries the groove and harsh vocals of American metalcore, but trades in the pop-influence for all things metal. From the unexpected jolt of nu-metal in “Doomsday” and “A Resposta” to the thrash solos in “Alem Da Razao” to the power metal vocals in “Inner Fight,” this album has a lot for fans of the genre(s) to pick out. Add to this a talented set of musicians that carry the sound of underground ’80s metal and you have Doomsday Hymn, what metalcore would have sounded like if it began in 1985. The results are an enjoyable collection of 30 years of metal history that will likely please only those deepest in the genre.

Each member of the band excels at their role, providing strong performances when given their chances to shine. (Jaty’s balance of speed, groove and technicality is particularly noteworthy.) Despite their talent, the mix sound can sound too raw and trends poor on occasion, and while the band explores several different subgenres in their self-proclaimed attempt to give new life to them, Doomsday Hymn doesn’t innovate on anything fans in those genres haven’t already heard. This won’t turn away any diehard metalheads — nor should it — but it makes the music less accessible for the average listener. Unfortunately, the album’s diversity will go by unnoticed by most listeners, but the ones that live and breathe metal will be able to appreciate what the band has accomplished.

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Sean Huncherick

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