Grey Dawn 1999

"Normally, I am not too fond of doom metal with growled or harsh vocals, because such vocals lack tonality (thus blocking for melody) and are often, in my opinion incompatible with the otherwise desperate and oppressive and melancholic atmosphere of much doom metal.

But there are certain exceptions.

And this is one of them, and I think that one of the reasons is that Mårten Hansen's harsh vocal delivery semi-screamed vocal delivery, while still atonal, has a feel of desperation to it, which suits the doom-ladden music quite well. Also the music, while still heavy is more uptempo than a lot of other doom metal - it bears some similarity to Paradise Lost's early output (discounting "Lost Paradise"), escept the musicianship is better here than it was in the early days of Paradise Lost.

There is a lot of emphasis on melody which is achieved through melodic single and twin lead guitars in minor harmonies, and, on the whole, everything works just fine on this dark and melancholic release.

I think "Grey Dawn" will appeal to both fans of death doom and more traditional doom metal alike.

(review originally posted on metalmusicarchives.com)"