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Argus - Boldly Stride the Doomed

Label: Cruz Del Sur
Format: CD download
Released: 2011
Reviewed By: The Goat
Rating: 10/ 10


"Boldly Stride the Doomed" is probably one the best entries into the Doom metal category I’ve heard in a long time. This Pennsylvania quintet has delivered an excellent slab o’ doom in the vein of Trouble, Solitude Aeturnus, Candlemass, Reverend Bizarre, and Solstice.

 

I’ll admit it. At first, I was leery of this album, given the rough artwork (but given the fact that I am looking a downloaded image and not the actual cover sleeve I hope you’ll forgive my hesitancy). My hesitation was quickly cast aside once the acoustic intro ‘Abandoning the Gates of Byzantium’ ended and ‘A Curse On The World’ played across my car stereo speakers. It instantly hooked me. This track would best be described as a companion piece to Reverend Bizarre’s song ‘Doom Over the World’.

It’s hard to determine what makes this album (and band for that matter) so different from its brethren. The production is excellent. For example, Andy Ramage’s bass playing is placed ever so subtly in the mix on ‘Wolves Of Dusk’. As a result, it becomes elevated beyond the status of being simply part of the rhythm section. Butch Balich’s (ex-Penance) delivers his vocals with such conviction and emotion, you can hear the exasperation of pessimism that is so rare with vocalists of his caliber. The dual guitar work of Jason Mucio and Erik Johnson is so tight and so evocative, you gotta wonder who they sold their souls to. The song topics run from the obviously very personal (‘42-7-29’) to the epic and historical (‘Durendal’). Plus, several tracks have some very catchy lyrics – the title track or the forementioned ‘A Curse...’ Seriously, try not to fist punch the sky and sing a long, I dare you.

Argus’ "Boldly Stride the Doomed" is overall an awesome album (and apparently their second release). The technical skill and bared emotive quality of this release is remarkable for such a new band. They now have one new fan (and hopefully more after this is read by you). So, Argus dudes, when you gonna visit New Jersey? It ain’t like it’s a far ride...

Best Tracks: All.

 
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