This self-titled album from American doomsters Valkyrie is their debut, released by Twin Earth Records. It follows two demos and a 7inch record, all self-financed.

Around since 2002, Valkyrie were founded by brothers Jake and Pete Adams. The drummer (Nic Macinturff) and bassist (Nick Crabill) on the album have recently been replaced by Gary Isom on drums and Will Barry-Rec on bass.

It is quite listener-friendly for the doom genre, being quite groovy, smooth and melodic. Like more contemporary bands such as Witchcraft and Burning Saviours, there are clear Pentagram influences in Valkyrie’s style. Valkyrie are particularly distinct because they have a darker edge reminiscent of Danzig’s earlier albums. This is partly because the vocals are similar but the musical style bears some comparison too. It could be said that Valkyrie are a sort of cross between Pentagram and early Danzig. This is why I think that Valkyrie may have more extensive appeal than some other doom bands.

The album has plenty of riffs, widdly guitars (although not to the point of nausea) to placate heavy metal fans, twin harmonizing guitars and a solid rhythm section. Valkyrie are able to demonstrate faster sections as well as the more conventional slow doom tempo. They have a trippy, psychedelic edge to their sound backed up by musical capability and for much of the album they demonstrate this by way of jamming. However their jamming style sounds simplistic due to the harmonizing, and they bring the advantage of having two guitarists to the fore at times by having one guitarist continue the riff while the other widdles away without the track becoming hollow.

Their talent as musicians means that they are able to put the emphasis of their album on their music rather than the vocals so that they are more of an addendum rather than an integral part of the music. I do not mean that the vocals are splintered from the music but that, had there been no vocals, it is testament to Valkyrie’s ability that it would not be an insurmountable loss.

The album meanders through eight tracks, all very similar in style excepting the fourth. “Wolf Hollow” begins as a gorgeous counter-melody and then changes into a harmonizing melody. Although there are, of course, tempo changes, Valkryie have a nice line in unhurried guitar-work that reminds me a little of The Grateful Dead. Jerry Garcia is such a master because he can play fast but the overall sound is more important to the listener and this is an idea that Valkyrie have grasped. Steve Vai, whilst an excellent guitarist, is at times too keen to demonstrate his talent which is beyond the endurance of many. To most listeners, I would imagine, the overall composition is the most important element in any song.

They have an illustrious guest, Kelly Carmichael of Pentagram and Internal Void, performing the second solo on “Eternally There”, which adds value to their “doom pedigree”.

If this is their debut, I cannot imagine what these guys will come up with next.

*****

Review by Amanda Hyne

Band website