ALBUM REVIEW: The Lighthouse – Eye Of Purgatory
Where death metal is concerned, there are few names that standout as legends within the genre for their contributions. Swedish mastermind Rogga Johansson is one of handful that comes to mind for his talents within the scene, whether it’s his work in PAGANIZER and REVOLTING, or the side projects that are coming out of his ears. EYE OF PURGATORY was just another addition to why he’s admired for his work in the genre when 2018’s, The Rotting Enigma, landed. Now three years on, Johansson shows no signs of slowing down with second full-length, The Lighthouse.
As the album opens up, instrumental And From The Fog… sets a quick example of what’s to be expected from the latest addition to Johansson‘s catalogue. The distorted guitar melodies paired with the 80s-esque style synths demonstrate that this is going to be as old-school death metal as you can get, but with a taste of its own unique personality.
The album moves swiftly into its title track, again, more fiery riffs and tightly patterned drum-work from Taylor Nordberg [drums/guitars/keys(RIBSPREADER)] sets an effective precedent for the intensity of what is to be expected. One of the notable things to bring to light here is the ability of how each member is able to transition between the different atmospheres and moods with such precision. Aforementioned, this is an old-school style death metal album, but with its own twist. All members who are roped into EYE OF PURGATORY are, of course, well-versed in the genre, so it’s hardly surprising when you hear them adapt like a second nature to the more blackened-metal style sounds, or the way they work alongside the more eerie feeling synths.
This quick thinking and playing is something that follows suit throughout the entire album. As songs such as Carved In A Stone Bleeding highlight the venom that can be thrust out in between the more black metal toned sections into quick-tempo death metal riffs to accompany the also adapting vocals of Johansson. It must be mentioned however, that whilst the synths play such a heavy role on the album, that the compatibility doesn’t particularly match up as well as it could all the time to the high-quality playing of the band.
In the aforementioned, the synths take a back seat and add a subtle approach, making it another texture that brings the song to life. However, Fornever To Awaken, Pieces Of A Fading World and They Silently Await, the synth work becomes dominating in certain sections and takes away from the overall vibe that the song initially had going on. They Silently Await is filled with pummelling riffs that act as a soulmate to the tight drumming and the best vocal effort on the album, it is possibly the strongest moment on The Lighthouse, but when the synths intrude the moment is gone and you have to wait to get that initial feeling back. These moments lead to a lack of consistency on the album and draw away from the qualities that should have the attention.
There is no denying that Rogga Johansson is expertly-versed within death metal, again, with his lengthy experience. Alongside Taylor Nordberg and Jeramie Kling [bass/VENOM INC.] their efforts are of a high quality standard where it comes to sticking to the straight up death/black metal styles. This is an old school death metal album, that on its own, can do no wrong and serves its purpose within the scene. Unfortunately, the clunky arrangements of the overpowering synths on certain songs draw away from what the album could be. EYE OF PURGATORY‘s The Lighthouse in moments show us why old school death metal is a cherished genre, and continues to influence new generations decades after its beginning.
Rating: 7/10
The Lighthouse is out now via Transcending Obscurity Records.
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