ALBUM REVIEW: The Tritonus Bell – Hooded Menace
Finland-born HOODED MENACE have made their name over the past few years with their style of blending doom and death metal. Whilst they perhaps aren’t one of the first names in the scene to roll off of tongues, they always remain a gem to most who discover them. Now, as they return with their sixth studio album, The Tritonus Bell, the Finnish band have set out potentially their most doom-laced album to date.
One of the great things about not being confined to just one genre and infusing a couple from each side of the spectrum is that you have room to move around. This is something that HOODED MENACE have always used to their advantage, they manage to pick out the best qualities in each genre and put them together to create something of a power-house. Chime Diabolicus and Blood Ornaments showcase that as soon as the doors to the album open.
Laden with up-tempo, yet slow enough riffs and the harsh, low-toned vocals of Harri Kuokkanen, the blend works effortlessly together. Aforementioned, compared to previous releases from the band, there are more doom undertones that stand prominent as opposed to an even blend. When faced with tracks such as Those Who Absorb The Night and Scattered Into Dark, those tinges really stand tall beside their more aggressive counterparts.
The more doom-esque sound that features on The Tritonus Bell highlights a significant moment in the journey of HOODED MENACE. The tones set an example on how the genre can be more than long-noted, sludgy riffs and smoke-filled vibes, and in fact can offer an insight as to how with a little bit of altering it can become almost upbeat and fun, no matter how slow the musical elements may be.
Colourful leads from Lasse Pyykkö (lead guitar/bass) make for a more playful approach, it almost becomes a transportation to the heavy metal scene in the 80s at some points, particularly, once again in Scattered Into Dark and the instrumental closure of Instruments Of Somber Finality. The final offering on the album (minus the bonus W.A.S.P cover of The Torture Never Stops) lives up to its fitting title — cascading harmonies fall into stunning loops as the thunderous drums from Pekka Koskelo hold the hand of the Pyykkö‘s bass grooves. Although it feels a little out of place, and not to mention short-lived, on the album considering its placement with or without the bonus cover, it once again highlights the direction in which HOODED MENACE are choosing to take with this album.
The Tritonus Bell is by no means the most outstanding record that the band have put out, but it shows off the skills of each member individually and how an understanding between one another, alongside the genre shifts can create something hard to dislike. There’s nothing speedy or shocking about The Tritonus Bell that makes it stand-out from the crowd, but its more doom-laden and 80s heavy metal focus makes this their most catchy release to date. How HOODED MENACE can create something upbeat from the depths of potentially two of the most solemn genres in metal is something only they can answer, but for now, regardless of what path the Finnish doom/death metallers decide to take next, they have proven risks can pay off.
Rating: 7/10
The Tritonus Bell is out now via Season Of Mist.
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