ALBUM REVIEW: Where Gods Live and Men Die – Capilla Ardiente

Chilean quintet CAPILLA ARDIENTE have mastered the epic aspect of doom metal. Since 2006 they have released an EP and two previous albums before embarking on the journey that is Where Gods Live And Men Die. With a mix of heavyweight riffs and complex melody passages that’ve shown previously that they’re not a band to shy from a grand and elaborate soundscape.

From album opener, Envenomed, it is immediately apparent that this is not an album that will be delivering radio friendly or catchy singles. This is music to devote some time to and enjoy as a full piece. A cacophonous introduction of crunchy guitars and crashing drums heralds the opening of the album and the journey begins. Envenomed illustrates the compositional strength that CAPILLA ARDIENTE have now achieved.

Sweeping dynamics and layered textures are as crucial to the overall sound as the instrumentation. However, with all the swirling elements, there is unity and cohesion. The production and mix allow space for all elements and techniques to breath. The vocals cut through with a precision clarity and mimicking the dynamic flow will be soaring in a high register at one moment and then snarling with a guttural power the next. It’s an intoxicating blend and one that will certainly draw many in.

There’s not a lot of thematic variation between the four tracks. The opener sets out the stall for what the album has to offer. However, this is not a record that stands still on one idea and kicks the arse out of it for the next half an hour. Now Here Nowhere is another slice of compositional prowess from the five-piece. With elements of doom, prog and death heaped together delivering a lavish swirl of heavy metal, there’s literally something for everyone in this track. Despite the track length once again being a dominant factor, there’s plenty of hooks and catchy melodies to entice and enthral. As I Lay on the Summit delivers an intense guitar tone that elicits a heartfelt doom background. Yet the track grows and morphs into a true heavyweight bruiser with chugging riffs and powerful drums to close the album out.

A forty-five-minute runtime for four tracks could be seen as excessive and some may balk at the idea. When the shortest track clocks in at over nine minutes it’s immediately apparent that this is an album that requires some dedicated listening. If any criticism is to be levelled at Where Gods Live and Men Die, it’s the timing. There are moments where one could bemoan the fact that it’s not an accessible album to dip in and out of and chop a song into a playlist. However, for those willing to put in the time and effort, CAPILLA ARDIENTE offer up the rewards in abundance.

What this album provides is a deep, epic dive into some especially well-honed doom metal.  There’s some outstanding musicianship and songwriting on display and the emotive journey has the gravity to help keep the engagements going over the track lengths. While naysayers may cite Where Gods Live And Men Die as over worked and perhaps overindulgent. It is in fact an extremely dynamic and commanding album. Far more than a collection of songs and bordering on a suite, this is a record to get lost in and absorb the vast quality on display.

Rating: 8/10

Where Gods Live And Men Die is set for release on October 18th via High Roller Records.

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