EP REVIEW: Relics – Scald

Russian doom veterans SCALD have a somewhat tragic backstory. Following the release of their 1997 debut album and genre cult classic Will Of The Gods Is Great Power, lead singer Agyl tragically passed away aged just twenty four. The rest of the band thought it fitting to break up and, for a long time, that sole album was the band’s legacy.

Fast forward nearly thirty years and SCALD are back. Following on from 2024’s colossal comeback album Ancient Doom Metal they are now releasing a new EP, recorded with the original lineup and new vocalist Hrafn, showcasing new versions of songs originally written during the band’s first run back in the mid nineties. 

It marks a shift in style too, from lumbering, slow CANDLEMASS-esque epic doom to something faster-paced, leaning into more of an up-tempo power metal feel than their previous work. Taking inspiration from the likes of FATES WARNING and DREAM THEATER, three of the five songs here originate from the writing period between the recording of their debut album and the sad passing of Agyl. 

Opening track Master Of Tundra is epic in every sense of the word, clocking in at seven and a half minutes and balancing massive progressive metal riffs with a more traditional European folk music vibe. Hrafn’s vocal range is incredibly impressive, adding a symphonic, almost operatic, feel to the band’s music at times. Ravens continues in a similar vein, the guitars of Harald and Karry showing a more technical touch, veering further away from the slow, crushing riffs of their previously released material.

If anything the vocal performance is almost overpowering at times, despite its technically impressive delivery. Just as the music has space to breathe and explore, it feels like the vocals flood back in and drown everything else, often at an ear-piercing pitch. In some passages – especially when used sparingly – it creates an undoubtedly powerful dynamic but in others it all just gets a bit much, particularly on the final song Falcon/Sokol (the same song recorded in both English and the band’s native Russian).

As a tribute to their past and the much missed Agyl, there is no doubt that Relics is an emotionally powerful piece of work and as an EP perhaps provides the opportunity to showcase other elements of their sound to both longtime fans and newcomers alike. However, fans of the band’s previously released material, and those hoping for more crawling, crushing doom may find themselves surprised, and possibly a little disappointed, by the change in direction here. 

Rating: 6/10

Relics is out now via Cruz Del Sur Music.

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