Gloomy and numbing melodic black metal - A review of Cloak's To Venomous Depths

Cloak is often described as so-called black 'n' roll band, a band combing black metal stylistics with rock music. However, I would rather describe the quartet's debut full length To Venomous Depths as melodic black metal oozing with a gloomy atmosphere that could also please gothic metal fans.

The record has a quite original sound. Cloak plays a mid-paced and at times even slow type of black metal that flirts with doom metal stylistics and develops a truly numbing atmosphere. The guitar riffs aren't as cold and crisp as one might expect and are rather inspired by traditional heavy metal which makes this album sound more accessible than other black metal releases. The guitar melodies are surprisingly harmonious and especially the few solos stand out in that regard. Smooth sound effects, occasional acoustic guitar harmonies and smooth string passages add more depth and diversity in the calmer tracks. The material recalls the more ambitious material of bands like Dissection, Watain and especially Tribulation but fans of Katatonia and Opeth might also give it a try. There aren't any particularly outstanding tracks but the release has great flow and convinces with a mysterious atmosphere from start to finish.

If you like melodic black metal that focuses on atmosphere rather than brutality, you can give Cloak's To Venomous Depths a try. Fans of doom and gothic metal should also appreciate this type of music. It's surprising that a quartet from sunny Atlanta has created this gloomy type of music but the quartet has succeeded very well and managed to create its own unique style right from the start. One should definitely keep an eye on these talented youngsters in the future as this debut record already shows a lot of creativity, identity and talent.

Final rating: 82%