Band : Apostle Of Solitude
Album Title : Sincerest Misery
Label : Eyes Like Snow
Distributor : Bertus - Suburban
Release Date : December 2008

Apostle Of Solitude is a doom metal quartet based in Indiana, more specifically in the Indianapolis area. This band debuted in 2006 through an EP entitled Embraced In Black which was much acclaimed by the fans of Warning, Abdullah, Solitude Aeturnus, The Gates of Slumber,… among others of the same karat. Now I have the privilege of reviewing its full-length album entitled Sincerest Misery, an album featuring nine high-class cuts.

Their music is like a bridge between the sounds of bands like Saint Vitus, Goatsnake, Blood Farmers and Iron Man and on the other side down-tempo Maiden, Witchfynde and Cloven Hoof. They have integrated some classic metal elements into their songs as in “The messenger” and “Last tears”.  The title song is a melodic down-plodding beast with intricate parts coming and going, forming a cohesive sound that belies the complexity of the layered sounds. The standout track on Sincerest Misery  is probably “Warbird”, utilising mostly clean power vocals to deliver a well-composed and soulful song. Chuck Brown’s singing voice is powerful, although somewhat lacking in technical finesse. However, it is that honesty of despair that makes it a very good voice at day's end. With their musicianship way above par and songwriting skills in-tact; the riffs, the hooks, and the overall mourning melodies are the focus of the strength. The atmosphere is haunting and powerful, the lyrics suitably drenched in sorrow. The cover of Sabbath’s “Electric funeral” is wonderfully done, imbuing the song with a level of emotion that even The Prince of Darkness couldn't manage. In the end I will mention Chuck Brown and Justin Avery on guitars who are both brilliant, playing one killer lead after another.  With impressive tracks like the instrumental “The dark tower”, “This dustbowl earth” with awkward narration or the previously mentioned “Warbird” and “Sincerest misery”,  this is a spirited and diverse release.

Sincerest Misery is quite possibly one of the best doom metal releases of 2008 and one of the more impressive albums of its style in quite some time. Each listen has brought out more to appreciate and enjoy, providing some nice depth.

90/100

Cosmicmasseur