Band : Revelation
Album Title : Release
Label : Shadow Kingom
Distributor : Clearspot
Release Date : June 2009
Review : CD

This is doom metal folks that brings back glooming memories of Hellhound period. Berlin's now legendary but painfully short-lived Hellhound Records plays a crucial role in doom's brief resurgence in the early 90's by signing a clutch of Sabbath loving bands including, Wretched, Iron Man, Unorthodox, Saint Vitus,..and Revelation. As I listen to their newest effort I realized I had forgotten what outstanding musicians the members of this band really are.
Their fourth full length album features nice long instrumental passages with good interplay between amazing guitars by John Brenner, bass by Bert Hall and drums by Steve Brannagan.. Release leads off with a signature Revelation tune, “Stars almost drowning” full to the brim with punishing though smooth-as-silk guitar and bass with some dynamic lead solowork and especially satisfying drum work. The vocals are a bit restrained, almost thin with no power but matching great with the rest of the instruments.  John continues to belt out tune after tune in his sorrowful and now familiar vocal style. I know plenty of people who wouldn't much like the vocals on this album, or on any of Revelation work, but nobody else would work right for this band, period. The title track has a fearsome middle jazzy chugga bass rhythm part to go with a fantastic brain blistering solo. .“Wither” is dramatic and forceful, classic Revelation all the way, while “Epiphany” is complex, progressive, and moving. “The provenance of clouds” closes the album with sadness and grandeur, effectively summing up what Revelation is all about.
In short, Revelation are back. Release is a good indication that Revelation plan on keeping the fires going for quite some time, and this release should please loyal fans who have followed this Maryland DC doom institution since the early days.

93/100

Cosmicmasseur.