Svarthart is a Belgian doom/death metal band
formed in the mid-2010s. Their music carries the weight and atmosphere of
classic European doom with the heaviness of death metal, influenced by bands
such as My Dying Bride, Officium Triste, and Paradise
Lost. Over the years, they have built a reputation for slow, sorrowful
passages mixed with heavy riffing and deep growls. "The Soul’s
Eclipse" is their third release, a five-track EP that marks the final
appearance of longtime vocalist Dempsey. The
EP was self-produced and mixed by guitarist Tom
Mesens, and it also comes as a split CD with fellow Belgian funeral doom
band Riven.
"The
Soul’s Eclipse" runs for nearly half an hour and continues the band’s path
of combining dark atmosphere with weighty riffs. The opening track, "Down
To Zero," sets a heavy foundation with slow-moving guitar lines and
growled vocals that feel fittingly oppressive. "The Path" is shorter
and more direct, adding urgency to the otherwise brooding nature of the
release. "Almost Alive (Light And Dark Version)" is the longest
track, stretching over seven minutes, and carries the most dramatic shifts
between heavy and softer passages with additional female vocals. "Imprisoned" leans into the death
metal side of their sound, with strong riffing and deep growls, while "An
Infection Spreading" closes the EP with a grim and dragging atmosphere,
leaving the listener with a sense of restlessness.
The sound is raw but effective, with guitars creating a massive wall of heaviness and the drums maintaining a steady, unrelenting pace. Dempsey’s vocals are deep and anguished, giving the songs an emotional weight that fits the doom/death tradition. The production keeps the music harsh and unrefined, which works well for this kind of release but it has enough weaknesses.
Overall,
"The Soul’s Eclipse" stays true to the traditions of doom/death metal
while carrying the personal mark of the band. With this release, Svarthart continue to build their place in the
underground scene of Belgium and beyond.
Score: 6.8
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