After a two year break CLOUDS are back to darken our music skies. For those who are not familiar with the band, allow me to introduce them.
CLOUDS, is a group formed by members from the bands EYE OF SOLITUDE, SHAPE Of DESPAIR, BARREN EARTH and PANTHEIST among others. They released their first self-released album, “Doliu” back in 2014. In February 2015, they also released a single song as a digital single. On the first of November 2016 their second full length album, “Departe“, released also as a self-released album on digital and CD format (while I’m writing these lines there is a possibility of a vinyl LP release of the album also).
“Departe”, features six tracks ( 66 minutes running time) of atmospheric doom metal (some call it also “funeral Doom”) with some great growls, exceptional clean vocals with epic touches, well-structured compositions and their most unique feature, a totally haunting atmosphere made by Kostas Panagiotou ‘s (PANTHEIST) keyboards. I can’t ever describe the feeling I got listening to the “Departe” for the first time, it was something like “despair meets inner peace in an enchanted forest”.
“A must listen if you are into doom metal and bands like MY DYING BRIDE, EVOKEN or even bands like WHILE HEAVEN WEPT“
I really can’t pick a track or two as my favorite ones, since the album plays in it’s entirety every time it’s on play mode but my favorite moment, is the last track “I Gave My Heart Away” with its beautiful orchestration and a magnificent outro, which really captivates the listener.
In conclusion, the second release of this international outfit, is a must listen if you are into doom metal and bands like MY DYING BRIDE, EVOKEN or even bands like WHILE HEAVEN WEPT, especially due to the album’s atmosphere, that reminds me of some WHW earlier releases. My personal opinion is that “Departe”, is one of the best 2016 metal releases but this is just me. Do yourself a favor and take a good listen!