THE DROWNING (UK) – The Radiant Dark (Death​/​Doom Metal) 8-Panel Digipak CD on Metallic Paper

The Drowning from UK pay tribute to the death/doom pioneers of the style but they add their own dynamics to the affair, balancing poignancy with pummelling aggression. Rarely has this been pulled off without disrupting the mood but The Drowning are surprisingly adept at it. It’s as if the pent up emotions are being channelled after an eloquent, meaningful expression. This keeps happening during the course of the wonderfully varied and interesting album, that adds a dimension to the standard UK death/doom that we’re well-acquainted with. The organic and sonorous production works with both aspects of their sound and only makes the emotions that much more palpable. Structurally rich, this album grows on you with each listen, and the outstanding performance by the vocalist in expressing grief and rage elevates it above other albums of this ilk.