Wizards and warriors, rejoice, for the chosen one has returned! The Misery Wizard lives!
Since the early 2012 unveiling of their debut sonic behemoth “MISERY WIZARD”, fans and critics alike have patiently yet anxiously awaited the second chapter in the ongoing legacy of the almighty PILGRIM, a three-piece doom metal band from Rhode Island, USA.
Their first release shook the doom metal underground to its core, making a loud, in your face effort to bring doom metal back to its most minimalist and archaic roots, restoring it to its former glory. Their critical success, paired with their controversial interviews and emotionally draining live performances have lead PILGRIM to excellence, traversing the globe performing sold-out shows in multiple countries and playing festivals alongside some of the biggest names in their genre. Two years later, the fabled outfit has returned with a brand new record, the highly anticipated next installment of their aural adventure “II: VOID WORSHIP.”
PILGRIM returns more powerful than ever, wielding eight new epic tracks laden with tales of sword and sorcery, death, doom and destruction. Recorded at Moonlight Mile Recording by audio mastermind Mike Moebius, II: VOID WORSHIP delivers an absolutely unrivaled quality of tone and heaviness that many critics felt their original effort MISERY WIZARD had lacked. The band takes a new approach to their song writing, replacing meditated, repetitive hypnosis-inducing dirges with more calculated and demented powerhouse riffs. They build, shape, and climb into frenzied climaxes and fade into sweet sonic releases, molding perfectly crafted rock songs into twisting spires of evil doom metal masterpieces. It is obvious that PILGRIM has matured, both musically and as individuals, in their past two years of global conquest.
Just because 2013 had seen the departure of original bassist Count Elric the Soothsayer doesn’t mean PILGRIM have lost any of their determination or prowess. Drummer “Krolg, Slayer of Man” and singer, songwriter, guitarist and vocalist “The Wizard” have harnessed and immaculately balanced their chemistry as a duo, seeing The Wizard taking over on bass duties for this studio effort. On their most recent excursion to Europe, the two were joined by “Bradoc the Barbarian”, drummer of Massachusetts’s illustrious ICE DRAGON, filling in live for Count Elric’s absence on bass guitar.
Review by Robin from Stonerobixxx:
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Back in 2012, Rhode Island's Pilgrim gave birth to "Misery Wizard". A welcomed throwback in lingering traditional doom, following the likes of Saint Vitus, Witchfinder General, Reverend Bizarre, Revelation and Pale Divine.
II: Void Worship is a surprisingly good return to the essence of doom metal. Let me start by saying this is one of the best releases the genre has seen in the last couple of years, it's everything what you can possibly expect and more. Slow, driving Sabbathian riffs in a bass-heavy production, mystical vocals and subtle melodies in a fantastic, dark medieval conceptual package. There is alot to be remembered on Pilgrim's sophomore album.
After a short intro that set's the gloomy atmosphere we hear Master's Chamber, a slow 10+ minute doom offering of epic proportions that breaks down into a sublime and dramatic experience near the middle of the track. A moutain of a riff backed with a fantastic guitar melody that's simple and effective. Instrumental bliss.
The Paladin is a hefty piece of groovy iron. It's the most accessible track but still as doom as it gets in every regard, a wonderful piece of raw, head-banging metal. Arcane Sanctum acts as an instrumental intermezzo to get utterly heavy on In The Presence Of Evil. The riffs! A stampede of ponderous guitar and drum work. We arrive at the title track Void Worship. A dark and depressive hymn of emptiness that sounds equally sad and forgotten. After another short instrumental, the album closes with Away From Here, where the vocals of Jon "The Wizard" Rossi make a notable melodic presence between the haunting instrumentation. Each track is carefully crafted and shines on it's own on this album.
Void Worship is easily Pilgrim's best work to date and an essential listen for lovers of slow 'n bulky doom with the all the right influences merged in a swamp of towering riffs.
Hail Astaroth!
Lineup:
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Krolg Splinterfist, Slayer of Men - Drums
The Wizard - Vocal, Guitars, Bass
Tracklist:
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01 - Intro
02 - Master Chamber
03 - The Paladin
04 - Arcane Sanctum
05 - In the Presence of Evil
06 - Void Worship
07 - Dwarven March
08 - Away from Here
Genre: Doom
Subgenre: Traditional Doom Metal
Bitrate: 320 k
Size: 107.13 MB
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