Review: Doomriders
Band: Doomriders
Album: Darkness Come Alive
Label: Deathwish Inc.
Release Date: 09/29/2009
Genre: Metal Slow Jams
Rating: 
5/5
by Shane Stiles
I remember when I heard the first Doomriders album. For members of Converge to have a side project wasn’t anything new, but this was different. From the second I heard “Black Thunder”, the title track from their last album, I was hooked. I don’t know if it’s Nate Newton’s vintage feeling vocals or the low and booming sound of southern rock fury that seeps out from their guitars, but you can be sure that when you tune in to a Doomriders jam, you will be getting something original and relentless.
After the fade in intro, “Heavy Lies the Crown” (which links with their cryptic album art) opens up the album. If you’ve been in this scene for more than a hot minute, you will appreciate what they’re going for almost immediately. Drawing out southern metal, stoner jams, and some 70s rock aspects to form a true swamp thing of a sound. But developing a different and innovative sound is nothing new for this bunch, with rhythm section JR Conners (Cave In) and Jebb Riley (Disappearer), Chris Pupecki’s (Cast Iron Hike) riffs and Nate Newton’s (Converge) guitar/vocal onslaught, you can only hope to contain them but for a moment.
The real hit on the record is the single, “Come Alive”. Though there is no bad song on the album, this track really pulls together every bit of what they seem to be going for, starting with guitars only, then a tribal like drum backing before the song kicks in full force, almost enough to make just about any music fan jump on board. While their signature brand of rock and roll is enough to hype up even the heartiest of fans, it’s catchy and chill enough to attract close to anyone, like moths to a roaring fire.
From beginning to end, Doomriders latches their fangs into you. If this record doesn’t make your top ten lists for 2009, I am honestly ashamed.
Track Listing:1. Fade From Black
2. Heavy Lies The Crown
3. Bear Witness
4. Knife Wound
5. Come Alive
6. Night Howler
7. Crooked Path
8. Lions
9. The Equalizer
10. Night Lurker
11. Jealous God
12. Mercy
13. Night Beckons
14. Blood Avenger
15. Bloodsucker
16. Untitled
17. Rotter
