Firebreather – Dwell In The Fog

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From the land of melodic death metal, it’s always refreshing yet somewhat surprising to see a doom metal band emerge from Sweden. That being said, FIREBREATHER are definitely accomplished in what they do and “Dwell In The Fog” represents the third full length album for the band. Straight away, I’ll confess. I’ve already listened to this album multiple times! It’s that good. Throughout the album, all the elements you’d expect from a doom and stoner album are there. Heavy guitar riffs, fuzzy distorted bass, all played at a slow bludgeoning pace. The opening song “Kiss Of Your Blade” sums this up perfectly. Whilst still making room for a tasty guitar solo, whilst the bass and drums still have more than enough power to hold the fort down without things sounding thin and weak.

Things slow right down for “Dwell In The Fog”, with a more somber melodic bass heavy opening riff. Likened to that of BELL WITCH. I found myself shaking my head (and body) involuntarily to the proceeding riffs and the utterly infectious groove laid down! Vocalist Mattias retains a heavy, rough, yet somehow melodic tone to his voice throughout. The lyrics aren’t necessarily that important, but the melody he lays down is delightful!  “Weather The Storm” opens with a similarly melodic cleaner arpeggio. I like! All the elements from the previous 2 songs feature prominently in this song. Full sludgy bass, gruff yet melodic vocal lines, along with some soaring lead guitars! If I could compare them to anybody, I would say that they’re like MASTADON’s slower and more doomy Swedish cousin!

I particularly enjoyed the instrumental components in “Sorrow”. It took nearly 2 minutes for the vocals to kick in, allowing for the bass, guitar and drums to lay down a solid infectious groove, implanting itself into your brain before the equally infectious vocals kick in. I can see a formulaic structure to the songs coming in now and many components that are part of FIREBREATHER’s brand. Normally I don’t like it when band’s are too repetitive. But here, this structure works. I could hear some drone and other special effects kicking in for “The Creed”. Just to add some extra dimension to the mix. The album finishes strong with “Spirit’s Flown”, especially with some extended lead solos, variety of tempo changes, and overall heaviness that consumes you like a wall of lava! Then after 6 songs, it’s all over. Bare in mind, this is doom where each song here is at least 6 minutes long!

For all the things I admire about this album, I also think this is what could be preventing the band from progressing. Retrograde and distorted production, slow bludgeoning riffs are certainly my thing. But this combined with songs at 7 minutes long may deter those with shorter attention spans sadly. As well as achieving mainstream radio play. That being said, I’ve heard enough to make me want to go and do a deep dive into the band’s back catalogue!

Songwriting: 8
Musicianship: 8
Memorability: 8
Production: 8