Rating this album an eight point zero, same as Gaerea and worse than Wayfarer (8.3) and Mesarthim (8.5), that says it all really. Don't read reviews on a general basis, or at least don't determine whether you're going to buy an album solely on these one man opinions/researches. This album has a lot going on, the originality of Yob shines through more than ever before, and the feeling/emotion in every note deserves praise. I'm not so fond of numbers and/or percentage when talking about how great an album is, but this certainly is top class doom/stoner/sludge (whatever). "Beauty in Falling Leaves" is probably one of the greatest songs in metal this year, maybe even the last 10-15 years. Again... putting numbers and/or comparing different compositions is something that I don't like doing. Make no mistake though: This music can be felt, it hits deep in the heart. This is coming from someone who likes all types of music, well... except from power metal and soul PS: Every person are of course entitled to their very own opinion, and therefor I respect it. 9 out of 10 times "Our Raw Heart" WILL be rated higher than Mesarthim though.

Written by [user id=176047] on 11.07.2018 at 19:28

Rating this album an eight point zero, same as Gaerea and worse than Wayfarer (8.3) and Mesarthim (8.5), that says it all really. Don't read reviews on a general basis, or at least don't determine whether you're going to buy an album solely on these one man opinions/researches. This album has a lot going on, the originality of Yob shines through more than ever before, and the feeling/emotion in every note deserves praise. I'm not so fond of numbers and/or percentage when talking about how great an album is, but this certainly is top class doom/stoner/sludge (whatever). "Beauty in Falling Leaves" is probably one of the greatest songs in metal this year, maybe even the last 10-15 years. Again... putting numbers and/or comparing different compositions is something that I don't like doing. Make no mistake though: This music can be felt, it hits deep in the heart. This is coming from someone who likes all types of music, well... except from power metal and soul PS: Every person are of course entitled to their very own opinion, and therefor I respect it. 9 out of 10 times "Our Raw Heart" WILL be rated higher than Mesarthim though.

Look to reviews beyond just the somewhat arbitrary number we assign them. I understand why you would enjoy Yob more than I do. I enjoy doom a lot but for some reason Yob never really clicked with me as much as other bands do. I did praise the immense amount of emotion in both BIFL and the title track and I did say those are my favorite songs of the album, but I still feel that Wayfarer was more engaging and rewarding to listen to.

I didn't review Mesarthim.

Written by RaduP on 11.07.2018 at 19:50

Written by [user id=176047] on 11.07.2018 at 19:28

Rating this album an eight point zero, same as Gaerea and worse than Wayfarer (8.3) and Mesarthim (8.5), that says it all really. Don't read reviews on a general basis, or at least don't determine whether you're going to buy an album solely on these one man opinions/researches. This album has a lot going on, the originality of Yob shines through more than ever before, and the feeling/emotion in every note deserves praise. I'm not so fond of numbers and/or percentage when talking about how great an album is, but this certainly is top class doom/stoner/sludge (whatever). "Beauty in Falling Leaves" is probably one of the greatest songs in metal this year, maybe even the last 10-15 years. Again... putting numbers and/or comparing different compositions is something that I don't like doing. Make no mistake though: This music can be felt, it hits deep in the heart. This is coming from someone who likes all types of music, well... except from power metal and soul PS: Every person are of course entitled to their very own opinion, and therefor I respect it. 9 out of 10 times "Our Raw Heart" WILL be rated higher than Mesarthim though.

Look to reviews beyond just the somewhat arbitrary number we assign them. I understand why you would enjoy Yob more than I do. I enjoy doom a lot but for some reason Yob never really clicked with me as much as other bands do. I did praise the immense amount of emotion in both BIFL and the title track and I did say those are my favorite songs of the album, but I still feel that Wayfarer was more engaging and rewarding to listen to.

I didn't review Mesarthim.

Well, the originality of Yob is high, and I can see why they don't "click" for everyone. They have a pretty unique sound. For that reason alone they deserve a higher rating, based on the ability to push boundaries, and doing it well. You rated Wayfarer a 9 on originality, and Yob got an 8. To be fair: Wayfarer's new album is not bad, but to say they are contributing with a new type of black metal is a huge overstatement (I am referring to the originality score of 9). Again... it's your opinion, and I find the reviews interesting. I just strongly disagree with the conclusion (mostly the rating of originality). In my book, even if you like the music or not: Yob's originality is exceptional, there are no other bands like them. The new Wayfarer is pretty much "run-of the-mill" black metal, we have heard it before. (Still slays though:))

Written by [user id=176047] on 11.07.2018 at 20:33

The new Wayfarer is pretty much "run-of the-mill" black metal, we have heard it before.

No, it's not really. Sure, a lot of it is grounded is regular atmo black that is generic but no other band I know other than Untamed Land and Panopticon really manage to create a sound so unabashedly American and each in a slightly different way. Their new album makes this most obvious, compared to their previous ones, hence why I considered it more original than Our Raw Heart.

Extremely well written review. YOB is one of my favs but albums are not necessarily something they do well. I think the last two have been their best. "Clearing the Path to Ascend" has the fewest weaknesses and is solid from beginning to end. This album may have the best two songs in their discography. On originality: I think vox and riffing style give YOB one of the most recognizable sounds in doom. I can imagine someone covering Pallbearer or Khemmis for instance quite easily but YOB...? I think this album while having a couple ballad-type songs is still possibly their most YOBish. I understand some people may recognize the album has some weak spots in songwriting but it also has some of their best songwriting. And again, nobody else could have put out this album. I wonder what those who think that YOB's songwriting is weak think of Bell Witch. For me, if you can write an epic 10 minute (or hour) song that doesn't fall apart and has deeply intense moods throughout, that is good songwriting.

Written by Fellow Duh Say on 11.07.2018 at 21:39

I wonder what those who think that YOB's songwriting is weak think of Bell Witch. For me, if you can write an epic 10 minute (or hour) song that doesn't fall apart and has deeply intense moods throughout, that is good songwriting.

Your last statement is absolutely right. Certain moments of this album did remind me of Mirror Reaper but I think I'm more into Bell Witch than Yob. And I wouldn't really call the songwriting weak but there were more than one instance where I felt that the music was lacking something and I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I just didn't feel as engaged as I thought I should feel. I respect Yob's achievements and this album's enormous qualities, but I can't ignore my gut feeling.

I was thrilled to see both bands at the same gig the other night. My appreciation for Yob certainly heightened. Mike had an unexpectedly wicked stage presence which made the show more entertaining than I expected. Although I went there to see for Bell Witch, I have to say that I was pleased enough with YOB (live) to not miss them next time they're in town.

To me, 'Ablaze' and 'Our Raw Heart' are quintessential summer songs. It's gonna be a good summer!

The clean vocals on this album are quite reminiscent of Chris Cornell for me. Anyone else hear that?

Written by RaduP on 11.07.2018 at 21:57

Written by Fellow Duh Say on 11.07.2018 at 21:39

I wonder what those who think that YOB's songwriting is weak think of Bell Witch. For me, if you can write an epic 10 minute (or hour) song that doesn't fall apart and has deeply intense moods throughout, that is good songwriting.

Your last statement is absolutely right. Certain moments of this album did remind me of Mirror Reaper but I think I'm more into Bell Witch than Yob. And I wouldn't really call the songwriting weak but there were more than one instance where I felt that the music was lacking something and I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I just didn't feel as engaged as I thought I should feel. I respect Yob's achievements and this album's enormous qualities, but I can't ignore my gut feeling.

Well... your rating of 7 on the songwriting itself seems accurate then, you kind of like it, but still something is missing. I can't put enough emphasis on the fact that YOB has their very own style though. The minimum anyone should rate them on originality is 9, they do deserve the 10. But enough nit-picking, you will learn to distinguish originality and songwriting (what you actually like).

Written by Ace Frawley on 12.07.2018 at 09:05

The clean vocals on this album are quite reminiscent of Chris Cornell for me. Anyone else hear that?

I remember liking the clean vocals a lot, and then wondering: "where have I heard this before?". Going to listen for some Cornell next time.

I was never a huge Chris Cornell fan. The best thing Soundgarden did was a Black Sabbath cover (one of the best Black Sabbath covers btw). There is more emotion in this album than previous YOB and there was more emotion in previous YOB than any Chris Cornell song IMO, RIP. In his defense he was basically singing pop. The timbre and range is similar though.

Written by Ace Frawley on 12.07.2018 at 09:05

The clean vocals on this album are quite reminiscent of Chris Cornell for me. Anyone else hear that?

Ya, I was going to note the same. Especially on the track 'In Reverie'. Reminiscent (both vocally and instrumentally) of Soundgarden's 'Holy Water'.

Both Seattle based vocalists. hmmmmmmmm.