Band:	Wheel (GER)
Album:	Preserved In Time
Style:	Doom metal
Release date:	April 2021

01. At Night They Came Upon Us
02. When The Shadow Takes You Over
03. After All
04. She Left In Silence
05. Aeon Of Darkness
06. Hero Of The Weak
07. Daedalus

"What about the Wheel review?"
"We've already had it."
"We've had one, yes, but what about second Wheel review?"

I don't think most people know about second Wheel, or as they currently go by here on Metal Storm: Wheel (GER). What is ironic is that Wheel (GER) actually came way before the Finnish Wheel did, being formed around 2006 and releasing their debut full length in 2010. A follow-up arrived in 2013, but ever since things have been quite quiet in the Wheel (GER) camp. Which left the impression that they'd be done for and the name would be up for the taking, accoriding to the Finns. I have suggested that they release a split together, but I don't think they took me seriously. I wonder why.

Both of the Wheels play some sort of melodic metal, so they have that in common, but while the Finns dabble in Tool-inspired alternative prog metal, the Germans go full traditional doom, more of the epic variety. Think something akin to Solitude Aeturnus, Candlemass or Sorcerer. A sound that I guess you could say was... Preserved In Time. Sorry. The sound is pretty meat and potatoes in terms of its adherence to the doom canon, but there is some slight spice added in the form of some slight stoner or prog touches, which are barely noticeable unless you pay attention, but they give the album a bit more flavor.

And as far as meat and potatoes doom metal goes, this one finds the sound in absolute comfort in its epic riffing power and its soaring vocals. I do feel like the vocals in particular might be a "hit or miss" for most people, and they might be easier to stomach for people already appreciative of the soaring doom vocals. They're less powerful in the usual sense, but they're fitting for this particular style. The sense of pace that Wheel (GER) have only adds to the triumphant feeling that the whole album rests upon. It's plodding in a way that builds and builds that sense.

So, as long as you know what you're getting yourself into: simply doom. Whether that's your cup of tea or not, it's not very easy to find a better album in this barebones style this year.