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ANCHORITE “Realm Of Ruin”
ANCHORITE “Realm Of Ruin”
by Mercyful Mike
A truly international band, representing Sweden, Denmark, and Malta, ANCHORITE are back with sophomore effort, “Realm Of Ruin”. While being touted as “epic doom metal”, I really hate to see ANCHORITE paint themselves into a corner with labels. To my ears, there is WAY more going on here than strictly doom metal. Sure, you have the inevitable comparison to CANDLEMASS, but in the time I’ve lived with this album, I can’t shake the eerie similarities to NEVERMORE, with vocalist Leo Stivala sounding hauntingly close to the late Warrel Dane on many occasions. Take that as you may, but rest assured it does not distract from what ANCHORITE have presented us with.
The title track gets things off to a pounding, up-tempo start while keeping the atmosphere dark. Martin Jepsen Andersen lays down an absolute shredder of a solo, the kind that is fairly rare when talking doom metal. Couple that with the ghostly chorus, and the bar is set immediately high.
ANCHORITE slow the tempo for “The Lighthouse Chronicles”, favoring the traditional doom plod that gets the head nodding in approval. Again, Stivala is able to weave his voice in and out of the peaks and valleys seamlessly, supporting the song with genuine emotion. This is featured beautifully by the serene bridge leading into the second act solo.
“Devil On The Throne” is another mid-paced burner (the heaviest song on the album?) that speaks to the plight of the commoners of the world. To add to its splendor, none other than legendary MERCYFUL FATE guitarist Michael Denner contributes a brilliant solo as only Michael Denner can.
As “Realm Of Ruin” pushes forward, it becomes very apparent that ANCHORITE are masters at retaining a strong sense of melody within the bludgeoning riffs. Choruses are extremely memorable, with complimenting solos taking them to the next level. Martin Jepsen Andersen does a remarkable job at not only constructing riffs, but shaping fitting solos around said riffs that are unique entities in and of themselves.
If you’ve been paying attention, then you know I am a sucker for a magnificent closer. As important as a strong album opener is, without a strong closer, an album can be left cold and open-ended. Thankfully, “Realm Of Ruin” provides the perfect finale with “Kingdom Undone”. Quite possibly the highlight of the album for me, Andersen lays down gorgeous, emotional solos, the kind that tugs at your heartstrings. Additionally, the anguish in Stivala’s vocals was so impactful to me that even as the album closed, I kept thinking about this song as I stepped away.
2025 End Of The Year Lists are going to be top heavy with flawless albums, and “Realm Of Ruin” will be right there in the thick of it. Stivala, Andersen, along with bassist Peter Svensson and drummer Marcus Rosenkvist have a very special album on their hands, one they should be extremely proud of. The hype sticker may shout “EPIC DOOM METAL”, but there is so much more to this album than that. Some of the finest crafted METAL this year. Well done, gentlemen! Long live ANCHORITE!
10/10
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