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IRON VOID/ ORODRUIN “Altar of Worship”
IRON VOID/ ORODRUIN “Altar of Worship”
By Mercyful Mike
When two of the greatest modern doom bands pay tribute to one of the most legendary doom bands of all time, there should be zero doubt that skulls will be cracked. The gods of heavy have gifted us with “Altar of Worship”, a split release conceived while the mighty ORODRUIN and IRON VOID were on tour together in 2023. The spirit behind this recording is in loving admiration and tribute to late PAGAN ALTAR vocalist Terry Jones, who lost his battle with cancer in 2015.
What makes this split so special is not only are we treated to bludgeoning covers of PAGAN ALTAR classics, but also new material from both bands recorded specifically for this album. The first half sees IRON VOID fire up the riff factory with the gloom soaked tones of “The Tolling Bell”. An instant classic to these ears, Steve Wilson not only hits those Liebling-like vocals, but absolutely rips leads Iommi would happily nod at with full approval. We are also treated to a live version of this beast to boot. IRON VOID’s homage to PAGAN ALTAR comes in the form of “Highway Cavalier”, this time with vocals being handled by bassist Jonathan “Sealey” Seale. While staying true to the song, IRON VOID lovingly put their fuzzy trademark all over this. Well done boys.
ORODRUIN enter the chat with a new track entitled “In This Place”. If you are familiar with ORODRUIN, and John Gallo in particular, then you know that Gallo is an ever evolving doom alchemist, turning his metal riffs to gold one song at a time. “In This Place” is no different, harnessing the heaviness ORODRUIN has become known for, accented by Mike Puleo’s sorrowful vocals that compliment each riff with precision. “In the Wake of Armadeus” sees Gallo and crew saluting an outreached doom claw to the much lauded PAGAN ALTAR. Their take on this classic also stays true to form, but highlights that beautiful tone we’ve all come to expect from John Gallo. Terry would approve wholeheartedly.
“Altar of Worship” also features live versions of each PAGAN ALTAR cover, and another live track from each band’s respective catalog. But let’s be honest here- it’s the new tracks and PAGAN ALTAR tributes that we came for, and both bands exceeded expectations x10.
If you’re a fan of doom, this split is a must.
10/10
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