Doom metal is amazing as anyone knows but doom/death is where it is at. From the days of Paradise Lost, Katatonia, Anathema, and this band which I am reviewing today, you’ll see why this album is a blast from the past. Twenty years, yes I said it, twenty years since their last full length album, Lunchbox Dialogues, the Dutch group Celestial Season have returned to bestow this album on us and it was worth the twenty year wait. The Secret Teachings definitely fits how this album feels as this band is the blueprint for how doom metal is done correctly.
One would think after so much time passing since their last release and even more time since they were on stage that they would lose their sound and they have not. Yes, many who have heard their last album do remember that they went the psychedelic route and went towards the stoner metal sound and it was not very good but this album is their return to their roots and proving why they are one of the best and most unique doom metal acts out there.
Tracks like For Twisted Loveless and Long Forlorn Tears feel like the early 90’s doom metal renaissance is still in full force. This album is like we get to relive the days of when Solar Lovers was released back in 1995. The dissonant guitars, the forlorn growls, ominous female vocals and haunting keyboard melodies dancing in the distance at all the right moments make this a perfect release. This is classic vintage doom metal at it’s finest right here.
If you want to relive the days of true, dark and somber doom metal, then grab this album. Everything is just beautifully crafted as if time meant nothing between the years from 95’s Solar Lovers and this was supposed to be the perfect follow up. If you are a fan of Katatonia, Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride, Anathema and just perfectly written doom metal then have a listen. I think this album will stay on my repeat list for a while.
Overall Score: 10/10
Review by Neil Andersen
