January 31, 2013

Filthy Music Review - 'The Prophecy: Salvation'


The Prophecy: Salvation (2013)

Code666 Records

Review by Jude Felton

If Norway is known for its Black Metal and Sweden for its Death Metal, then Yorkshire, in the north of England, must definitely be known for its Doom Metal. Bands like My Dying Bride and Paradise Lost are both from this beautiful area, as are The Prophecy, who with Salvation deliver their 4th album.


Although Doom Metal would be an easy label to apply to The Prophecy, with Salvation they give far more over the course of the 5 tracks within. Gothic and Death Metal elements lurk under the surface, but far more prevalent is the progressive feel to this epic album. There may only be 5 tracks on Salvation, but four of them are over 10 minutes in duration, with the title track pushing 15 minutes. Even the one other track, Reflections, is pushing 5 minutes.


Salvation is an album to get lost in, with the sweeping tracks delivering many layers over the course of its 50 plus minutes. Haunting vocals, from Matt Lawson, are delivered with real passion and clarity, with the occasional Death-tinged growls creeping in at times. It’s an epic album that, thanks to the crisp production, allows all elements of the band to shine through. As with the best Metal this is best enjoyed loud, so you can allow the crushing rhythm section, of Gav Parkinson and John Bennett (Bass and Drums respectively), to carry you along while Greg O’Shea’s guitar playing alternates between bruising riffs to wonderfully delicate lead work.

Salvation has been my introduction to The Prophecy’s progressive doom, and it is one that I am very glad to have made an acquaintance with. Fans of the aforementioned My Dying Bride and Paradise Lost, as well as such bands as Opeth and Katatonia, should get a real kick out of this album. It’s epic, yet intimate, filled with beauty and despair and some damned fine tunes. Lights out, volume cranked, sit back and enjoy!

Salvation is released by Code666 Records on February 4th and can be purchased here, or at the link below.





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