Now this is a band I can get behind. Stoner doom. Slow. You know — in the vein of YOB, Sleep, Om — that deep, slow-moving heaviness that just pulls you in.
I don’t know what it is about that kind of slow doom, but bring me that heavy, low-end bass and I’m in for hours. Maybe it’s because I’ve been learning to play bass myself, but that sludgy, down-tuned groove just hits different.
Diabolic Formation is seven tracks over 39 minutes of thick, syrupy doom. Honestly, this thing could’ve gotten by without vocals at all — not that they ruin it, but the riffs alone are hypnotic enough to carry the whole record.
The biggest surprise? These guys are Canadian. Coming straight out of Hamilton, Ontario — The Hammer. I had no idea they existed, but now that I do, I’m digging into their back catalog.
This is that kind of slow, chugging, dirty doom that doesn’t try to be clever or flashy. It just works. Some people might say all this stuff sounds the same, but if it sounds this good, I don’t care. Give me that groove and I’ll listen all day long.
Diabolic Formation comes out November 21 via Black Throne Productions.
Diabolic Formation track listing:
1. Deflowered
2. Wickedness
3. Holy Lies
4. Save You
5. Bloody Demon
6. DED
7. A Beautiful End
Rod Orchard is a veteran music journalist and photographer with 35+ years documenting metal, punk, and hardcore. His work has been featured in publications, films, documentaries, and record artwork worldwide, capturing the raw energy of live shows and backstage life.