An apt title for this Croydon based doom trio who have taken downtuned,
rumbling guitars into a new dimension. The otherworldy vocals of Vicky add
a counterbalance to the epicus doomicus metalicus sound that creeps
slowly from the speakers, with the ten minute 'Amber' lending itself
to the status of "oh shit, that hurts". But in a good
way. If doom and sludge are your thing, it really doesn't get
much better than this. Awesome.
review courtesy of Zeitgeist
Ever wonder what would have ensued if early The 3rd & the Mortal had fully
indulged their doom elements rather than keeping them a light spice in the
soup? Well this three track gem might just give you a good idea of what that
could have sounded like. I don't usually like to rely too heavily on one
band as a reference point, but given the unique nature of the music here,
reference points are limited. The similarities with The Third & The Mortal
are present in the vocals, which occupy a space somewhere between Kari and
Caroline Wilson of Mourn, with a slightly more reserved quality...in the
song structure and the use of dark and light...in the "serious despair, but
not flinching in the face of it vibe" and in the great drumming (one of the
true marks of a really good drummer is the ability to play uniquely and
impressively at slow tempos).
Lest the above lead you to believe that this band is really close in style
to the above reference, think again. This is decidedly more metallic and
doomy. The guitars cut far broader wounds than the quirky Norwegians ever
did...as a matter of fact, I don't think that I've ever heard melodic female
vocals layered over such heavy and malice ridden riffing (especially the
riff on "Broken Window", brutally doom that one).
Given the vast improvement shown here from their debut demo, this marks The
River as a definite band to watch and further evidence along with bands like
TPOG that doom has some very interesting things going on around its outer
limits these days. Don't play this for emotionally sensitive friends, not
unless you'd like to sign them into the local mental hospital for a
depression stabilization that is....
review courtesy of Michael Blue @ Hellride Forum
UK’s The River return with their second demo and it’s even better compared
to their first which I already was quite fond of. This time they present us
three new songs that are in the same vein; top heavy low end hypnotic doom
with female vocals that are reminiscent of the vocals in bands like Mourn or
Left Hand Solution. So no opera-style vocals but normal female vox that fit
this type of music very well. Although it’s pretty heavy stuff it is also
very dream-like, it definitely helps to relax and that’s quite an
accomplishment I’d say. I’m positive this demo should lead to a deal with a
label because The River differs from other bands within the doom genre and
it’s simply brilliant music. Check them out now!
review courtesy of Pim @ Quintessence
2 years ago, the British doom band, made a slight scene breakthrough with
their 3rd demo entitled aptly, "Oneiric Dirges In Mono". That demo sold well
for such an underground act and one could expect that it would land them a
label deal or something. Sadly, their next installment is a self released
demo as well and that only proves how much the music industry sucks!!!
Because this band offers another unique blend of drone yet melodic doom with
sweet, soothing vocals by doom siren, Vicky. Once again The River tried to
baptize their release with a title that can sufficiently describe its
content. We are treated with innovative approaches at haunting doom metal,
not of the hell-raising kind, but full of drugged dirges and heavy enough at
parts, to flatten some brains. Still, Vicky’s soulful voice (Greek readers
could notice the uncanny similarity with Flora’s, ex-Make Believe, now
Ludmila singer) balances the crashing low end, making the final result
somewhat accessible to a greater audience. If maybe something isn’t quite
right about this demo is the monotony that dominates most of it. The 3 songs
flow like a really long one, with only the few explosive, brain flattening
points that I mentioned going against this repetitive style. Like the
closing parts of "A Close Study" and "Broken Window", with the drums assault
and those evil, thick riffs. On the contrary, at the end of "White Library"
we witness the softer side of band, reaching a pop-like moment.
The River, with their Sunno))) meets Slowdive amalgam of post - dare I say
shoegazing - doom, will probably be the 1st non-conventional metal band to
be accepted by traditional doom elitists. And if you’re trying to lure your
square friends into such sounds, here’s your perfect accessory. They’ll
never know what hit them.
Rate: 10/13
review courtesy of RegularPaul @ Monolith
The moniker of this two-track CD poses no danger whatsoever of the
Croydon doom trio being prosecuted under the Trade Description Act. Onerous? Absolutely.
The massively downtuned, rumbling guitars seem to - veeeery slooowly
- bore their way into the very core of the earth, the colossal weight
of the entire universe driving them ever further subterranean.
Dirge-like?
Well, 'Oneiric…' certainly ain't the kind of platter to be
found pumping from the sound-system at a wild Stag/ Hen night. Or
if it was, serious questions ought to be asked about the prospects of the
forthcoming union. As for mono, well, 'monochrome' would prove an
apt description in that there's only one colour - and it's a sullen
grey. Likewise, one velocity; and that's SLOOOWWW. 'Monotonous'
would be a little harsh - although the excessively drawn-out latter section
of the almost-ten-minute 'Amber' comes perilously close to being
so. Although Vicky's clean, forlorn vocals provide an effective contrast
to the bristling, sludgy instrumentation, two epic-length tracks
are quite enough. Perhaps they'd be best appreciated by those a) with
sky-scraping levels of patience; b) suffering chronic depression
or c) having partaken of the, uhm, 'sweet leaf'.
review courtesy of Live 4 Metal
"Oneiric Dirges.." was a decent enough start, selling 400 copies worldwide
and getting the band's name known in the Doom underground. However, any
promise that was to be found on that introduction has been surpassed 10
times over on this new 3 tracker. This is a minor masterclass in how to
produce slow, sludge driven doom without having to skip on melody and
atmosphere. Vicky's vocals forcefully penetrate the overall dirge of the
band's delivery with a delicate sweetness, bringing forth understated
melancholy and eloquence. The final product is an eerie reminder of how much
The River have to add to this scene.
review courtesy of Russ @ Black Tears Distribution
More of the same, but even better. This description is perhaps the most
appropriate one to describe the musical ‘evolution’ of The River from their
first to their second demo. All the ingredients of ‘Oneiric Dirges in Mono’
are still present, but much better executed: the guitars are as heavy but
much clearer, the voice sounds more confident and soulful, and the drums
strong and powerful. Even the occasional acoustic interludes are very well
integrated and form an ideal calm before the storm.
The hypnotic, mesmerizing wall of guitar sound is very addictive and as a
doom fan, you find yourself returning very often to this strong demo. The
River prove with this second effort that together with Cambian Dawn and
Centurions Ghost they can be considered among the finest specimens of the
New Wave of British Doom Metal.
Reviewed by: Kostas Panagiotou
review courtesy of Doom-Metal.com
Formed in 1999, The River (UK) plays bass-heavy dirge-style Doom Metal.
The encouraging thing about this demo (if 'encouraging' is an appropriate
word for music so uncompromisingly bleak) is that the droning heaviness
isn't at the expense of melody or memorability.
Repetitive but effective riffs seep out of the churning wall-of-sound created
by the guitar and bass, and the raw guitar tone suits the mood
perfectly. The band are fronted by a female vocalist, and her mid-range
style provides some instantly memorable vocal melodies, whilst
also possessing a bleak texture. It's not often that lengthy doom
songs of the 'dirgey' style have that extra edge to help the
songs stick in your head.
Of course, this demo has a rather primitive sound, but it's appropriate for
this style of music. The only thing I'm not too keen on is the
final 2 minutes and 20 seconds of 'Amber', which is basically an
'outro' that consists of seemingly random drum fills and guitar
noise - fine for 10 seconds, but a bit much for over 2 minutes! However,
this was apparently a one-off which the band felt appropriate
at the time, but aren't planning to repeat in future releases.
Generally, this is a promising demo which I've found myself returning
to quite often. The band are planning to record their next demo early
next year.
review courtesy of Richard Stuart
Ever been subjected to a stout beating with iron bars by an assailant who
offers you a beer at the same time? It's kind of like listening to THE
RIVER, on one hand, the incredible beauty and ethereal nature of their
music, and on the the other the absolute detuned low end violence of it all.
If there ever was a double edged sword in music, THE RIVER are its
personification in the truest since. Every black winter day you ever
experienced is distilled and woven in the tapestry the band create, "A CLOSE
STUDY" being the case in hand. Riffs flow like molten rock, burning
themselves into your subconcious with their unfathomable depths. And above
this whilst the combined talents of JON, STEVE & CHRIS harness the power of
black holes, the vocals of VICKY soar to new heights.
"WHITE LIBRARY" shows how much of a progression she in particular has made,
her delivery been given that extra 10%, and I honestly think her vocal
melodies are better thought out too. Especially so at the end of the song
when the whole bands plays out accoustically....
But, save the best until last why don't they? Yes, "BROKEN WINDOW" is simply
a fucking Doom metal monster, I shit you not, the chord sequence demands
that you do one of two things. 1) Hide as your doom is imminant, or 2) Bang
your fucking head, as your doom is imminant. Simply astonishing, THE RIVER
bulldoze charlatans like the utterly lame Cathedral, idiots like the hippies
of Electric Wizard, and wankers like Orange Goblin into a pit filled with
lime, then fill it in as their broken and screaming semi concious forms
plead for mercy. Its almost all too much, this NEEDS to be on vinyl, and if
I had the fucking money I'd press this up as a 10" EP myself. Its simply
that good. Someone had better fucking take notice of this band soon, like
WARNING they are the saving grace of the UK doom metal scene. Thankyou from
the bottom of my blackened heart yet again.
9.5/10
review courtesy of Rich Walker at The Miskatonic Foundation
Wow this band reminds me of early Madder mortem. Esp with the female
vocals and the very doomy and dirge of the guitars and bass lines. I really
like this melancoly style of heavy melodic doom metal. The Female
vocals are this sexy husky style that are really pulling me in.
The music reminds me a lot of Grief or Thorrs hammer very raw and
low ended productions almost like a mid level recorded demo. It's
a real shame this is only a 3" and 2 song
effort as impressive as this is. I can't wait for what a full length with bring
from this young outfit.
review courtesy of Foreshadow Productions
This band comes from the great land of My Dying Bride, England. To be
honest with you The River is the first doom metal band , who i have
heard with female vocals. The River, formed back in 1999 and they have
three demos so far and they will record their next one soon. I hope
i had the chance to had heard their previous works, because they
deserve the attention of all doom metal fans. I don't know why they haven't
a contract with a label yet. Of course i love their music and the sound
of this release. I haven't more words to say for this excellent demo
release, just to wait for the new one.
review courtesy of Antonis Maglaras
Nach einem erfolgreichen Auftritt auf dem dritten "Doom Shall Rise"-Festival
legen die Engländer von The River ihre neue Demo-CD vor, die den Titel
"Different Ways To Be Haunted" trägt. Wie noch bei der letzten
Veröffentlichung der Band prophezeit, klingt das Material mit einer besseren
Produktion um einiges gewaltiger und eindrucksvoller.
Schon der Opener "A Close Study" besitzt ein unglaublich dichtes und dunkles
Gewand, schwermütig und schleppend agiert der Song auf technischen hohem
Niveau. Der Pluspunkt der Band ist aber ganz klar Sängerin Vicky, die The
River mit ihrer einzigartigen Stimme aus dem sonst recht homogenen Gefüge
"normaler" Doom Metal-Formationen katapultiert. Doch wenngleich die Vocals
somit lieblich anmutend erscheinen, die Gitarren hängen hier bleischwer und
rollen mit einer gewissen Dramatik aus den Boxen, die Kompositionen sind
melancholisch und grau. Größer kann ein ein Unterschied kaum sein: Zarte,
fast weiche weibliche Vocals kontrastieren mit einem überaus boshaften und
sehr dunklen Doom-Monster, erst gegen zum Ende von "White Library" sind auch
entspannend-leichte Klänge zu vernehmen, meilenweit von den kurz zuvor
verklungenen dichten Gitarren entfernt. Dunkel, knarzend und dicht erscheint
hingegen "Broken Window", mit einer hoffnungslosen Atmosphäre, die den
ganzen Raum erfüllt und einer Instrumentierung, die nahezu minutiös
daherkommt.
Würde mich nicht wundern, wenn The River demnächst den Plattenvertrag in der
Tasche haben, zelebriert die Band aus England doch einen fabelhaften Doom
und ist gleichzeitig weit davon entfernt, in der Masse zu versinken. Mit
viel Glück sind die Vier auch bald wieder in Deutschland zu erleben, bis
dahin sollte man sich den Namen gut merken. Mehr als hoffnungsvoller
Newcomer.
9/10
review courtesy of Alex @ Shadowshire Webzine
THE RIVER fand ich ja schon auf ihrem letzten Demo toll und auch ihr
Auftritt auf dem DSR war geil. Was lag also näher als ich das neue Demo
gleich auch mal zu besorgen. Und siehe an es hat sich gelohnt. Der Weg des
letzten Demos wird fortgeführt! Düsteres Riffing und melodiös-ruhige Momente
wechseln sich ab. Sängerin Vicky verleiht der Musik trotz des derben Sounds
immer einen Hauch von Zerbrechlichkeit auch wenn die Riffs noch so derbe
rocken. Den Vergleich mit der Elfe im Dreck hatten wir ja schon. Hier geht
es auch weniger um Groove, obwohl der definitiv eine Rolle spielt. Hier geht
es mehr um ein Klanggebilde, das die Band auftürmt. Das Quartett versucht im
traditionellen Doom-Kontext etwas neues zu schaffen.Und das gelingt ihnen
recht gut! Während "A Close Study" und "White Library" etwas moderner vom
Ansatz der Riffs sind geht "Broken Window" etwas traditioneller zu Werke.
Ein Wenig erinnert man schon aufrgrund der Vocals an The 3rd And The
Immortal mit ungleich höherem Doom-Anteil oder auch den verblichenen
Landsmännern/-frauen von Mourn. Allerdings kommt man beiden nicht nahe genug
um als Plagiat abgestempelt werden zu können. Nein, für Erstere ist man
definitiv zu metallisch und für Zweitere zu sludgy! Was ganz groß
herraussticht ist das vertrackte Geprügel von Drummer Jon, der inzwischen
leider die Band schon wieder verlassen hat. Seine Beats bereichern die
manchmal recht montonene Riffs ungemein! Man kann nur hoffen, dass The River
einen ebenbürtigen Ersatz finden! Auch interessant ist der Mangel an
Gitarrensoli. Man konzentriert sich hier voll und ganz aufs Riff! Herrlich!
Der 3-Tracker ist eine geile, gleichsam entspannende wie aufwühlende
Angelegenheit für alle Leute, die gerne mal über den Tellerrand schauen
wollen und können!
Leider gab es im Netz keine abbildung vom Cover was ich heir noch eben
beschreiben möchte. Es handelt sich um ein Foto einer alten Grammophonnadel
auf schwarzem Hintergrund, der in grauen Buchstaben mit einigen Lyrcics
durchsetzt ist und kommt nicht auf bloßem Papier sondern als richtiges Foto.
Hammergeil!
8/10
review courtesy of Reverend Odd @ Tinnitus Mag
The more things change the more they stay the same, or so the saying goes.
The way of the world is that mutations are necessary to propel things
forward, and never has a truer word been spoken than in the case of the UK's
latest Doom sensations, The River. "Different Ways To Be Haunted"
demonstrates the bands versatility and ability to progress. 2003's "Oneiric
Dirges In Mono", the third demo by the band, showcased the bands talents and
as the they themselves stated welcomed a coming of age. Selling over 400
copies world wide, the band knew that their next release would have to not
only have to match the standards they set with "Oneiric" but surpass them.
With "Different Ways To Be Haunted" the band have achieved a niche for
themselves in an already over populated genre. Giving themselves what make
strive for, but few achieve. An identity. In this demo the development, both
in quality of song writing and production are the first notable improvements
to "Oneiric", and new comers to the band will find the opening track, "A
Close Study" a haunting (excuse the pun) experience and heavier than the
anvils of hell. The bands trademark low tuned guitars remain and while John
Gibbs has since departed the band, his drums under pin and provide a vital
rhythm to the soundtrack of solace that echo's through the whole offering.
The jewel in the crown of The River are without question the fragile angelic
vocals of front-woman Vicky. The subtle blend between old school, Sabbath
influenced Doom and the almost folkish soulful vocals make odd bedfellows;
yet the combination works beautifully. Like ying and yang, two ends of an
seemingly polar opposite spectrum, they come together to form a perfect
union. We are treated to two further tracks. "White Library" and "Broken
Window", and while tracking in at just over 21 minutes, you can't help
having the feeling that you want more! Next up for the south London Doom
merchants is a full length studio album, and on this performance there will
be more than one or two labels vying for their signatures.
review courtesy of Jules @ Metalchaos
I have heard a lot of complimentary comments about this new DOOM band
from the UK before having the chance to listen to their material.
And finally here I am, having completed many careful hearings, feeling glad that this
two-song demo found its way to my hands. The River are not as old as
others, but they go back to 1999, when this band was formed. After two
demos comes the third, “Oneiric dirges in mono” and as the band say,
they feel really strong for their material. The thing is that they couldn’t
have felt otherwise because this demo reveals a very special band! A band
within the boundaries of DOOM but also with a sound that one cannot come
across easily. The River tune their guitars very low. And when I say low I
mean LOW! So it is easily understood that their sound is as heavy as
expected. Their music sounds like a gigantic slow moving mass that hides
immense amounts of power! You cannot stand in its way because it will crush you.
This River springs from the mountains of DOOM and their musical vision is totally
British. Merge some of the good old Doom/death metal sound, some experimental
drone elements also with some Saint Vitus sludge, turn up the amplifier noise
and you’ll get The River. Chris on the only guitar, has absolutely no problem
in creating a suffocating atmosphere that grabs you from the neck and only lets
you breathe during some psychedelic interludes, that last only for a while. Hopefully
The River do not overdo with these parts and for this they remain interesting
at all times throughout their long lasting songs. My opinion is that The River
have their target on creating powerful atmosphere and not sleepy blur. It took
an effort to listen to Stephen’s bass and that is mainly because the guitars
move in even lower frequencies! Anyway maybe that solid sound is an equal combination
of those two. Drums are excellent! Jon (ex-Unsilence – one more DOOM overlord!)
uses much percussion and with his march-like playing fills their sound exactly
like he should. I left the vocals last because I think they are what characterizes
their sound very much! I can only think of Left-hand Solution that have female
vocals in the DOOM scene, but from now on you can add to this small list The River! Vicky has an
incredible mournful hue that enchants. What I am talking about here is
not soprano vocals over harsh guitars, but a warm voice that colors the
songs with mastery, springing to mind bands like The 3rd and the Mortal. The
excellent vocal lines are expressed within short time compared to the duration
of the songs, and that only made wanna ask for more! But I guess that the amount
of vocals a song can contain is the band’s business only and no one else’s!
I just hope they’d put more in the future. To sum it up
I have to say I loved their different style! Not only DOOMsters will find interest
in The River but also fans that care for heavy atmospheric music. If I was to
describe the band with a few words I would say that they are a dark DOOM band
with magnificent female vocals! I anxiously await for their next demo (will be
recorded in the first half of 2004).
George "Volt" Tassis
review courtesy of Dark Project
This the band The River a Traditional Doom band from The United Kingdom.
Well this demo cd released in 2003 it contains 2 songs its good
music but a bit strange there are 2 songs on this demo cd and both
they are strange but its a good demo cd. They experiment much with
the music that they create but its very special music for people
who like bands who experiment much with there music than you have
to listen this.
review courtesy of Ben De Graaf
