I’m going to start out this review by saying that this is my first time hearing this band.
I had heard of them but never heard any songs. So, as a newbie to A Pale Horse named Death, I feel I’m being drawn into a dark, medieval world as the introduction As It begins plays. The piano intro to When the World Becomes Undone has a calming effect, lulling me into an uneasy sense of being, then the drums kick in and another world opens up. With a doom-laden bass and riff, which sounds familiar, I briefly pause the album to investigate the band quickly.
After a glance at the band’s Facebook page I’m now educated in the fact that founder Sal Abruscato was also the founder of one of my favourite doom and gloom band Type O Negative….sorry for those who already knew this, those who don’t… well, Spoiler alert…\m/
The album is very atmospheric and has an industrial feel to it, depressing and dark but loaded full of groove and melody. It definitely has the Type O feel to it but I’m sure Sal would see this as a compliment.
I love the use of the bow on the double bass in the introduction to Lay with the Wicked, adding extra layers of the quality of the album. I’m loving the album so far, the down-tuned palm-muted chunking of the guitars and bass. There are no fast songs on this album, but they aren’t missed, the undeniable fact here is this is a crushing album. Best listened to on a high-quality set of speakers with extra bass boost for added effect
Loved the Ones You Hate has a Marilyn Manson vibe to it ramming home the gothic doom darkness feel to the album.
Closure seals off the album but with the bells tolling away and sirens sounding in the background. I feel like I am in a funeral home and the one in the casket.
A Pale horse named Death lives up to its name by creating an uncompromising trip of an album, taking me on an uneasy journey of dread.
This is an album that begs to be listened to from start to finish, but the time needs to be right, during a thunderstorm would be perfect.
Release Year: 2019
Label: Long Branch Records
Category: Album
Country: USA
Reviewed by Adrian ‘Dren’ Barham