THE GATES "...Of The River Styx" [12" LP, Red/Black Splatter Vinyl, Gatefold]
2024 - Psychedelic/Black Metal from Canada
Detailed Description
The Gates play „Magik Metal", combining their own brilliant interpretation of old school Occult Rock and Psychedelic Metal with additional Black Metal vocals. Visually, they use classic psych imagery such as colourful artwork and magic mushrooms in combination with occult symbols and occasional nods to the Nazisploitation movies of the 70s (which are to be understood as a tribute to old school B-movies and cult flicks and nothing else), while their lyrics also focus on classic forms of occultism and psychedelic experiences. Outside the relatively new but steadily growing Magick Metal sub-genre the music of The Gates should appeal the most to fans of the old school Occult Rock of Coven, The Devil's Blood or Year of the Goat and occult Heavy Metal such as Mercyful Fate or Ghost, and has to be classified as highly addictive! While the influence of the controversial originators of Magick Metal, Black Magick SS, is still noticable, The Gates easily manage to distinguish their album in terms of music, concept and visuals, and prove that they, too, have the potential to enlighten the suffering collective human consciousness through the cosmic brilliance that was given to the world in the form of Magick Metal. Once again they show their unfailing ability to write songs and melodies that as a fan you simply can't stop listening to until they have become a part of your very being. As before, singer Galigula truly shines, and his clean vocal performance on the final track "Blind Descent" makes you think you're listening to none other than The Cure's Robert Smith at the top of his game, showcasing Galigula's incredible talent as a vocalist. The Gates' "...of the River Styx" solidifies the band's status as uniquely talented musicians that dare to venture into as yet unconquered musical territories and forever leave their indelible mark.
