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DOMAINS
Sinister Ceremonies

The Sinister Flame (2014)
Rating: 8.5/10

This ungodly combination of death and thrash metal comes courtesy of Spaniards Domains. This is their debut record and one that should please plenty. This trio are somewhat of a cult act – having been around for almost a decade – so it’s a surprise that Sinister Ceremonies is their first outing, but it’s one that has an old school flavour that doesn’t bore with its mimicry.

Firstly there’s the sneering vocal attack of bassist David “Aggressor” who has a real unearthly tone about his style, adding further darkness to this rather nostalgic vibe. Secondly, the guitar sound is extremely primitive, reminding me of old Morbid Angel – finding a tidy combination between speedier bursts and dank, slower passages. The drums are dirty in their approach, hinting at old Darkthrone and these influences should no doubt cause much entertainment for fans of metal that nods to the dark side.

Sinister Ceremonies brings us ten superb tracks, opening with ‘Domains’ which knocks the door down with an unholy guitar sound that hints at Morbid Angel with its depth and pace. Like Morbid Angel, Domains remain accessible too, carving out concise passages within their devilish framework. ‘Mastery’ lives up to its name, sounding like a band who have been doing this sort of metal for decades, and the more the album progresses the stronger the songs get.

‘Through Infernal Damnation’ builds on a stabbing guitar and simmering clash of cymbals, before taking its time to build the menace suddenly altering to a brooding pace. Of course, the reflection doesn’t last as the pace soon quickens, taking us into the barrage of ‘Raped By Darkness’ which features the album’s most battering drum assault and again that mix of pace to enhance atmosphere.

‘Hopeless’ is eerie in its stark opening, a mere tinkering instrumental before lashing out at the listener with a fever of ‘Eucharist Of Relevance’ and the catchy ‘Crowned At Dusk’ with its lumbering, classic metal streak and thrashy connotations.

Sinister Ceremonies is top notch throughout, remaining consistent in its weight and mood and sounding way out of time in the sense that if this had been recorded back in 1991, it would surely have taken the band to great heights. I love the vocals, the complex arrangements of the likes of ‘Towards Pleroma’ and of course, the efficient brutality of ‘Labyrinth Of Incense’ with its dirty guitar sound which opens the track.

Overall, this is a formidable album that is so self-assured and mature that I expect truly great things from these guys in the future. As debut albums go, in today’s climate, Sinister Ceremonies is actually a minor masterpiece of old school death metal.

Neil Arnold

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