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MADVRO
Invocation Of High Wizard

Self-released (2018)
Rating: 8/10

Out of Smederevo in Serbia comes Madvro, an interesting trio of doomsters whose debut album will hopefully garner some recognition in spite of the fact that what it offers is very much doom-by-numbers.

Madvro marry together the expected Black Sabbath influences alongside the likes of Trouble and Electric Wizard. But this is good weed for the soul; nice ‘n’ easy chugging riffs of doom played very much in the vintage style, while the vocals of guitarist Ivan Janjić soar nicely over the thick rolls of riffage. This is the first outing for this band, whose line-up also consists of bassist Vladimir Stojanović and drummer Milan Janjić. Ivan and Milan worked together previously in Dark Dream, a melodic black metal act that emerged in 2000 before later evolving into Iskon.

Invocation Of High Wizard comes with gloriously sword ‘n’ sorcery cover art which takes me back to my 80s youth, whereby many hours were spent spinning metal records and reading books about warlocks and witches. And in parts this six-track opus provides a perfect soundtrack once again to such fantasies.

My favourite track on offer is the rumbling and thunderous ‘Sacrifice’, with its hammering thumping and killer, chugging guitar sound. Hints of Candlemass, Count Raven and Saint Vitus naturally come to the fore, but the thrashy elements make for a refreshing surprise.

Opener ‘Kikimora’ is an infectious doom trudge. Classic doom in fact, hinting at the stark, darkly-clad accessibility of, say, Trouble, while the eight-minute ‘Healing The Good Child Of God’ is a massive grey-cloud. This groaning trawler drags up all of its influences in one mighty iron net, and heaving them out in a murky slog of black riffage as Ivan Janjić narrates in morose, rain-soaked fashion. In its later stages the cut becomes a near psych-tinged, spectral jig of surrealism, almost prompting one to perform a merry woodland gig before the bass once again coats itself with black rain as the drums trickle like a clogged up stream.

‘Mouth Breathers’ goes back to that lumbering efficiency as an effortless doom hike, before picking up the pace as a mid-tempo tank of terror. Indeed, it’s pure Sabbath jollity, whereas the title track adopts extra edge; a contemporary stoned trudge of contagious riffery and haunting wails, the gloom and magical properties literally echo around the castle walls as the trio conjures up further shadowy images to cast upon the mind.

But even when the band slows to an almost wistful, thoughtful heave, it remains incredibly absorbing as the finale of ‘Mud Giant’ kicks in with a galloping drum accompanying those equally hasty riffs. Again it remains easy on the ears, and again you find yourself bangin’ along with those monstrous black licks as you finally appreciate the sheer simplicity yet effectiveness of this well-crafted and oaken barrier of woodland woe and weeds.

Invocation Of High Wizard is leading the pack at the moment when it comes to my favourite doom-soaked album of the year. Sure, it’s early days for Madvro, but the potential is frightening. I just hope the black masses get to hear it.

Neil Arnold

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