Wo Fat: The Gathering Dark

Okay, imagine taking a journey into the unknown, through a misty swampland where creatures and danger lurk in the shadows. Welcome to the world of Wo Fat, a Dallas, Texas doom metal band that began menacing the masses in 2003. In my hands I have the band’s debut release titled The Gathering Dark, first released in 2006 and most recently given the remastered treatment and added to the outstanding Ripple Music roster.

Holy cow, this is some heavy stuff and much to my delight, completely addictive. The guitar riffs will shatter your very core with the drums and bass entering overdrive, and the lead vocals will let there be no doubt you are immersed in the world of heavy doom, where the likes of Black Sabbath reigned supreme.

“The Wolf� begins the assault with massively heavy riffs where the distortion lingers and the feedback beckons, before all hell breaks loose as the pace quickens, then slows, letting the heaviness soak in. The lead vocals are gruff but effective, near perfect for a stoner/doom hybrid. The riff progressions burn with intensity and the solo guitar has a clean stoner feel, embedded with psych embellishments and shredding the soundscape with a fiery passion. The swampy guitar in “Manchurian Syndrome� has a ‘70s hard rock sound and the propulsive groove and crazy drum fills had me almost immediately. “Company Man� is all fast and grungy riffs with a propulsive groove and a super catchy chorus. The bluesy riffs and gravelly vocals mustered from deep within highlight the title track whereas the sleezy hard rock of “Day Of Judgement� will pummel you senseless.

Wow, what a fantastic album this turned out to be. I cannot wait to hear more from this band!

Track Listing:
1. The Wolf
2. Manchurian Syndrome
3. Company Man
4. The Gathering Dark
5. Day Of Judgement
6. From Beyond
7. Holy War
8. El Brujo
9. Risin’ River
10. Dreams Of Milk and Honey
11. They’re Coming For You, Barbara
12. Runnin’ the Voodoo Down

Added: September 12th 2023
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 519
Language: english

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