This debut from Swedish doom/trad metal crew VOID MOON is admirable in its rawness, even if that's also the same thing that takes away from the listening experience, creating a metallic situation that is as frustrating as it is enjoyable. While tracks like 'Through The Gateway' are great examples of upbeat doom-tinged trad metal, true longhair glory is always a few steps out of reach due to glaring oddities like drum beats that stray off time and a production quality that sounds more '80s than modern. Now, these are usually qualities that old-school types drool over, but for some reason it's distracting in the case of Void Moon: it's a bit too clunky, a bit too sloppy. But then minutes later, all is forgiven as the sounds of dudes who worship at the altar of SOLITUDE AETURNUS is just so earnest you gotta hoist an ale to 'em. I think once they get a bit tighter, it'll be easier to enjoy; album two will be a delight, I have no doubt. So, a little rough around the edges, but I fully support what these guys are doing.
