ARTIST: SHAYTAN
TITLE: "Chapter One"
GENRE: Doom Metal
RELEASE DATE: December 15th, 2023
LABEL: Metal On Metal Records
CATALOG ID: MOMR23110
BARCODE: 8022167091105
FORMAT: CD in jewel case • 9 tracks (approx. 34 min.) • 8-page stapled booklet with lyrics, band photos and info • All full-color
TRACK LISTING:
1. Shaytan
2. Salting the Earth
3. Speaking in Tongues
4. Tabula Rasa
5. The Sleepless Eye
6. Darvaza
7. Embers Glow
8. Diaspora
9. Samsara
Total playing time: 33:56
YOUTUBE:
• "Shaytan" music video clip
• "Salting the Earth" static promo clip
OVERVIEW:
"Chapter One" is the debut album by the southwestern German doomsters SHAYTAN, though technically it's not their first release because the band was previously known as DEMON INCARNATE and have three full-lengths and one EP to their credit. However, with a recent line-up change, most notably the addition of the talented vocalist Julian who replaced their former female singer, they decided to make a fresh start with a new name. And one can certainly hear that the guys are not newbies. They deliver raw, no-bullshit traditional doom metal, dwelling mostly in mid tempos with occasional slowdowns and accelerations. With the appropriate dirt under their fingernails, they have created a sound foundation that draws from the primordial sludge of the genre pioneers like BLACK SABBATH and PENTAGRAM, but mostly '80s and '90s doom of legendary acts like TROUBLE, CANDLEMASS, SOLITUDE AETURNUS and THE OBSESSED, while also displaying strong similarities to newer purveyors of the genre, particularly NOMAD SON, KRUX, GRIEF COLLECTOR and FAMYNE. Their riffs are heavy and the songs are replete with captivating choruses, often supplemented with oriental influences. There is not a single dull moment on this album, and at a mere 34 minutes, it doesn't overstay its welcome. The warm production rounds it up perfectly, resulting in a most pleasant listening experience.
SELLING POINTS:
• The first full-length album of this German traditional doom metal band under their new name - they were formerly known as DEMON INCARNATE and released three albums and one EP between 2010 and 2022 on F.D.A. Records and Metalville.
• Recorded, mixed and mastered by Charles Greywolf at Studio Greywolf (Powerwolf, Lonewolf, Hammer King, Godslave, Gloryful, Messenger...).
• For fans of: Trouble, Nomad Son, Krux, Candlemass, Abstrakt Algebra, Famyne, Solitude Aeturnus, The Skull, Black Sabbath, The Obsessed, Pentagram, Demon Incarnate, Grief Collector, Alice in Chains...
Cover by Ralf Gädicke (www.26ink.de).
