Their dark form of death-doom is proof that the Finnish trio has become one of the best acts in the death-doom genre; however, the new album expands on the band’s predecessor, “The Tritonus Bell”, incorporating elements of different genres as well as heavy metal inspirations.

The sepulchral themes of this album drip a gloomy sensation, matching the menacing ghostly figures that linger in the presence of the swarming bats, and are beautifully showcased on the track “Twilight Passages“.

“Pale Masquerade” presents heavy doom metal riffs and galloping drums, balancing the lead guitar melodies and brooding synth in the background. The tracks rely on captivating rhythms and effective riffing, which are the main staples for this album. The core of the album is flawlessly heavy; you become swayed by moods of gloom, aggression, and dark melodies that create the majesty of classic death-doom standards, where the atmospheric elements are fashioned from cavernous influences.

Heavy and crushing yet melancholic, these characteristics remain chilling, studded with captivating hooks and lead guitar harmonies, which remind me of Iron Maiden.

The subtle quality of the synth and hammering drums in songs like “Portrait Without a Face” begins with a dusky atmosphere, the monstrous growling of Harri Kuokkanen, and the chunky, bulldozing riff is swathed in a crushing doom effect. The guitar work of Lasse Pyykkö and the galloping drums of Pekka Koskelo provide an extra monolithic sound; the composition meticulously changes in pacing, switching to heavy metal-oriented riffs showcasing seminal inspirations from King Diamond and Runemagick.

“Lachrymose Monuments of Obscuration” is a modern yet classic death-doom offering that can be compared to the mid-90s. Hooded Menace mastered its craft by bringing an enthralling and chilling appeal to songwriting brilliance. The emphasis clearly lies on the growls that infuse a feeling of darkness and menace, adding a gloomy, dramatic sense that slowly creeps in.

The guitar dynamics and drum paces gallop back and forth with the foreboding tone of the keyboards, which are the main highlight of several songs. Take for instance, “Daughters of Lingering Pain”, where the riffs feel like they have been pulled from the mid-era tomes of Black Sabbath and Candlemass.

The riffs are encased in chunky grooves, and pounding drum work on the album is shattering. There is no doubt that the seventh studio album is deeply rooted in classic heavy metal. Hooded Menace has mastered the art of infusing melodic death metal hooks; therefore, the guitar melodies and the growling remind me of Amorphis’ 2007 album “Silent Waters”.

“Lugubrious Dance” flows perfectly into the cavernous style of Finnish bands, combining morosely growls darkened with a dash of morbidity and the melancholy that seems to reecho the melodicism of the “Ossuarium Silhouettes Unhallowed” album.

Even the cover song “Save a Prayer” by the 80s infamous pop band Duran Duran seems to work well without losing the original and the memorable moments of this timeless classic. The melodies and atmospheric trademarks of Hooded Menace are crafted to convey a top form of performance and display a songwriting prowess in its most majestic and grandiose form.

The guitar work is fabulous and continues to glide with catchy melodies; the dark atmosphere creates a funereal mood in the macabre doom closure “Into Haunted Oblivion”.

This nine-minute monolithic track echoes influences from King Diamond, particularly from “The Eye” album; it is gloomy and profoundly dark, featuring variations. The melodies, deepest growls, and doom-laden riffs constantly alternate between different slow and heavier tempos. The riffs maintain a heavier pace with subtle touches of melodic death metal, creating an ominous and haunting passage at the end of this epic track.

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