Release Date April 10th, 2026
Format CD
Genre Dark Ambient, Ritual/Doom Metal
Origin Russia
Hailing from the frozen landscapes of Russia, Goatpsalm is a project that refuses to stay in one lane. They started out messing with industrial noise and blackened filth before settling into a funeral doom style that actually had some soul. It’s been ten years since their last record, a decade filled with the kind of personal garbage and creative walls that usually kill a band for good. Most groups would have folded, but these guys dragged themselves back into the light, or the dark, depending on how you look at it, to finally put out "Beneath".
It’s about time this thing arrived, and "Beneath" doesn’t disappoint if you want to zone out and lose your mind. This isn't your standard riff-fest; it’s more like a hallucinogenic trip through a swamp. The band mixes in ethnic sounds and a strange, trance-like energy that makes the doom elements feel heavier than just a slow tempo. They aren't following anyone else's blueprint here, opting instead for a sound that is genuinely weird and thick with atmosphere.
The songwriting on tracks like "Heart Of Damballah Wedo" and "Spit Soil" shows they haven't lost their touch during the long hiatus. The music moves with a heavy, dragging pace that fits the ritualistic vibe they are going for. The vocals are deep and distant, echoing through the layers of sound without needing to show off. It’s the kind of record that demands you sit in the dark and let the smoke fill the room while the speakers rattle.
"Veve Of Smoke And Rum" starts the descent into this madness, and by the time you reach "Exequies", the weight of the record is fully apparent. The production is thick enough to satisfy any doom fan, but it’s clear enough to hear the strange, non-metal influences creeping in at the edges. They’ve managed to capture a specific type of gloom that isn't just about being sad; it’s about being somewhere else entirely. It’s an immersive experience that proves the decade-long wait wasn't just wasted time.
While the album is a strong return, it’s a lot to take in at once. The ritualistic repetition is great for a trance, but it requires the right headspace to really appreciate the subtle shifts in "Kalbas Whispers Of Death". It’s a specialized slab of metal for people who want their doom to have some dirt and mystery under its fingernails. Goatpsalm is back, and they still don't care about playing by the rules of any specific scene.
Score: 7.0
Add comment
Comments