Spiral Grave’s Ill Repute: A Monumental Return to Doom Metal Roots
On July 12, 2024, Spiral Grave is set to release Ill Repute, an album that will surely leave a lasting impact on the doom metal landscape. This supergroup, formed from the combined talents of members from Iron Man and Lord, brings together the weighty, doom-laden power of Black Sabbath and the raw energy of Judas Priest, with touches of classic rock akin to UFO. Ill Repute isn’t just an album—it’s a statement, a tribute, and a milestone that reflects both the band’s rich history and its modern-day reinvention.
The band emerged in 2018, rising from the sorrowful disbandment of Iron Man following the passing of its legendary guitarist and founder, Al Morris III. Morris was known for his thunderous riffs and profound contributions to the doom genre, so his legacy looms large over Ill Repute. With this album, Spiral Grave steps forward to honor Morris’s memory while carving a new path forward, blending doom’s heaviness with fresh intensity.
The core lineup behind Spiral Grave brings together immense experience and dedication. The guitar work on Ill Repute, led by Iron Man’s former members, is nothing short of monumental, staying true to Morris’s classic Sabbath-inspired riffs while injecting new twists that keep listeners on their toes. The riffs are dense, brooding, and filled with a primal energy that drags you into the depths and doesn’t let go. Each track builds upon the previous, guiding listeners through an intricate maze of darkness, power, and reflection.
Lead vocals, carried by a vocalist with roots in Lord, add a unique, emotive quality that sets the album apart. His voice is strong yet vulnerable, seamlessly shifting from soaring highs to deep, resonant lows, capturing the desolation, fury, and hope that each song evokes. His lyrics delve into themes of resilience, legacy, and loss—each word is a tribute to the struggles and triumphs that have defined the band’s journey.
The rhythm section, too, is tight and unrelenting. The bass lines pulsate with a gritty edge, anchoring each song with depth and weight, while the drums create a powerful cadence that mirrors the album’s emotional landscape. The synergy between all members is palpable; there is a sense of unity and purpose that shines through each track, reflecting years of shared history and mutual respect.
Standout tracks like “Coven of Doom” and “Ashes and Echoes” showcase the band’s musical evolution, balancing haunting melodies with crushing riffs. “Coven of Doom” is a relentless storm, blending heavy riffs and piercing solos that evoke the fierce intensity of metal’s golden era. “Ashes and Echoes,” on the other hand, takes on a more melancholic tone, its haunting lyrics and emotive guitar work serving as a moving tribute to fallen heroes.
Spiral Grave’s Ill Repute is a testament to the endurance of classic metal and the power of reinvention. It’s an album made not just for Iron Man and Lord fans, but for all who crave the thunderous soundscapes and deep resonance of timeless metal. With its release, Spiral Grave stands poised to make a resounding impact, not just as a homage to the past but as a force shaping the future of doom metal.
