Time Signature A ghost story...

Genre: dark rock / doom metal

Having released their debut album in 2011 and since relocated to Sweden and added local talents to their ranks, Hands of Orlac released their second full-length album "Figli del Crepuscolo" in November this year.

Taken a retrospective perspective, the album combines doom metal and traditional metal, adding a hint of dark rock as well, and is as such not a "pure" doom metal album (if there is such a thing). That said, 'Burning' is a bona fide doom metal track with heavy beats and oppressively dark guitar figures, accompanied by a quirky almost progressive bridge; 'A Ghost Story' and 'Mill of the Stone Women' are also more of an all out doom metal track The remaining tracks on the album are also pretty good, combining melody and darkness, and they are characterized by solid drives, such s the stomping feel of 'A Coin in the Heart' and the traditional metal drive of 'Noctua' and 'The Last Drop'.

The production is pretty good, as is the musicianship. The Sorceress' introverted chanting vocals suit the dark music perfectly and adds a feel of occultism to the overall impression that the album makes. As hinted at, there is a slight progressive feel to the album, and The Sorceress' use of the flute also generates a sense of dark psychedelia.

Fans of occult rock and dark rock as well as the creepier variety of traditional metal should definitely check this album out, as should fans of old school doom metal.