Rorcal - Heliogabalus

Heliogabalus is a lot of things but the undisputable facet of this effort is its ferocity and intensity. This is the Swiss doom/sludge outfit Rorcal’s 2nd full length album, and also the follow up to three EPs, one of which was 2007’s The Way We Are, The Way We Were, The Way We Will Be and it’s more than worth your attention

Heliogabalus is a one track effort, clocking in at an impressive 70 minutes and 33 seconds. It’s an extensive listen that’ll leave the listener weary as often the finest of doom records do, or should do. Whereas before Rorcal songs (like that of 'Seven Suns') had some pace, here all has been slowed to a snail’s pace with the cataclysmic guitars being mostly sludgey, riding on a whirring and droning bed.

The vocals are corrosively gnawing away throughout the din as colossal, tectonic plate shifting riffs crush and crush repeatedly. It creates possibly one of the most dank, harrowing atmospheres you may hear on record this year. Atmosphere is the key, remember that, and Heliogabalus has it in vast spades.

At the 46 minute mark in particular, gloriously buzzing guitars taking centre stage which pulsates viciously ‘til the end.

This record is daring but it isn’t Rorcal’s finest hour when compared to previous outings. But with foresight, and Heliogabalus as an indication, the finest hour is yet to come.

7/10