Vendel - Out in the Fields (2024)

4★

So, you like Candlemass? Well, what if I told you there exists not one, but TWO great epic doom bands from Russia? (This isn’t foreshadowing at all, no... why would it be...) I’m sure you’re over here flailing your arms around at such information, but yes, it’s true! One of these bands is none other than VENDEL. They have all the classic elements of great epic doom – the powerful triumphant vocals, the nasty riffs, and the blistering melodies on every song. I like to think of VENDEL more like if European power metal were slowed down and made way heavier. It just has that certain stylistic quality to it, which actually helps them stand out in a way. There is a problem with this release however, and it’s that of length. Listen, I know traditional doom bands – and especially epic doom bands – love to record long songs because they’re slow, but when you’re a newish band approaching Metallica-like album lengths, that might not bode entirely well for you. Luckily, VENDEL make up for it with their immense badassery and I highly recommend this album to anyone into power metal, doom, or anything like Manowar.

FAVORITE TRACKS: “Defender,” “Never Surrender,” “Vengeance”

FOR FANS OF: Scald, Candlemass, DoomSword

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Originally published in Aug. '24 (Issue No. 4)