Apologies, this was meant to be out before release day, but real life got in the way… Hutch takes a listen to the brand new album by those Northern lads… Damnation’s Hammer

Never a band to rush things, it’s been six years since Lancashire metallers Damnation’s Hammer brought us their sophomore release Unseen Planets, Deadly Spheres. The time is ripe for the quartet to return to shake the earth, which they do with some force on Into the Silent Nebula.

Aided by an excellent production courtesy of Mark Mynett, who also was key to Unseen Planets, this album also features a brief spoken word part from Aaron Stainthorpe of My Dying Bride. Later, we get a brief flirtation with Rotting Christ main man Sakis, who quotes the title track. 

Whilst the band are versed in the unholy triumvirate of death / doom / groove, there’s plenty more here to appeal to the wider, open-minded metal head. It’s impossible not to nod along to the opener Sutter Cane, or Do Not Disturb the Watchmaker, both drenched with disgustingly heavy riffs that fall like slabs from the sky. Tim Preston’s guttural vocal delivery matches the band’s overall darkness, whilst the band present as a cohesive unit that are in harmony from the opening notes through to the death throes of The Moon and The Waters of Death. Preston’s style isn’t going to be appreciated by everyone, but few who hear this album can argue about how his vocals work perfectly. 

Central to the album is the masterpiece Outpost 31. Based on the 1982 classic The Thing, it’s a cinematic magnum opus that features none other than Darkthrone’s Fenriz who provides the voice of the helicopter pilot. An animated video promises to put visuals alongside this eight-minute track that is propelled forward by a driving riff that chugs along. Fenriz’s delivery adds just a little bit of extra darkness. 

Into the Silent Nebula is an album that demands repeated listens to appreciate it. The glorious sludgy swamp of the title track causes discomfort with its ragged edged time changes, and echoing, Floyd / VoiVod hybrid approach. The pummelling riffs and drums are relentless, and the whole chaos of the song adds to the overall effects. Damnation’s Hammer are comfortable throwing in the gargantuan instrumental The Silent Nebula to partner the title track. It’s a meandering, blues-soaked ride, dominated by the sinister, purring bass line of Jamie Fowler. It provides a slowing down of the ride yet doesn’t take anything away from the overall vibe of the album. Ady Fernell’s fuzzed up lead work is impressive, catching the ear as he eases his way through the four-minute track. 

Unafraid of shaking things up a little, penultimate track Hex IV is a short soundscape that comes at you from left field, features the heartbeat of Preston’s daughter, and the organic sounds of the solar system. The crunching finale sees The Moon and The Waters of Death dominated by huge riffs that could crush bones. It’s harrowing, unconventional, with more unorthodox changes, but works oh so well. 

An album that could shake buildings, Into the Silent Nebula has been worth the wait. Get it, stream it, but make sure you listen to it. 

Silent Nebula is out now (released Sept 15th) on Massacre Records