A brilliant album indeed.

The first time I heard the music of Year Of The Goat, was when retired Reviews Ed Paul Jerome Smith played their last album 'Angels Necropolis' to me at his house. I sat there mesmerized as I listened to this band who turned out not to be a wall of metallic noise (their music was described in the record company bio as Gothic Occult Metal) but instead a subtle blending of Doom Rock and early Blue Oyster Cult.

Ever since that day, YOTG have been on my Rock radar and as soon as this new release came up on the review schedule, I immediately grabbed it. What I find so entrancing about YOTG's music is that even though it has an epic and grandiose feel, it is also so easily accessible and engrossing that, from beginning to the end, the listener cannot help but be captivated by what they are hearing.

Opening the album with the twelve minute 'All He Has Read' is a stroke of genius because if you haven't heard this band's music before, then this one song capture's the pure essence of what YOTG are all about. The majestic guitars, bass and Mellotron intricately weave their heavy and darkly ominous melodies throughout the songs length, whilst the rich sumptuous vocals of Thomas Sabbathi (the star of the show) work their devilish magic on you. Then you progress further and delve deeper into the album, you'll find yourself leaning forward in your seat, truly excited to hear what this band will do next.

'Pillars Of The South' has superb guitar work that is reminiscent of Donald 'Buck' Dharma' at his best whilst the up-tempo 'Vermin', is, for a Doom band, very catchy and melodic with strong harmonies and hooks; this is about as poppy as YOTG get. Due to word limits I only have space left to mention the superb 'Black Sunlight' which, for me, is easily the best song on the album. It has a huge chorus, some stellar musicianship and the song's intensity is so potent that it's wonderful to revisit and enjoy time and time again.

Year Of The Goat might not be a name on every Fireworks readers (and writers) lips but they deserve to be. Why? Well because they make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck and give you that tingle down your spine when you listen to their music, which always tells you that you're listening to something that is amazing; a brilliant album indeed.

Ian Johnson