Pantheist – Pantheist

Releasedate: 01-04-2011; Label: Grau Records
By: Sabine van Gameren

Pantheist is a Funeral Doom band from Belgium origin, but are re-located to the UK. They formed in 2000 and have released three full lengths before “Pantheist” was born.

Doom, with a decent tempo and quite some vocals. It reminded me to the Australian band The Eternal and that seems to make sense as they have been on the same label in the past. The guys have included some strings in their music which may be quite present compared to the what their original line up brings, but also brings in a mellow atmosphere. When half way some heavier vocals get introduced the moods get darker.
Pantheist surprises by not always choosing the most obvious paths. Also they have created a thick sound, which makes the album one that leaves an impression afterwards. Their strength is in the combining of the keys with the other instruments. Often changing the lead makes it very playful. They are standing on the edge of it though. Sometimes a little too much lead for the keys, barely changing it in time to avoid the crossing of the border where it starts to get annoying.
Overall quite a nice release, pleasant to listen to but not everyone finds their joy in it as it has quite long instrumental parts and some might like their doom a bit darker. One worth trying though.

Line Up:
Aleksej – Bass
Kostas – Vocals, keyboards
Pepijn – Guitars
Sterghios – Drums

Tracklist: 01. One of these funerals 02. Broken statue 03. The storm 04. Be here 05. 4:59 06. Brighter days 07. Live through me

Links:
Pantheist Facebook
Pantheist Official