Heavy Lord
The Holy Grail (CD) 2004 None
From Hellevoetsluis, the Netherlands, hails the Heavy Lord. The Heavy Lord loves sludge, and the Heavy Lord loves DOOM. That's basically all you need to know about this fine self-released piece of work. But those two words probably aren't enough to convince everyone, so allow me to clarify the matter. Heavy Lord is a young four-piece that dedicates its music to the gods of DOOM, which include Electric Wizard and Crowbar. That this is a suitable dedication quickly becomes clear when one hears this album. Quite simply these are six songs that brim with energy and, above all, heaviness. The themes, the riffs, the vocals, the grooviness, it's all there. The songs contain great riffs, interesting tempo changes (headbanging is compulsory!) and highly varied vocals. The last thing is emphasized by the appearance of Thee Plague of Gentlemen's Steve McMillan as guest vocalist on 'Fuck The Shining Sun' (in case you were wondering what F.T.S.S. stood for, there you have it). This is no clone band, this simply a band doing a good thing, and that is operating within a tradition that is loved by a good few, instead of trying to follow a certain trend or movement within metal or music in general. As such, this is highly underground stuff, but nevertheless the album has a good sound quality for a self-release. And, I may say it often, but this is one of those bands you'd have to see live to fully appreciate. In short, this is nothing too spectacular or innovating, but it is definitely great music for those who have a taste for Doom in the vein of aforementioned bands and also bands like Unearthly Trance or Warhorse. These people will certainly not be disappointed by The Holy Grail and I warmly recommend this release.	1. The Holy Grail 2. Dope Smoking Days 3. Magician of Black Chaos 4. Baphomets March 5. Gods of DOOM 6. F.T.S.S. Approx. 56 minutes
Reviewed by: Oscar Strik
From Cosmos To Chaos (CD) 2006 Solitude Productions
As you can read in my review of 'The Holy Grail', I was pretty impressed with Dutch doomsters Heavy Lord. Well, that feeling seems to be right on the spot, as I'm impressed once again with this new release, which is scheduled for release in March 2006 by fledgling doom label Solitude Productions from Russia. In a way, this album is more of the same, when compared to the first album. But 'From Cosmos to Chaos' is a significant step forward as well. The four guys from Heavy Lord are firmly in the driver's seat, so to speak, as this album sounds more confident and professional than the last one. A pretty big development in a short time. The production has improved greatly, without losing any amount of the grim heaviness that was present on the first disc. The music, like I said, is still raw, sluggish and, above all, heavy. Sabbathy goodness, but with those 30+ years of doom evolution thrown in for good measure. Heavy Lord sound scarily up to date, while still having the spunk to appeal to the more traditionally minded. Each of the five songs is a mix of low, dirty riffs, some calm and brooding parts (the beginning of 'While Empires Burn' comes to mind) and some severe acceleration thrown in for good measure. Any doomster worth his title will catch himself banging at least several times during these 41 minutes. So, go out and get yourself some of this, is what I'd say. This is very decent underground heaviness for those who can't get enough of that creamy center of doom: the riffin'. Recommended for lovers of traditional and modern heaviness.	1. Elephaunt 2. Scorpion Sting 3. The Ego Has Landed 4. One Is A Billion 5. While Empires Burn Approx. 41 minutes
Reviewed by: Oscar Strik