Mezarkabul
Unspoken (CD) 2001 Noise
A Turkish fan sent me this tape with the question: 'Is Mezarkabul a doom band?' The answer to this question is quite simple: 'no, it's not a doom-metal band'. It's rather a bold mix of heavy metal with authentic oriental influences and even the occassional progressive touch. And, I must add, it's great for its kind. The Turkish band Mezarkabul has been around for quite some years. In the past they have been known as Pentagram, but they had to change their name because it's already used by the -famous in old-school doom circles- US band. Together with Orphaned Land (from which they differ by their use of power metal vocals instead of grunts and growls) it's one of the few metal bands I know which manage to introduce authentic oriental influences in their sound without losing the power and heaviness which is required in the metal genre. The occassional doomy riff, like f.i. in 'In Esir like an eagle' or in the stunning, heavy traditional outro 'For those who died alone', embellishes the tracks, adding a particular flavour which can be very tasty for doom fans. Also the fact that the pace of most tracks ranges from mid-tempo to slow, is another factor that should be taken in consideration by adorers of slow, genuine metal. All in all, if you like traditional heavy metal and/or power metal but expect something more than your typical cheese factor which seems to be the trademark of the genre, you can be sure that Mezarkabul offers quality and a self-willed approach which makes them stand out from the grey masses.	1. We come from nowhere 2. In Esir like an eagle 3. Unspoken 4. For the one unchanging 5. Mezarkabul (instr) 6. Take my time 7. Pain 8. Purity 9. This too will pass 10. For those who died alone (instr) Approx. -- minutes
Reviewed by: Kostas Panagiotou