If I was better with rhetoric, I would write this review in a slow cadence with unstressed syllables in an attempt to convey the melancholy and slowness of this album. But, I’m not good enough and I’m sure it wouldn’t come across well in the German translation.

I was not looking forward to listening to this album when I first saw the band’s name. SKUMRING (Norwegian for “Twilight,” much better than it sounds in English!) was formed in 2004, recorded a demo the same year that landed them a deal with Aftermath Music, and unleashed this immense slab of Doom on the world in 2005. Try to not be crushed by its awesome might and weight! Try to not be drawn in by its majestic sorrow! Try and fail!

But there is beauty in despair, and I don’t mean just because there’s an angelic female vocalist (Cecilie Langley, also of the Norwegian APHELION), but also because of the incredible melodies lead-guitarist Vàli is able to conjure from his instrument. As rhythm-guitarist Ole slowly cuts down his wrist with massive riffs, Vàli longingly strums an acoustic guitar or coaxes a beautiful harmony that lets us know that no, it won’t be alright. It’s this melody that really vaults SKUMRING toward the zenith of Doom. Knut Kirkevold (no longer with the band) somehow manages to keep time on the drums against overwhelming odds.

There are moments of experimentation—they actually pick up the tempo about a third of the way through the track "De Glemte Tider“ ("The Forgotten Times,“ I think), even getting a double bass roll, but that doesn’t last long, especially when you realize that’s out of a nearly 19 minute run time. The songs are long—"Søvn“ is the shortest at 12:35, though it’s also my pick for the best. Not that the other two are bad.

This is the best Doom record I’ve heard in a long time and one of the few bands besides AGALLOCH that makes me think there’d be something cathartic in dying in a blizzard. No, they aren’t sound alikes by any means, but that’s the sort of atmosphere you’ll get. There’s hope even in this crushing sorrow.

For fans of THE 3RD AND THE MORTAL, THE MIST AND THE MORNING DEW (Cecilie sounds a lot like Veera Muhli to my ears) and maybe VIRGIN BLACK, if you like their more stripped down parts. Good luck getting a copy, as the initial run in October was limited to 1000. (Online March 29, 2006)