Here we are with a new work by Doomcult, the solo project of Dutchman J.G. Arts. Life Must End also contains the three tracks included in the Ashes ep, which is obviously an indicator of the stylistic continuity of this musician’s work. Also in this case, then, we find an essential doom but not devoid of interesting ideas, to which is missing the support of a voice more incisive or otherwise more suited to the genre than the snarl fielded by Arts. It must be said, however, that it is certainly preferable to this option rather than a clean voice uncertain and lacking in nerve because, at least, this choice while not optimal ensures an adequate impact to the need. In general, Life Must End is a work that confirms in full the impressions given by the three tracks of Ashes, of which Black Fire is the peak with its more evocative tones: Arts proposes the music he loves the most without too many frills or particular counterfeits and this already is not little. Obviously, this is not enough to make Doomcult a name that will be remembered in a few decades, but it is enough to gain the appreciation of the fans of the genre. In general, the songs have the merit of possessing the right groove to maintain a good level of attractiveness, both when the rhythms become a little more pressing, and when they slow down in deference to the spirit of doom more authentic (remarkable the final Deathwish, ideal manifesto of the project of Arts judging by the self-quotation). In short, Doomcult won’t end up in the rare books dedicated to doom (and in those few they don’t even mention bands that would deserve whole chapters) but they are a stimulating alternative to the usual names, both for fans of the genre in its most classic form and for those oriented to its extreme side.

2018 – Loneravn Records 2019 – Narcoleptica Productions