The Slow Death - The Slow Death (2008)

Previously on OPIUM HUM:
The Slow Death - II (2012)

First album from this phenomenal death/doom trio. Beauty and the beast vocals, strings pads, harmonized leads, and five very long songs. Lyrically, The Slow Death appears to be a concept album about a traveller who, upon returning home, mistakenly infects literally everyone in town with the Black Plague. Overall, it's about as good as this subgenre gets, so fans of My Dying Bride, early Theatre of Tragedy, Shape of Despair, etc. -- get on it.

Track listing:
1. The Prodigal Son
2. Sickness
3. The Slow Death
4. Grave
5. Dark Days

And all who live are soon to die
The doctors of black shroud and beaked face
Soldiers and servants, the sinners and chaste
The miasma lingers, the evil air
Permeates every alley, every house, every room

The Slow Death - II (2012)

First-rate, epic doom metal from Australia. On II, The Slow Death strike an excellent balance between gorgeous, shimmering melodies and crushing heaviness. Generous use of chiming clean guitars, pianos and other keyboards, and "beauty and the beast" vocals. Don't worry, the clean female vocals are mostly in a mid-to-low octave, avoiding the frilly, faux operatic leanings and pitch problems that have ruined so many otherwise great bands.

Track listing:
1. The Long March
2. Empty Places
3. To Your Fate
4. Reflections in Shattered Glass
5. Reclaimed by Dust

Twisted shapes swathed in keloidal scars
Misshapen forms seeking for shelter
For nourishment in endless desolation
Like the final trickle of a distant flood
We are putrid remnants, stained by the endless miles.