Album Review: Gévaudan – Litost (Self Released)

Gévaudan are a UK Doom metal band influenced by the likes of Candlemass, Goatsnake, Black Sabbath and Electric Wizard. They deliver heavy, crushing riffs and much like the fearsome historic tale that provides their namesake, the band’s live set creates an atmosphere of dread and gloom.

The four piece formed through 2013 with a desire to write heavy original music, the band comprises of Adam Pirmohamed (vox), Bruce Hamilton, (Guitar), Andy Salt (Bass) and David Himbury (Drums). The band give a thunderous live delivery, taking their pound of flesh from their audiences by the time they reach the end of their set.

This mini-album opens with Waste Eternal, a gorgeous doom-laden track. The vocals are a bit unexpected showing the Black Sabbath influences. It’s a really good with some lovely guitar work & the melodic finish is beautiful.

The Ninth Circle is so good, a doomy background with desperate sounding vocals. There is some really interesting stuff going on and it is an addictive listen. The 9 minute length just flies by & you’ll be instantly hitting repeat.

It’s a pity that Lord of Decay doesn’t have quite the same punch at least at the start. About half way through then we get some exciting guitar riffage & soloing. Here the psychedelic effects that pop up here & there are much more on point & it ends with some excitingly unexpected death metal vocals.

Overall Track List:

1. Wastes Eternal
2. The Ninth Circle
3. Lord of Decay

Litost is a satisfying listen that is just short of greatness but you won’t be disappointed if you’re a fan of Sabbath infused doom. The mini-album is released on 23rd November 2016.

Gévaudan are band to watch and you can check them out here as well as pick up their music & some merch. Check out a live video of Lord of Decay here on YouTube.

We’d like to thank the band for providing us with an advance copy of the mini-album for review purposes.