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Doom metal is one of the several sub-genres of metal and it is defined by it’s slower tempo, “thick” guitar, and the use of darker sounding keys/notes. Many consider Black Sabbath to be the start of the genre. Other great doom metal acts have included Witchfinder General and Pagan Altar. Now out of Northampton, MA, rides Black Pyramid.

Black Pyramid reminds the world that doom metal isn’t about simplicity, it’s about the whole sound. There have been many a doom metal band that thought they could get away with the single note riffs just because Sabbath managed to do it for a couple of songs. Not so with Black Pyramid. They play what one would think of as more “traditional” metal passages, but at a slower speed.

The band is made up of Andy Beresky on guitar and vocals, Gein on bass, and Clay Neely on drums. Andy’s guitar playing sounds like a very downtuned Iommi. The bass playing is what you would expect from a doom metal band: amazing. Gein knows how to hold everything together when the guitar takes off to solo. Clay’s drumming is fantastic, and I might get some hell for this, but I’ll say it anyway: As good, if not better, than early 70’s Bill Ward. Andy’s vocals reminds me of Ozzy, J.D. Cronise of The Sword, and Brann Dailor of Mastodon. It’s higher pitched at times, and sounds strained, which adds to the atmosphere of the songs.

I’m glad we finally have a doom metal band that is worthy to carry the banner. These guys are on the brink of something huge, and it’s going to be fun following them for the next several years.

Take a listen below and tell me what you think.

Thank you @drumminjoez for finding these guys for me!