• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

This is a split between a couple of bands with different styles, both from New England. Mourn the Light is a doom band that combines the Candlemass style of doom (they cover "Bewitched" on the release) with a '90s songwriting influence. Their songs have that slow (though not plodding) pace and strong, pulsing riffs of the Swedish legends but the choruses sound like they would fit on an Alice in Chains record. They try for something different on "Carry the Flame", featuring piano and vocals, but it takes far too long to build up to its conclusion and wears out its welcome well before then. The Candlemass cover is fine. Oxblood Forge is more of a stoner band and I don't hate the riffs but can live without the screaming vocals. Neither of their songs leave much of a positive impression. I don't want to discourage young bands but there isn't anything on this split that hasn't been heard before.