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Wheel is a Doom Metal band and this is their self-titled debut. Contrary to most of the new bands of the genre, they play a brand of doom metal that is vintage without going into that annoying Black Sabbath wannabe territory. That doesn't mean that you can't hear their influence, but it doesn't dominate their sound as it happens to so many bands. Speaking of which, I can also hear other bands in Wheel's sound like Solitude Aeturnus and Candlemass. Obviously, they proudly show those influences and in the process they made a pretty cool album.

That is because they keep things interesting. For a doom band, they have a lot of variety in their sound and I didn't feel like I was listening to the same song ten times in a row. Every track with the exception of the disappointing closer has a high point that you'll remember long after the album is over. Another thing that I really like about them is that every instrument is loud and given room to shine. A clear example of this is the prominence of Marcus Grabowski's bass (especially his solos) and because of it, the songs are a whole lot better.

With this self-titled effort, Wheel have managed to grab me from the first listen, something rare for a doom band. The main reasons that I can't give it a higher score are because this isn't very original material and also "Entrance Into the White Light" is a dragging song and is way too long for its own good. However, the rest of the material is so well executed that I didn't mind very much. In the end I feel like this is how Doom Metal is supposed to be played. With tracks like "My Love Departed", "Mills of God" and "Ethereal Sleep", Wheel will be a welcome new addition to many fans' collection.