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Year of the Goat, a band that wears its love of all things Lucifer on its collective sleeve, doesn't play raw Black Metal or ultra-gory Death Metal, as the name might imply. Rather, Angels' Necropolis, the band's full-length debut, is full of an atmospheric 60s/70s throwback style of Hard Rock/Heavy Metal. The guitars, which feature minimal effects, are picked as often as they are strummed and that gives the music an air of melancholy. The vocals are drenched in echo, further enhancing the old-school feel. Even though much of Angels' Necropolis is played at a brisk tempo, the anti-Christian lyrics, gloomy melodies and aforementioned production values give the album an overall dark feel. To these ears, a combination of Jess and the Ancient Ones modern-yet-retro sound, Swedish countrymen Ghost's over-the-top lyrical imagery and a nod to early Pink Floyd sums up the experience of listening to Angels' Necropolis. The caveat would be the songwriting. "Angels' Necropolis" and "Thin Lines of Broken Hopes" are good but neither as enthralling as Pink Floyd nor as insanely catchy as Ghost.

Year of the Goat isn't going to be for everyone, as they lean heavily toward the Hard Rock end of the spectrum. But, if you make room in your playlist for 70s-influenced Hard Rock/Heavy Metal, as I do, Angels' Necropolis is worth a listen.