Reviewed by Ian Webber

Unapologetically doom laden, this fifth album from these Swiss metallers follows a similar path to many of their previous releases. Lumbering and menacing guitar work underpins most tracks and provides backing for Matt Brand's tortured, gurgling vocals. Pylon never stray too far away from a monolithic plod, but hope pervades the album in the form of scriptural lyrics. "Psalm 139a" and "b" place paarts of the Psalm to some throbbing riffs. Britain's Ian Arkley, of Seventh Angel and My Silent Wake, makes a guest appearance during the latter of these, picking up the lead guitar. The overall feel of this recording is slightly dated with a muffled '80s production and style of arrangement. "Returnal Etern" is a progressive epic that clocks in at well over 10 minutes and the cover of "Paranoid" nods towards the influences of Candlemass and Black Sabbath on their music. This track is virtually unrecognisable from the original, slowed right down and drawn out. Pylon are obviously skilled within their genre and will appeal to fans of classic metal, but in order to enjoy the finer points of 'The Harrowing Of Hell' you will have to get past the dated production.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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