Review PAGAN ALTAR “Never Quite Dead”

Pagan Altar is a band with a longer history that goes back to 1978 when the band was formed. After a split in 1986, the band reunited in 2004 and has been quite active ever since. In the second era, Pagan Altar released four longplayers and the latest one “Never Quite Dead” has just hit the shelves.

With roots in the late 70s and driven by founding member Alan Jones, Pagan Altar represents the sound of early NWoBHM. The latest release features eight songs, beginning with the anthemic “Saints & Sinners. It is a vigorous start with a vintage spirit and it feels like going back in time, in a good way. It’s a warm and organic sound that leaves you wanting more.

The following “Liston Church” follows the same roots and is darker than the opener. The song exudes a mystical vibe with Brendan Radigan’s vocals being an important factor and it is the following “Madame M’Rachel” that takes the musical approach to the next level. The tune is rather quiet while it is Radigan’s vocals that tell the story with musical support that intensifies the narrative.

Anchored in occult doom, “Well of Despair” slowly creeps into your mind. Pagan Altar have the ability to create a special atmosphere with their music that will captivate you. While not blasting out riffs and screams, the band finds a subtle way to create an emotional connection that sometimes leaves the listener with a pleasant feeling of discomfort.

Doom metal inspired “The Dead’s Last March” crawls out of the speakers before a short interlude called “Westbury Express” introduces “Kismet”.

“Kismet” is the nine-minute closer of the album and shows the eerie beauty of Pagan Altar’s music. We are back to a slower song that creates a great atmosphere. It’s a melancholic song; a heavy-hearted melody that reflects the weight people have to carry through life.

Pagan Altar’s new effort is an album that brings the sound of the early days of rock and metal into today’s world. It is an intense and emotionally impactful record with songs that connect to your heart and soul. It’s a gloomy album with a few rays of sunshine, and it’s the entirety of this release that reflects the importance of the emotional aspect of music.