Review THE RUINS OF BEVERAST “Tempelschlaf”

Quantity and quality — both are present on “Tempelschlaf”, the new album from The Ruins Of Beverast. “Tempelschlaf” is the seventh album from Alexander von Meilenwald, the mastermind behind The Ruins Of Beverast.

Nearly five years after releasing “The Thule Grimoires,” Meilenwald presents seven new songs that continue the journey through dark sounds and sonic morbidity. The title track opens the album, kicking off a one-hour musical journey. “Tempelschlaf,” the song, is a ten-minute epic that embodies what makes The Ruins Of Beverast exceptional. While there are some frantic parts, the song as a whole is more of a doom-laden behemoth that bridges bands like Fields of the Nephilim and Type O Negative. It’s important to note that the spirit of these two bands resonates more than their music through this mighty start to the album.

“Day of the Proacher” starts faster and reflects some of the blackened metal roots embedded in The Ruins of Beverast’s music. Furious moments compete with atmospheric passages, as in the middle of the track. These twists and musical nuances define the gloomy spirit of the song and the album.

The beginning of “Cathedral of Bleeding Statue” fits into this context as well. It’s a calmer beginning that transforms into an atmospheric segment, which continues even when Meilenwald’s guttural vocals join this somber milestone.

After such a multifaceted song, “Alpha Fluids” brings back raging extreme metal, building on speed without relying solely on it. The interplay between the fast pace and clean vocals is great, emphasized by the barking outbursts that act as a common thread throughout.

“Babel, You Scarlet Queen” is a fast-paced riff marathon with excellent breaks. Then, the atmospheric element of The Ruins Of Beverast returns with “Last Theatre of the Sea”. The latter is a dark, eerie song exuding despair and a sinister vibe.

With “The Carrion Cocoon,” the album closes with a 13-minute track that showcases the full range of The Ruins Of Beverast. It begins somberly and calmly, drawing you into this wistful masterpiece. You will find yourself drifting away into the soundscapes that “The Carrion Cocoon” opens up. It’s a dark place, and it grows more intense with each passing minute. The song becomes heavier as the musical maelstrom intensifies, yet the basic motif remains.

“Tempelschlaf” is a versatile extreme metal masterpiece. Blackened, dark, and doom metal are blended into a sinister mix that captivates from start to finish. Paired with Meilenwald’s boundless creativity, “Tempelschlaf” is The Ruins Of Beverast’s next pivotal release.