On The Living Waters, Solitude Aeturnus's Robert Lowe lends his distinctive vocals to Last Chapter's trippy psychedelic doom metal. Some say Lowe is one of metal's greatest vocalists, possessing a powerful clean style that captures the majesty and epic might to which the genre is capable of rising. Last Chapter is fortunate to have him on the mike, even if it's only temporary. He strays from his previous style a bit by occasionally experimenting with some weird shaky vocals, but his dominating presence still makes Last Chapter seem like a slower, less progressive Solitude Aeturnus.
Whether they're plodding along with leaden guitars or spacing out with strange retro-horror acid trip instrumentals, the whole album feels like an IV pumping you full of sedatives, with--bear with me here--the occasional surge of adrenaline at more up-tempo moments (like the penetrating of a new needle), then the gradual weighing down of your head as the grinding grooves trod through your veins, until your heart is barely beating and your chin is nodding slightly on your chest. What a cool effect.
In the same manner as classic doom masters Trouble did in the '80s, Last Chapter writes poetic lyrics that borrow imagery from Biblical notions of humanity's depravity, final judgment, and mournful hope for salvation. Regardless of whether they actually believe their lyrical inspiration or not, they explore some spiritual thoughts in solemn poetry beyond the capabilities of most "Christian" metal bands. "Coma Crowd" seems to capture the sorrow of a lonely believer surrounded by lost friends:
Your friends are here to celebrate a serpent's choice.
Only yourself, left with the tears.
While "In the Wake of Delusion" describes a new believer heeding the voice of God:
cleansed with the news I traveled far
seeking the voice that was calling in silence
the sounding trumpets ring
whisper the truth of eternal
"Thing to Come" concludes the album with:
the time has come
for all of us to tell a friend
father promises us shelter
from our sins
Again, it's not clear whether Last Chapter is just borrowing Christian imagery for its mysteriousness, as the likes of Black Sabbath, Trouble, and Solitude Aeturnus have done in the past, or if they truly believe it. They are not especially known for their beliefs. Amid much weirdness, apocalyptic phrasing, and excellent heaviness of heart and sound, however, you can clearly find the gospel on The Living Waters.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #74Reviewed by Doug Van PeltHere's some tasty metal. Mixing some progressive songwriting with the simple sonics of power metal, this band creates a cool blend. Fans of both Savatage and Solitude Aeturnus will find something to enjoy here. To order, send $15 to: Rugged Cross Connections, c/o Matt Hunt, PO Box 250, Keokuk IA 52632The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Joe RockstrohLast Chapter has an interesting sound going on--part groove and part progressive. Almost every song has a solid head-banging element running through it, which goes surprisingly well with the soaring vocals. The band strays from traditional metal by cultivating a doom-like atmosphere throughout the album, which fits in well with the intelligent lyrics. Take "Thorn of Creation," for example: the…Similar sounding releases
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