THE GATES OF SLUMBER - The Gates Of Slumber LP (Transparent Dark Blue Vinyl)

The Gates of Slumber’s sixth full-length may have a simple presentation in its self-titling and snappy thirty-five minutes length, but there’s still a fair amount to unpack here. In addition to this being their first album since 2011’s The Wretch, the lineup alongside vocalist/guitarist Karl Simon is a neat mix of old and new as early member Chuck Brown returns for drum duties while Steve Janiak takes up bass in place of Jason McCash (RIP). It was nigh unthinkable for them to come back after everything they’d endured across their initial run but it’s also intriguing to see what sort of doom they’ll bring to the table.

There’s a very ‘what you see is what you get’ sort of veneer on The Gates of Slumber’s self-titled comeback, but it never feels like the band sounds too plain or plays it too safe. Its displays of workman traditional doom are certainly in line with what they’ve done before but the songwriting feels even more bitter while the extra vocals give it a unique flair. It’s ultimately true to the band’s long-standing ethos, seemingly come full circle but also suggesting room for future development. It’s not an exact replica but it sure feels like a solid homecoming.