An obscure classic of Epic Doom Metal: Altar of Oblivion's Sinews of Anguish
Altar of Oblivion is a band I discovered through some of their main hits including "Salvation" and "Graveyard of Broken Dreams" until I decided to dig further. Without dismissing later albums and especially the latest "In the Cesspit of Divine Decay" (2024) which kind of inspired me to dig further, I will talk about their debut album "Sinews of Anguish" (2009).
Altar of Oblivion market themselves by emphasizing their similarity (or perhaps their being fans of) bands like Candlemass and Solitude Aeturnus, two giants of the genre. In my view, Altar's music is definitely inspire yet distinctly different from those bands. Their music has a distinct character, the music sometimes strikes as peculiar and is certainly not an attempt to copycat, there is I believe an obvious Mercyful Fate influence (unsurprising as they are both Danish and MF also inspired Candlemass in many ways, notably Messiah). I found in this album a great effort that perhaps with a more commercial label would reach similar heights to the bands they adore.
The songs is this album really encapsulate doom musically and lyrically. For a non-native English band, the lyrics are extremely well written. Religious absurdity, faulty aspirations and powerlessness in front of organized systems of oppression take center stage. The music is heavy, with a touch of melody and groove, Mercyful Fate-style guitar solo interludes, haunting melodies, occasional orchestral elements, immersive atmosphere and deep operatic vocals that could not fit epic doom metal better.
It has impressed this fan of Candlemass, Paradise Lost and Agalloch. In a way, it reminds me of all three, but standing proudly on its own feet.
Have you listened to this album? What's your take?
Posted Dec 29, 2025, 7:59 PM UTC