Epic, crushing doom metal—Samothrace delves into the lowest depths of despair, and emerges triumphant. These Seattleites (by way of Kansas City) have made us wait six long years for their next album, and god damn was it worth the wait. These two massive songs writhe and pulsate gradually, like a dragon roused from its slumber, only to roar with grandiose energy. This might be THE metal album of the year—IT’S THAT FUCKING GOOD, in my not-at-all humble opinion. For fans of YOB, Ramesses, Ahab, et al. No excuses, you fucking wimp—this is FCC clean.

1. (14:20) slow crawling sludge emerges from some foggy feedback, charges headlong into an epic dirge with some fantastic lead guitar work.
2. (20:29) starts right off with the DOOM (some great Iommi-esque soloing) then eases off into some sparse post-rock wanderings before crescendoing into fucking epic badassery again.