Hamish Glencross might be one of the best unsung workhorse musicians in the British doom scene, which, now that I’ve typed that sentence out, sounds like a very specific niche that only one person can fill, but you know how it is with bands. People, especially at the highest of caliber, tend to bounce in and out of each other’s spheres quite a bit. Hence, Glencross is best known for his tenure in My Bloody Valentine, but also for stints in Vallenfyre and Solstice. Godthrymm, Glencross’ newest project and one he acts as the figurehead of, seeks to build upon this legacy with their sophomore release Distortions.
Distortions is not just Godthrymm’s second release, but it is also the second installment in what Glencross calls his “Visions” trilogy, initially begun with 2020’s Reflections and continuing with the already-in-production Projections (release TBD). Where Distortions branches off from its predecessor is in the compositions. “I absolutely wanted to create a much more layered and complex arrangement in the sound,” says Glencross. “Totally amping up the contrasts to the extreme…we wanted a total progression in the production and more class and clarity in the sound, as opposed to Reflections, which could get quite dense in tone.” Adding levity and variety to the compositions is Hamish’s wife, Catherine Glencross, who lays down keyboards and dual lead vocals with her husband. The couple are backed up by “Sasquatch” Bob Crolla on bass and Glencross’ frequent collaborator Shaun Taylor-Steele on drums. In all respects, Distortions is an advancement of the sound that they collectively have been building and performing for years and years, combining lumbering drums with woebegone vocals, haunting harmonies and keys and some “slab-heavy riffing,” according to the band themselves. Lyrically, the album revolves around grief, loss, regret, and the other usual suspects of epic doom. If you couldn’t figure that one out on your own, this might be your first doom album ever, in which case, welcome to the club.
If you can believe it, Distortions, and Godthrymm’s music in general, bears a striking resemblance to other notable British epic doom bands. Of course, this is not to deride Godthrymm or accuse them of being derivative. Simply put, if you’re familiar with Glencross’ work, then this should sound like exactly what you think it sounds like. Mournful, melancholic and moving, this is sad dad doom at its finest, but it is not without its contrasts. The riffing here is really quite solid, and catchy at that, and it adds some necessary heavy aggressive touches to an album that could potentially get bogged down in how dour it is. This is Glencross firing on all cylinders, as evidenced by the twin guitar harmonies on “Unseen Unheard,” the beefy riffing on opener “As Titans” or the fiery solo in the climax of “Pictures Remain.” The rest of the band, the rhythm section in particular, is more than capable of keeping up as well. When the guitars fade out and it’s just the bass and drums plodding along (see the midsection of “Unseen Unheard” or the opening of “Devils”), the bones of the songs are laid bare, and you can see just how solid these compositions are. If I am allowed one compliment/criticism of Distortions, it would be that Catherine Glencross seems underutilized here. Her vocals and keyboards are so good, I wish there were more of them to be found. I suppose that is what Projections may be for, but it certainly isn’t the worst problem to have that I want more of a good thing.
Distortions should firmly cement Glencross’ spot as more than a sideman, and more than just the acts he has moved on from. Godthrymm are another in a long line of accomplishments, but one that hopefully will be continuing for the foreseeable future. If you think you’ve seen all you need to see from doom metal or the British scene, I invite you to take a look at Distortions and see if there isn’t something to tickle your fancy anyway.
—Ian
Distortions is available now on Profound Lore Records. For more information on Godthrymm, visit their official website.
Nine Circles 