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Victor Griffin is a name that should be quite familiar to doom metal fans across the globe, particularly with his guitar stints in such prominent acts Pentagram & Cathedral. In 2002 Griffin started up a new band, Place Of Skulls, one which was firmly rooted in the same classic doom sound. After two solid albums, the band had apparently called it a day, but fortunately that was not the case as a 2006 version of Place Of Skulls resurfaced, along with a new album The Black Is Never Far. Concerning this latest album now, it is certainly a given that The Black Is Never Far will appeal to old school fans of doom and the like, yet it appears to be one of those transcending albums due to a solid bluesy, hard rock feel present throughout it’s duration. In fact it is safe to say that much of this record will bring you back to the good old days of hard rock when bands like Deep Purple & Thin Lizzy ruled the earth. Musically speaking, The Black Is Never Far can be called a mature effort as the material is straightforward enough yet still contains subtle complexities which give the impression that it is the work of seasoned musicians. Not only is it well played but also very well written and this can be a tribute to Griffin’s ability, as the key contributing songwriter on The Black Is Never Far. While the lyrical content appears to be filled with more spiritual than dark themes, it is still performed passionately and purposely. The songs themselves are mostly of the mid paced affair, showcasing, as you would expect, the classic downtuned guitar tone along with those lovely sorrowful melodies and the occasional acoustical interlude. Songs like the opening “Prisoner’s Creed”, the title track, or the bluesy “Looking For A Reason” are all prime examples of top notch material, the latter containing a guitar solo which can be described as straight godly. The guys even throw in a cover of the old Pentagram classic “Relentless” off of their 1985 album. After several listens to The Black Is Never Far, I am having trouble finding any faults with it, and fans of classic doom and hard rock in general will unquestionably feel the same. If you happened to miss this one in last year’s onslaught of quality releases, be sure to go back and check it out.
| Tracklist |
| 1. Prisoner's Creed |
| 2. Sense Of Divinity |
| 3. Darkest Hour |
| 4. Interlude |
| 5. Apart From Me |
| 6. The Black Is Never Far |
| 7. We The Unrighteous |
| 8. Interlude |
| 9. Masters Of Jest |
| 10. Interlude |
| 11. Lookin' For A Reason |
| 12. Relentless |
| 13. Changed Heart |
: 45.54
| Buy other Place Of Skulls albums |
