Review 2

Since the early '80s, Pagan Altar has been one of the most obscure, cult names in doom metal. Thankfully, the 1998 release of their 1982 demo/first album, Volume One, has slowly been turning people on to this incredibly unique band. Rumors abounded of three more albums of unreleased material. I was among the many who longed to hear more, yet there was no word on any more releases. Unfortunately, theses old tapes had deteriorated to the point that they were unsalvageable. Then came the news that Pagan Altar would re-record their old material for release, the first being Lord Of Hypocrisy, originally recorded circa 1983. But would they be able to recapture that old graveyard atmosphere?

I've had Lords Of Hypocrisy for about 2 weeks now, and what an album! I know I sound like an old fart saying this, but man, they don't make metal albums like this anymore. From the church organ introduction and opening riff of the title track, it is almost as if no time has passed since 1982. Sure, the production has been cleaned up, but it is still fairly raw and earthy like Volume One. The foundation of Pagan Altar's sound is a combination of brothers Alan and Terry Jones. The closest comparison for Terry's vocals would be Bon Scott, but where there is a gleam in Scott's eye, there is a tear in Jones'. Very unique ageless/timeless voice, and the mix allows the lyrics of lamentation to be heard much more clearly than on Volume One. Meanwhile, Alan Jones' expressive lead guitar acts as a second lead vocalist, with leads weaving in and out of the vocals, often becoming as integral to the melody as the singing. Songs like "Sentinels of Hate" and "The Aftermath" have slow, marching tempos which somehow gives Pagan Altar's music a very majestic quality - those familiar with old songs like "Judgment of the Dead" will know what I mean.

Though classed as doom metal or NWOBHM, they don't really sound like anyone else, not even Sabbath. Pagan Altar were birthed during a time when metal was metal, and sub-genres barely existed. As such, I think they would have wide appeal now, from people who are into stoner/doom/70s hard rock (though there's nothing "stoner" about them), as well as those digging 3 Inches of Blood or the criminally underrated Lord Weird Slough Feg. Simple, yet powerful, memorable riffs, with a touch of English folk music, are perhaps the best way to sum up this truly unique band (or "chivalry metal" as a friend calls it). Along with Witchcraft and the Blood Farmers, Lords Of Hypocrisy is as good as it gets in 2004