1357 - The Gates of Slumber Death Dealer 2009

The Gates of Slumber have been in the metal game since the late 1990s but made their presence fully known in the underground with 2008’s "Conqueror". The Indianapolis doom trio have upped their game further with their album "Hymns of Blood & Thunder". Frontman Karl Simon likely wouldn’t call himself a gifted vocalist but there are levels of nuance and expression in his voice only hinted at earlier. The riffs are big and bluesy, the solos are tempered with style and subtlety over speed, and the bass just growls away underneath the high pitched vocals and sludged-up riffs. Songs like “Death Dealer" suggests a grim atmosphere and a punishing sound.