One obvious thing that has always been associated with metal, along with much of music for that matter, is the amount of emotion that goes into the mix. It could be an empowering anthem, a sentimental ballad, or a melancholic view of the world. Metal has never shied away from speaking from the heart, and I’ve always associated the “-core” styles and certain portions of black metal to bring the real emotion. But with their sophomore effort, doom act Ripis shows us what emotional and personal pain can be wrapped in a coat of heavy doom metal.

The incredibly personal and intimate pain of mental health is something that I’ve come into contact many times in my life. I’ve been fortunate even to never had it myself, but the results are more than staggering for those of us that can see the repercussions of it first hand, and that rollercoaster is something that takes center stage within the four tracks of “Shadow Dies in Morning Light”. While still having a great number of delicious riffs that adorn this record much like their debut, Ripis has shown a clear evolution in their songwriting even if it’s not that great of a leap. “Shadow Dies in Morning Light” brings to light an issue that has been brought to the stage and studio numerous times, but the execution that Ripis pulls off here is unlike any I’ve heard before it. A crushing piece of doom that knows the impact of a perfectly timed riff coupled with a thick, immersive atmosphere that seems almost cinematic at times backed up by the lyrical content that can hit all too close to home is a volatile combination doom metal hasn’t really been known for. Usually, we assume doom with riffs, weed, and psychedelia for the most part, but Ripis shakes things up and “Shadow Dies in Morning Light” couldn’t be a more interesting album that falls outside the norm of the genre, even if it’s only slightly so.

If there is any other sort of band that comes even close to what Ripis has accomplished here, I need to know immediately because this is easily some of the most poignant and powerful doom that I’ve heard in some time. Where many bands of the genre like to keep the power strictly in the instruments, Ripis takes it to the lyrics with a unique vulnerability that comes close to the level of such that can be found in the latest YOB, and it’s all pulled off wondrously! “Shadow Dies in Morning Light” is a record that you can truly lose yourself whether it be because of the instruments or because of the themes, and I’ve no doubt it will propel Ripis to become a must-hear band of doom for the year even if it passes underneath the radar.

LISTEN to “Shadow Dies in Morning Light” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Ripis on Facebook here.