The amount of quality death/doom releases that we’ve gotten this year has been all but staggering with so much excellence in the style being presented to us the likes of which I truly was not prepared for in the slightest, and I figured that Officium Triste was going to be the last great point for the year given how it releases just two weeks left in the year. And yet, Oak refuses to close out the year without showing us precisely what they’re made of and it’s nothing short of some of the most exquisite, grandiose, and magnificent material of its kind that I’m absolutely stunned to see from a fresh band.

There’s always something good to be had whenever the renowned Paolo Girardi presents his fantastic artwork for us on any given album whether it’s Firespawn or any other extreme metal band, but this piece is possibly my favorite because of how well it matches everything that Oak brought to the table here for their debut. This duo held nothing back with these four tracks that stretch over fifty minutes total that by the end provide us with an approach to the style itself that’s loyal to its spirit but absolutely wondrous to behold even in its simplest moments. Right from the beginning, “Lone” is absolutely monolithic. There isn’t a single ounce that went into this massive record that doesn’t do justice for the style in every form whether it be through long drawn out guitars that knows exactly how to hit the listener in all the right spots, crush everything in its path with a heaviness that’s all but undeniable, and the high levels of quality that Oak constantly bring forth for “Lone” easily makes this one of the most delectable records of the year. Not for just the style but overall! Each note that’s presented to us with “Lone” is all absolutely gorgeous in their composition and execution to where I couldn’t have asked for anything better from Oak, for they have crafted an experience whose grandeur and stupendous spirit cannot be challenged.

I can say with absolute confidence that this is the last great stop for death/doom this year, and I seriously can’t see anyone coming close in the last eleven days of the year to top this absolute marvel, much less for several months to come after it’s release. Oak has created something that they should truly be proud of and if “Lone” is just the start for this duo then we have got another great of the style right before us!

“Lone” releases on December 20th via Transcending Obscurity Records!

LISTEN to advanced tracks from “Lone” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Oak on Facebook here.