Not often enough do we find the worlds of doom and folk metal intersecting in any form. It’s my firm belief that such a concoction can render some of the most compelling, heaviest, and thought-provoking material that the underground can have to offer should talented hands simply dare to approach the style with conviction to bring it to life in such glory that we seldom receive. It’s only natural, though, that when we do get such material it comes from deep reaches of the underground from hands that are certainly familiar to some but far from widely known to make the creation all the more a perfect creation from the underground. As the debut album from Mournument, this newest offering is nothing short of jaw-dropping and soul-touching.

Any metal from the entire continent of South America is something that should pique one’s interest as it’s the sort of thing that is far beyond well-established in the current landscape that the underground finds itself in, but in no way are we constantly have the names of South American acts in our mouths other than a very select, few acts out there that managed to rise above. The name of Mournument should be one that very few are acquainted with given that “Smouldering Into Dust” is but the band’s debut effort, but it’s in no way that this trio is anything close to inexperienced or lacking in talent. Already involved in multiple other acts across a decent spectrum of styles, the odds were in the favor of “Smouldering Into Dust” before it was even penned in the first place with the final result nothing short of a staggering creation of real power that we really do need more examples of. A dive into the more emotional reaches of Chilean folklore that’s performed deliciously by powerful and melancholic doom metal alongside a folk metal flair that adds true depth and intoxicating substance to a concoction that Mournument was already capable of bringing to life in exquisite detail. It all comes together in such a beautiful form that one is simply left blown away by the undeniable power that’s at play for every moment that Mournument captures your attention such that by the end of the record, you’re left on your knees begging for both mercy and the glory to simply keep toiling on no matter the cost to your very soul.

A creation that cuts to the very deepest layers of the flesh well into the spirit with the power, tenacity, and grandeur to sate the thirst for any fan of doom of this tantalizing caliber, the very name of Mournument is something that we need to keep an exceedingly sharp eye out for from now on. If this is what the band is capable of bringing forward on just their debut effort then simply imagine what’s possible beyond the realm of “Smouldering Into Dust” even as we’re left choked by its clouds wondering if there is ever any escape.

“Smouldering Into Dust” releases on November 4th via Ardua Music!

LISTEN to advanced tracks from “Smouldering Into Dust” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Mournument on Facebook here.