Kathryn Danielle – Deaths Melodies On Memorial Rd [Demo]

Artist: Kathryn Danielle
Country: Canada
Label: Self-Released
Formats: Demo Tape
Year: 2024

Doom Metal is not really something that you see featured on these pages every day, but that doesn’t mean we don’t fancy a good portion of Traditional Doom Metal. On the contrary even, in my earlier, youthful years I have been up to my chin into Doom Metal of every kind. While the heavy and often Death Metal-tinged sorts of Doom Metal pop up here every now and then, I have a weak spot for Epic and Traditional Doom Metal as well. Admitted, I am not as deep into that scene anymore, but every now and then I stumble upon on a great record which sparks that Doom Metal fire in me again. Although this is a demo tape, ‘Deaths Melodies On Memorial Rd’ is one of those recordings. And although this indeed “only” being a demo recording, it is a definitely a true stunner.

It might not come as a total surprise, but the main figure behind this band is Kathryn Danielle who handles all strings and vocals – only helped on the drums by her partner Kyle Bolton (Pillagery, Empty Chalice). Having a doomy band with female vocals is always a bit tricky, at least in my book, as comparisons with the many mediocre female-fronted Doom Metal bands are easily made. But in this case, in fact, all the virtues and advantages of a lady on vocals come out in an overall gorgeous and enchanting way.

I saw this advertised as being comparable mostly with Paul Chains and Saint Vitus, but honestly, I don’t think that is very accurate. There is little to no Saint Vitus riffs (fortunately) and Paul Chain would dream of ever sounding like Kathryn – although the violet cover does remind of Paul Chain. The music has much more in common with the “Occult Doom Rock” scene of the late 00’s spiced up with some nice and epic Heavy Metal riffs. If I had to throw in my two cents, I’d describe ‘Deaths Melodies On Memorial Rd’ as a near-perfect blend of Totem/early Jex Thoth with the bite of bands like Tower and Smoulder.

Kathryn’s vocal antics feel very close to Jex Thoth’s, the same warmth in the mid-range, yet when she goes a bit higher or even a bit rawer in vocal approach, again Smoulder or even Myrkur comes to mind. Yet, it is definitely Totem/early Jex Thoth that takes the main comparison here, with Kathryn’s vocals being the absolute centrepiece of the music they share an unmistakable vibe. Not only in the comparable vocal timbre, but also in the colouring of the music and the traditional 70’s song structures. With this rather spectacular blend ‘Deaths Melodies On Memorial Rd’ ends up touching all mandatory elements to allow this 11-minute gem to shine like almost nothing in the genre.

Fortunately, ‘Deaths Melodies On Memorial Rd’ stays away from the overall lacklustre cheesiness of a band like The Devil’s Blood or Blood Ceremony, instead it benefits from the irresistible pure and raw energy of both the amazing riffs and captivating vocals. This demo is not only catchy but also shows a profound sense of song writing and tension building. Definitely a splendid and delightful little demo.