Now, with Spring on the horizon, reviewing the album In The Rectory Of The Bizarre Reverend from Finnish Reverend Bizarre turned out to be quite a challenge. While I desperately crave for warmth and sunlight, Reverend Bizarre give me doom and coldness. ‘Cause in the hearts of Reverend Bizarre one can feel and hear the polar winds raging. Doom has always been the underdog in metal. Bands like Saint Vitus, Candlemass and Winter, although acclaimed by critics, could hardly reap the success they deserved. Sure Black Sabbath, Trouble and Cathedral are well known names in the metal scene, yet doom itself only knows persistent followers. Reverend Bizarre’s situation is not different.

Their slow paced sound is so remote from hype and fashion, it becomes truly underground music at its best. 6 songs on this album in a time span of over 70 minutes. Endless riffing galore in combination with Magister Albert’s desperate yet clean shimmering vocals and the ever ringing cymbals laying down a pace that seems to set the clock back decades in time. The authenticity is charming and without a doubt adds to the overall image of the Reverend but because of this the band will probably not reach many new fans. So for all the doom aficionados and adventurous stoner fans with an interest in the roots, let us welcome Reverend Bizarre.