Flood Peak ‘Fixed Ritual’

Flood Peak ‘Fixed Ritual’

22 January 2021 – Anima Recordings

Words: Mark Green

Flood Peak have only been around since the start of 2017, but have already created 2 heavy as hell EP’s, the latest being the ever so heavy, doom sludge infused ‘Fixed Ritual‘. Their self released debut ‘Plagued by Sufferers‘ was a wonderfully crafted piece of work, with the band stating their sound has been influenced by the likes of Amenra, Mare and a host of others. Peter Layman‘s lyrics are soul destroying and his tortured vocals sound is perfect for this album.

We receive 5 heavy destroying tracks over a half hour period. There’s no beating around the bush with ‘Fixed Ritual‘ as we’re thrown straight in to a post apocalyptic landscape with opener ‘Urnfield‘. ‘Salve Curator‘ is a slab of sludge forced in to our faces, leading to a slow tempo calming, yet unnerving, guitar melody. Cult of Luna comparisons could be made here, which can also be said for ‘Feral Wraiths‘ – bleak and barbaric with such content harmony. ‘Way of the Sea‘ is a slow affair that reaches the inner torment in us all. Beautiful in its sound, with suspenseful building towards visceral heaviness. ‘Sectarian Hilt‘ is our 9 minute closer that is both doom heavy and hits our inner most feelings of despair in its musicianship.

This is an outstanding second outing from Flood Peak. If you like your sludge bleak and blackened, this will be right up your street.