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“Mount Meru” is indeed a potent statement from a band that is carving its own niche within an increasingly opulent and productive Southern Mediterranean doom metal scene.

All Eight Hands for Kali members bar vocalist Topo debuted on Great Coven’s (2004) widely acclaimed 11 track “demo” titled “Viaticum”. However, “Mount Meru” marks a significant departure from the more epic oriented tapestries forged by the guys’ previous forays in the realm of doom metal. Eight Hands for Kali explore and relish in a heavy, mournful and twisted doom that combines the best traditions of the genre to masterful effect. Opener “Black Tantric Nail” for example makes strong reference to both vintage Vitus and Cathedral’s finer moments and oozes a quality that underscores the band’s credentials as one of the most enticing prospects in doom metal. From the outset the listener is confronted with Karyen’s droning, ominous basslines, accompanied by some agonising riffage from Jondix while drummer Tas keeps things effectively jelled together with intricate and captivating drum patterns. Topo’s powerful and emotive vocal delivery is the final requisite ingredient in this merciless doom metal assault. The rest of the tracks on offer in this 26 min demo maintain the momentum set on “Black Tantric Nail”, which also includes a very subtle use of keyboards in its outro riff that continues to add a dark foreboding atmosphere to the proceeds. “Left Handed and Blood Red”, clearly the demo’s stand-out track, provides ample testimony of the band’s compositional skills with a leaf or two taken from Saint Vitus and Pentagram’s legendary song-writing book. The pace is slowed down again to a torturous and crushing bpm on “Skeleton Horse”, while the instrumental “Mount Meru” heightens the band’s ability for creating cacophonous atmospherics with Tas’ invigorating percussive skills coming resolutely to the fore. Demo closer “Apocalypse Love Hypnotised” evolves from a repetitive yet mesmerising intro riff somewhat reminiscent of Leif Edling’s Krux.

All is all, this is a very satisfying debut from a band that holds strong promise. Kudos should go to Pariah Child for spotting this crude Iberian jewel and bringing it to the attention of those doom freaks out there who are unafraid to test new waters. Contact Danny Angus at pariahchild@yahoo.co.uk to secure your copy or for more information about the band and upcoming gigs.