ninehertz

Honey'd Dreams came out two years ago, self released, but now welcomely revisited by the wonderful people at Fiadh Productions - for both giving it wider attention and a physical vinyl release; it is worthy of the further attention that should bring.

This is a duo, apparently aiming for the contrasts and combinations of ugly and pretty through the medium of doom, and already you know they've succeeded halfway through the first track From the Dark, the vocals the succulent aroma enticement before the heaving, loudly cumbersome riff closes its flytrap jaws around you. There are bands out there creating music like this, but Eyes of Argus are up there with the best of them, through a distinction even within the very specific style aimed for and achieved.

It is gothic and artistic, but they pull back from the point where others may tip over into the cod-dramatic, and there's a particular heaviness and a bite in the guitars that really does highlight its darkness against the lightness of the vocals. If you had to push for reference points, think of Royal Thunder at their best. There are passages that pass me by a little, and the Bee Gees Tragedy cover at the end surprisingly works in its gothic reimagination, but still feels like a gimmick. These are the only negatives I can ascribe.

It's worth pointing out the wonderful witchery in the lyrics, fantasy and magical themes poetically written and beautifully delivered - take the title track's faerie and elven talk, of poison milk, and gold and green boughed hazel wood. I'm left grateful to have had my ears opened to a release I'd missed, to follow and see where the band go from here, and for now a worthy album to chase down the new vinyl for.