Foreshadow Productions Withersoul - Withersoul (CD-R) self-released Withersoul is an American doom/death outfit which has recorded this self-titled demo so far. As far as I know there are two versions of this disc, the latest one is slightly changed in layout and distributed through Oak Knoll. The version I have is, I guess, original one, released by the band themselves and limited to 100 copies (I have .28). It features four tracks clocking in 32 minutes. Saying it upfront, this demo is at least good. Yeah, this is just a debut release but Withersoul manage to tell us that they are here to show something really worthwhile. 'Withersoul' opens with very atmospheric intro 'A Dirge for the Forsaken' which sets the mood perfectly for the up-coming music. I must admit it's one of the best intros I have ever heard on a metal album. Then, the real thing begins. Slow, crushing, mournful guitars, with rumbling drums and deep growled vocals. The key thing is that this strong male voice is not the only one in Withersoul music. He's complemented by soft female vocals. I could not get used to this connection for a long time and it really pushed me back at the very first listen. It's not something usual in (doom) metal music to combine male and female vocals in such a way and it always brought me some cheesy gothic bands to mind. However, after a few more listening sessions it started to make sense for me. And now I can easily say that this combination sounds not only interesting but also quite original. We have to mention the fact that this is demo recording and some deficiency in quality is visible but it only make my hopes for a studio album higher. The male growled vocals very much resemble Aaron Stainthrope's manner, especially from My Dying Bride latest albums and especially 'The Dreadful Hours'. Anyway, this is very promising demo depicting Withersoul as a band with strong musical potential, great guitar sound, general doomed atmosphere and unique combination of vocal manners. Their music range from slow funeral doom/death to mid-tempo death metal blasts. Check them out, definitely. And look out for an up-coming split with Shroud of Bereavement on Oak Knoll this spring. Believe me, this will be something really awesome.