REVIEW: BENTHIC REALM

Vessel (Self-released) #doomsday lurches to a lugubrious start today with Worcester doom witches & warlock Benthic Realm. Guitarist/vocalist Krista Van Guilder was the voice on Warhorse’s early demos way back in 1997, gracing that band with her syrupy guitar chords and low alto singing. Fast-forward to Second Grave, Van Guilder’s home from 2012 to 2016, […]

Vessel (Self-released)

#doomsday lurches to a lugubrious start today with Worcester doom witches & warlock Benthic Realm. Guitarist/vocalist Krista Van Guilder was the voice on Warhorse’s early demos way back in 1997, gracing that band with her syrupy guitar chords and low alto singing. Fast-forward to Second Grave, Van Guilder’s home from 2012 to 2016, which brings us to the present day with Benthic Realm.

After the demise of Second Grave, bassist Maureen Murphy followed Van Guilder to a new band with ex-The Scimitar drummer Brian Banfield. This line-up recorded their self-financed debut EP, 2017’s Benthic Realm. Sound-wise, the new songs were not far removed from Second Grave, with Van Guilder’s warm warble snaking through every measure.

Their second EP, 2018’s We Will Not Bow, another self-release, was even more exciting with a carefully considered variation of tempos. Banfield was replaced by Conclave drummer Dan Blomquist, and thus he adds tighter rhythms locked down by Murphy’s authoritative bass. The pandemic hit the band hard, and plans to record the next album were scrapped.

Eventually, Benthic Realm drifted back to the studio, and their first full-length album, Vessel, was released in early July. Massive, Yob-via-Soundgarden riffs, impermeable beats, and Van Guilder’s distinct vocals set the stage for their finest hour yet. Van Guilder even unleashes her impeccable death growls during the chorus of “Traitors Amongst Us,” which will fulfill your most innate doom-laden desire!

 A version of this story was originally published on Manchild’s Musical Maelstrom (More Than Just Metal) page on Facebook.