Local Love: A Look Back at The Gates of Slumber's Suffer No Guilt

For the majority of their career, The Gates of Slumber jumped back and forth between slower than molasses doom and energetic gallop-friendly traditional metal. With the exception of the instrumental interludes and the mid-tempo yet shred friendly “Dweller in The Deep,” a line seems to have been drawn on 2006’s Suffer No Guilt as the songs consist of either droning marches or Maiden-style speed runs.  While the seventy minute run time can make Suffer No Guilt an exhausting listen at times, its open display of the Indianapolis trio’s various influences makes it one of their most satisfying listens.

Though contemplating which tempo is more enjoyable will likely depend on a listener’s individual preference, the faster tracks are the easiest to get into. “Angel of Death” in particular makes for a strong start for the album as its upbeat guitar riff leads into a rough but catchy vocal delivery. However, the album’s most powerful moments come when the drums slow down and rung out chords take over. “God Wills It” may be a demanding listen at twenty minutes long, but the title track’s memorable riff and the majesty on “Riders of Doom” make them impossible to deny.

The band members’ consistent performances also keep the various styles on the album from sounding out of place with one another. The production job is cleaner and Karl Simon’s vocals aren’t as rough as they were on 2004’s …The Awakening, but his guitars have the same power and adhere to bare bones rhythms despite the tempo. In addition, drummer Chris Gordon adjusts to the changes well and bassist Jason McCash justifies the trio format by keeping the rhythms flowing during the solos.

While Suffer No Guilt could probably stand to have a few song lengths edited and an interlude or two taken out, its strong songwriting and tempo dexterity make it one of the The Gates of Slumber’s most definitive achievements. Doom fans are advised to go for The Wretch and traditional metal fans will likely find Hymns of Blood and Thunder more to their liking, but this album does make for a good go between once an overall appreciation for the band has been established.

Highlights:
“Angel of Death”
“Suffer No Guilt”
“Riders Of Doom”
‘Dweller In The Deep”