BIOGRAPHY
Clouds is a veritable supergroup containing members of some of the most prolific Doom bands around. Formed by Daniel Neagoe (Eye Of Solitude, Deos, Colosus) in 2013, he states, "The music is dedicated to departed ones, loved ones who now, are no longer amongst us." Joined by Jarno Salomaa (Shape Of Despair), Déhà (Imber Luminis, Slow), Kostas Panagiotou (Pantheist, Wijlen Wij), Pim Blankenstein (Officium Triste, The 11th Hour) and Jón Aldará (Barren Earth, Hamferð), Daniel and crew. CLOUDS orchestrate solemn odes of pain and sorrow dedicated to departed souls. Forged following the passing of someone close and dear, to hear CLOUDS is to lose yourself in a grievous journey through paths of desolation, anguish and despair.
Said the band in a collective statement: “We are extremely happy to have found a label which shares our passion and ideology. That is something hard to find nowadays. Together with Domestic Genocide we will bring you sorrow.”
Adds the Domestic Genocide collective: “There is a comfort in the bitterness that surrounds the sound, the lyrics, the interpretation and the passion with which the songs have been written. And with the help of Domestic Genocide Records, CLOUDS will be bringing sorrow; the music will at once touch and torture. “
Doliu was released via Domestic Genocide in 2014. Portions of the album’s proceeds was donated to Sponsorachild.org.
This is one epic album. The combination of clean and harsh vocals strikes the perfect balance. The sorrow that weaves through the music is expressed in a flawless a melding of beauty and power. The musicianship is top-notch, from the standard instruments to the very prominent and very welcome keyboards.
It’s this creative awareness that sees this collaboration of able artists transform into something more. Not every one will agree with me, and I really don’t expect them to; it takes a certain type of person to appreciate doom as it is. For most, this will unfortunately be a one time, fleeting listen. It’s a shame for Clouds to have done something special here. It’s not tainted by cliches or high expectations. The album continues in its wave of sheer enjoyment. ‘Doliu’ presents twists and turns captivating its recipients, throwing them down the tumultuous wave of sadness and separation.
The album artwork evokes similar feelings in its beautiful yet minimalist design. The logo is a thin flowing script atop a cloud-filled sky. Below that, one can barely make out a few trees and what looks to be some rather old grave markers on a long forgotten burial ground. In these ways, 'Doliu''s artwork conjures the same sense of despondency and gravity found in the music itself. For some unknown reason, the band decided to package the CD and artwork in a clear DVD case. Whatever their intention, this unique packaging choice sits horizontally atop roughly ten standard jewel cases, making it physically stand out amongst the masses, giving the album a visual appeal that pairs equally well with the allure of the audio.
With three vocalists, there’s a huge shift in sound, and it shapes the record into a titanic display of Clouds’ soundscape. Overall, this is an album that should not be dismissed because you haven’t heard of it. If you’re a doom fan, Clouds’ roster of members should be all the incentive you need to pick this up. For those who will actually take the time to listen to ‘Doliu,’ they will be greeted with an album that highlights the year for extreme metal but also a recording that will stay relevant for many years to come. It’s hard to pin-point an actual single that highlights the album, especially considering that ‘Doliu’ is filled with quality tracks, all with the ability to earn the title.
For those who are unfamiliar with the five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance), 'Doliu' expertly guides the listener through each of them, exploring the full range of mourning. The album touches on these stages with such authenticity that it would be difficult not to feel some inkling of the pain and suffering that comes with losing a loved one. Having recently lost someone very close to me, I, for one, now feel an even deeper connection to the songs than on previous plays through.
These might all sound like somewhat cliché descriptions for a Doom band, but Clouds brings a depth of honesty that refuses to be ignored. Every piano note is like a sorrow-laden teardrop, every guitar riff a plea to the heavens above, every drumbeat a heart heavy with grief, and every anguish-drenched vocal an affirmation of the despair that these six musicians appear all too familiar with. After all, "doliu" is the Romanian word for mourning.
Status: Active
Years active: 2013-Present
LINE UP
Daniel Neagoe - Drums, Vocals (2013-Present)
Jarno Salomaa - Guitars (2013-Present)
Déhà - Guitars, Bass (2013-Present)
Kostas Panagiotou - Keyboards (2013-Present)
Pim Blankenstein - Vocals (2013-Present)
Jón Aldará - Vocals (2013-Present)
Genre: Atmospheric Doom Metal
Country of origin: International
Location: United Kingdom / Finland / Netherlands / Faroe Islands / Belgium
Current label: Domestic Genocide Records
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CloudsBandOfficial
Merch: http://doomclouds.bigcartel.com
DISCOGRAPHY
Errata (Single - 2015)
Released: February 28th, 2015
Doliu (Full-Length Album - 2014)
Released: May 26th, 2014
