The 10 Greatest Doom Metal Albums Of 2017

9. Pagan Altar – The Room Of Shadows

Pagan Altar – a name that conjures visions of one of the most mystical bands to have ever emerged from the NWOBHM movement – were a band who ably mixed ’70s proto-doom with English folk, hard rock and heavy metal and they were responsible for some of the most resplendent compositions of the era; particularly on the mystical yet sinister Volume 1, and more recently, the awe-inspiring Lords of Hypocrisy and Mythical & Magical. 

At the forefront of what would become doom metal, Pagan Altar’s fusion of traditional heavy metal and the classic doom metal sound they themselves pioneered was particularly showcased on The Room Of Shadows‘ outstanding opener “Rising Of The Dead” and the alluring “The Ripper”. A time-warp of NWOBHM licks, impassioned vocals, vintage songwriting and crushing doom metal met hard rock riffs, and the artistry on display was utterly breathtaking as Pagan Altar took their final bow with pride and integrity firmly intact.

An insanely underrated band; doom metal simply wouldn’t be doom metal if it wasn’t for Pagan Altar.