Thanks to Hellion records for stocking our "Sorrows Path" disc and for the very generous review.
ROTE MARE
Sorrows path
This australian band has caught my attention a few years ago through a couple of demo releases, now this is the first regular output and even though it is just an eighteen minute two track EP, this record has it all. Slow motion lava sounds and mid paced ultra heavy rawk get mixed in both tracks here and will not release your soul until the last chord has faded into eternity. The voice comes raw, yet melodic with a unique approach, so you will certainly recognize the band on these memorable tracks whenever you take a listen. And you will take, not only one, but certainly many listens as this is pure magick, this is haunting stuff that fills the standards of true doom with life and spiritual power. No innovations, just fresh and passionate music for the true lovers of doom, as this is living hell to all who cannot stand the heaviest of the heavy riffing and simmering lead axe work. Burn, baby, burn, this band will give it all to you if you like WARNING or MINOTAURI. Doom rules eternally!
Sir Lord Doom
visit hellion records
Monday, December 20, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Doom-metal.com review
For five years Rote Mare was a highly acclaimed solo project which churned out one strong demo after another. Then, suddenly and unexpectedly, 'Sorrows Path' comes along and with it comes the end of the solo project and the birth of the band: Phil has hired lead guitarist Sean Wiskin, bassist Andrew Gillingham, and drummer Ben Dodunski; re-molding Rote Mare as a four piece band.
I must admit that I've missed out on the demos that came after 'The Red Sea', yet I recognized the style instantly. The basic traditional doom sound of Rote Mare is as prominent as ever, and the addition of an extra three skilled musicians has only reinforced all that was good about it. It is also apparent that Phil has made some amazing progress on his voice during the three years which I've missed. He was good before, but now he's excellent. I can't think of more than a few vocalists who can pull off truly grievous vocals without sounding out of place in a trad. doom band.
'Sorrows Path' may be just 19 minutes long, but it is still a culmination of all the promise which the solo project era held. It may contain no more than two tracks, but the high standard which they both hold shows great promise for the forthcoming album. If it is anywhere near as good as this then it will be a classic.
http://www.doom-metal.com/reviews.php?r=1783
Reviewed on 16-09-2010 by Arnstein H. Pettersen
I must admit that I've missed out on the demos that came after 'The Red Sea', yet I recognized the style instantly. The basic traditional doom sound of Rote Mare is as prominent as ever, and the addition of an extra three skilled musicians has only reinforced all that was good about it. It is also apparent that Phil has made some amazing progress on his voice during the three years which I've missed. He was good before, but now he's excellent. I can't think of more than a few vocalists who can pull off truly grievous vocals without sounding out of place in a trad. doom band.
'Sorrows Path' may be just 19 minutes long, but it is still a culmination of all the promise which the solo project era held. It may contain no more than two tracks, but the high standard which they both hold shows great promise for the forthcoming album. If it is anywhere near as good as this then it will be a classic.
http://www.doom-metal.com/reviews.php?r=1783
Reviewed on 16-09-2010 by Arnstein H. Pettersen
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Doommantia review for Sorrows Path
Review by Ed Barnard
11th August 2010
Read review at Doommantia
Rote Mare started out as a one man project for South Australian Doom Metal musician Phil Howlett and over the course of the last 5 years he put together several demos, all of which were outstanding quality and now in 2010, Rote Mare are a full band preparing to release a full length album called "Serpents Of The Church". Along with Phil, the line-up has been completed with Sean Wiskin on guitar, Ben Dodunski on drums and Andrew Gillingham on bass. This intro plus 2 track EP is self-released and has exceptional production to match the beautifully executed Trad-Doom playing that is featured on the 20 minute disc. Starting with the intro that sets the mood of doom and gloom comes the first real track called "The Path". By the way, the intro is good but is really just a way for the band to set up the vibe for the rest of the EP and to be honest I usually skip the intro when I listen to it now.
"The Path" displays two things about Rote Mare that are important to mention here. Number one is the band play classic Traditional Doom but have a sound that is strictly all their own, its close to impossible to be original within a genre as limited as Doom Metal but Rote Mare do a damn fine job of creating their own feel and sound. Number two is Rote Mare have Phil Howlett's vocals which are uniquely his, you know the second you press play that this is Phil on vocals. These two elements will go a long way in pushing Rote Mare from obscure to underground legend status but back to "The Path". This is stripped down, back to basics Doom Metal and is the kind of Doom that I and many others find so appealing and timeless. The riffs are thick and the raw, no frills rhythm section is a perfect catalyst for making the music even more solid, tighter and most importantly doomier. The song is back to back killer riffs, there is one riff about 6 or 7 minutes into the track that is pure doom gold. It will be hard for anyone not to get some kind of hair raising reaction but turn it up loud for full effect, I am sure you will do that anyway, its pretty hard not to with riffs like these. While this track is in the plodding classic doom vein, the other track titled "The Song Of Sorrow" compliments it by being more aggressive.
"The Song Of Sorrow" contains pounding energy while still remaining total doom, the mournful quality of the melodies blend well with groovy bass lines and the whole track is a very infectious package. Its not as memorable as 'The Path" once the disc has runs its course but its still a solid tune so no real complaints to have here. If the older sounds of Trouble and Candlemass still get your doomed blood flowing along with the more dirgier sounds of the real slow Reverend Bizarre stuff, then Rote Mare will become a old friend very quickly. This could be called a teaser for the full length in the works and from that point of view, it succeeds in raising your anticipation of whats to come. Rote Mare are one of the better doom acts to emerge from Australia in the last few years and I have a feeling their time to break through to the next level of cult Doom Metal stardom is right around the corner. I am really impressed with this EP, go check it out. 9/10
11th August 2010
Read review at Doommantia
Rote Mare started out as a one man project for South Australian Doom Metal musician Phil Howlett and over the course of the last 5 years he put together several demos, all of which were outstanding quality and now in 2010, Rote Mare are a full band preparing to release a full length album called "Serpents Of The Church". Along with Phil, the line-up has been completed with Sean Wiskin on guitar, Ben Dodunski on drums and Andrew Gillingham on bass. This intro plus 2 track EP is self-released and has exceptional production to match the beautifully executed Trad-Doom playing that is featured on the 20 minute disc. Starting with the intro that sets the mood of doom and gloom comes the first real track called "The Path". By the way, the intro is good but is really just a way for the band to set up the vibe for the rest of the EP and to be honest I usually skip the intro when I listen to it now.
"The Path" displays two things about Rote Mare that are important to mention here. Number one is the band play classic Traditional Doom but have a sound that is strictly all their own, its close to impossible to be original within a genre as limited as Doom Metal but Rote Mare do a damn fine job of creating their own feel and sound. Number two is Rote Mare have Phil Howlett's vocals which are uniquely his, you know the second you press play that this is Phil on vocals. These two elements will go a long way in pushing Rote Mare from obscure to underground legend status but back to "The Path". This is stripped down, back to basics Doom Metal and is the kind of Doom that I and many others find so appealing and timeless. The riffs are thick and the raw, no frills rhythm section is a perfect catalyst for making the music even more solid, tighter and most importantly doomier. The song is back to back killer riffs, there is one riff about 6 or 7 minutes into the track that is pure doom gold. It will be hard for anyone not to get some kind of hair raising reaction but turn it up loud for full effect, I am sure you will do that anyway, its pretty hard not to with riffs like these. While this track is in the plodding classic doom vein, the other track titled "The Song Of Sorrow" compliments it by being more aggressive.
"The Song Of Sorrow" contains pounding energy while still remaining total doom, the mournful quality of the melodies blend well with groovy bass lines and the whole track is a very infectious package. Its not as memorable as 'The Path" once the disc has runs its course but its still a solid tune so no real complaints to have here. If the older sounds of Trouble and Candlemass still get your doomed blood flowing along with the more dirgier sounds of the real slow Reverend Bizarre stuff, then Rote Mare will become a old friend very quickly. This could be called a teaser for the full length in the works and from that point of view, it succeeds in raising your anticipation of whats to come. Rote Mare are one of the better doom acts to emerge from Australia in the last few years and I have a feeling their time to break through to the next level of cult Doom Metal stardom is right around the corner. I am really impressed with this EP, go check it out. 9/10
Friday, July 30, 2010
HellrideMusic.com review for Sorrows Path
Rote Mare - Sorrows Path (Rotedoom Records)
By Michael Ballue
July 24, 2010
Five years on and at least that many one man demos under his belt, and Adelaide doomster Phil Howlett has got himself a band! Joining Phil’s vocals and guitar are Sean Wiskin on guitar, Ben Dodunski on drums and Andrew Gillingham on bass. I’ve been appreciative of Phil’s one man efforts, which despite the obvious hindrances that come with being a completely solo project, were certainly pure of spirit offerings on the altar of doom, so I was eager to hear this when I opened the package and saw what it was.
A twenty minute ep featuring an intro and two tracks is the format of the full band’s debut. The intro is appropriate to mood, but really seems more like something to get through to get to the music than something that would warrant listen on its own. “The Path” makes clear two things from its very beginnings: 1) This is still Rote Mare, the style, the riffs and Phil’s lamenting howl are all still there and 2) This is exactly what needed to happen to Rote Mare the thicker, heavier and fuller sound than was possible in the one man past. Good things…and pretty much exactly what I was hoping for. The now more than bare bones rhythm section increases the impact of the doom laden riffs. Rote Mare are definitely not progressive or technical doom; a large part of their charm has always been the stripped down roots basics of their doom from down under. Now the effectiveness of that approach is significantly heightened with increased depth, width and thickness oozing all over without altering the basic framework. The tempo stays in the slow to mid-paced range, the tone hopeless and melancholy (of the bleak sort, not the overly emotional sort). The riffs aren’t very complex but they range from good to viciously effective (check the riff that heads up the build at about the 7 minute mark…how does any doom head not love that?).
“The Song of Sorrow” is more of that good doom stuff, this time with a bit more of a pounding and aggressive edge to it. Thick as all get out broadsword doom riffing, pounding, percussive drumming and malevolently throbbing bass and a mournful vocal melody intertwine seamlessly on this one. The difference is very palpable, four men of one mind is a whole lot more powerful than one man trying to be four.
Nice one lads! Well done. Very solid and very traditional doom. I like that. Color me looking forward to the full length later this year.
http://www.hellridemusicforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22960
By Michael Ballue
July 24, 2010
Five years on and at least that many one man demos under his belt, and Adelaide doomster Phil Howlett has got himself a band! Joining Phil’s vocals and guitar are Sean Wiskin on guitar, Ben Dodunski on drums and Andrew Gillingham on bass. I’ve been appreciative of Phil’s one man efforts, which despite the obvious hindrances that come with being a completely solo project, were certainly pure of spirit offerings on the altar of doom, so I was eager to hear this when I opened the package and saw what it was.
A twenty minute ep featuring an intro and two tracks is the format of the full band’s debut. The intro is appropriate to mood, but really seems more like something to get through to get to the music than something that would warrant listen on its own. “The Path” makes clear two things from its very beginnings: 1) This is still Rote Mare, the style, the riffs and Phil’s lamenting howl are all still there and 2) This is exactly what needed to happen to Rote Mare the thicker, heavier and fuller sound than was possible in the one man past. Good things…and pretty much exactly what I was hoping for. The now more than bare bones rhythm section increases the impact of the doom laden riffs. Rote Mare are definitely not progressive or technical doom; a large part of their charm has always been the stripped down roots basics of their doom from down under. Now the effectiveness of that approach is significantly heightened with increased depth, width and thickness oozing all over without altering the basic framework. The tempo stays in the slow to mid-paced range, the tone hopeless and melancholy (of the bleak sort, not the overly emotional sort). The riffs aren’t very complex but they range from good to viciously effective (check the riff that heads up the build at about the 7 minute mark…how does any doom head not love that?).
“The Song of Sorrow” is more of that good doom stuff, this time with a bit more of a pounding and aggressive edge to it. Thick as all get out broadsword doom riffing, pounding, percussive drumming and malevolently throbbing bass and a mournful vocal melody intertwine seamlessly on this one. The difference is very palpable, four men of one mind is a whole lot more powerful than one man trying to be four.
Nice one lads! Well done. Very solid and very traditional doom. I like that. Color me looking forward to the full length later this year.
http://www.hellridemusicforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22960
Friday, July 9, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Rote Mare - Serpents Of The Church
Here is an idea for artwork for the forthcoming album "Serpents Of The Church". The order of tracks shown in the artwork is yet to be finalised. The recording will take place late July most probably at The Fish Shop with a release hopefully in August or September. The tracks to be included are Funeral Song, In Dooms Name (The Chosen Ones), Slow Decay (Sonic Mantra), Serpents Of The Church, Crossroads & Children Of The Sabbath. The running time is likely to be around 60 minutes in total.
Monday, May 3, 2010
DOOMFEST- May 29th Enigma
Rote Mare's debut gig. We will be playing between 10pm and 10:40pm. Doors open at 8:30pm.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Sorrows Path EP/Single
New EP/Single Sorrows Path will be rote mare's first official release. Recording will take place in early June with a release hopefully in July. The EP/Single will contain 2 songs (The Path, The Song Of Sorrow) and an intro. The intro has already been recorded at home based on an idea by Andrew. The Path is written by Phil. The music and chorus lyrics for The Song Of Sorrow are written by Sean with the remaining lyrics by Phil. Both songs are around 7-9 minutes in length and the intro runs about 2 minutes.
I wanted to release this in cardboard gatefold packaging but have had to change plans due to the cost of this being much higher than i expected. This CD and will be limited to a first pressing of 500 copies or less only. At the moment we are looking to sell them at around $8 each + postage.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Rote Mare - Corruption (2008)
1. Happiness
2. The Stones Of Blood
3. Into The Fire (Another Funeral Song)
4. Inquisitor
5. The Death Song
6. The Serpent
7. Disorder (bonus track)
Buy
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Rote Mare - In Ruins (2008)
1. Prelude To Ruin/Requiem II
2. Journeys End
3. In Ruins
4. Damnation
5. Blood Cross/Into Darkness
6. In Ruins (original version-bonus track)
Buy
Rote Mare - American Terrorist (2005)
1. Crossroads
2. Sinking Ships
3. The Thief
4. American Terrorist
5. A Guide To Self Destruction
6. Nothing
7. Good News For Modern Man (bonus track)
2. Sinking Ships
3. The Thief
4. American Terrorist
5. A Guide To Self Destruction
6. Nothing
7. Good News For Modern Man (bonus track)
Buy
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