Now here's a demo with promise. The Living Fields have chosen a rather odd concept. They're using doom metal as a political vehicle. In most cases, this sound accompanies very introspective lyrics, but The Living Fields use this medium to discuss their progressive political stances. The music is still very depressing and hopeless sounding, which actually accompanies the band's thoughts rather well.
The Living Fields sit right between the minimalism of the pure four instrument band (guitar, bass, drum and vocal) and the orchestrated outfit that seems like a million things are going on at once. They use programmed strings to accompany their otherwise basic sound and it's very effective. Strings typically provide a very gloomy feeling and they do that well here as well. The vocalist is multi-facted, reaching Dani Filth pitches at times and going guttural at others. He even does a few King Diamond falsetto parts.
Musically, it's a bit narrow to call The Living Fields a simple doom band. Yes, their sound is primarily cut from that mold, but they also have faster thrashing parts at times, as well as a few other surprises. A little over two minutes into "A Leveling Spirt" is a section with blastbeats, which is unheard of in traditional doom metal. This is a new style of doom incorporating other aspects into their sound. "Dim Prospects" is a totally odd track, consisting of only strings playing underneath clips of Noam Chomsky and others for three minutes. I could do without this track, but it certainly fits the motif of "The Miseries Never Cease".
This demo was recorded with programmed drums, but the band have just added Chad Walls of Brodequin fame to the drumkit, so their next one promises to be even more compelling and dynamic. This band sport an interesting concept and an impeccable delivery. You can download their entire demo from their website (www.thelivingfields.com) and I suggest you do so.
Danowar, IntoObscurity.com