Satan Worshipping Doom
Satan Worshipping Doom needs no voice to give its four long songs a clear shape. Bongripper let heavy guitars, low bass and firm drums determine the movement together. The pace often stays slow, but the music changes enough to offer more than one extended riff.
Hail begins with the lumbering weight which largely defines the record. The rhythm section holds everything firmly together while the guitars gradually adjust their patterns. Small increases and reductions in speed matter because the band establish their foundation so clearly. Instruments do not need to change roles constantly to maintain attention.
Satan provides a much faster contrast. After an uneasy beginning, the guitars take a fiercer, almost black-metal-like direction. Returning to slower heaviness becomes more convincing as a result. It shows how effective a clear change in pace can be within this sound.
Worship gives melodic guitar more space above the slow riff. A quieter passage opens the song further before leads become more prominent towards the ending. This adds a different emotional character without removing its weight. It provides one of the clearest examples of the band's ability to develop an extended structure.
The closing drone-like build takes longer than necessary to make its point. Not every section reaches the same balance between patience and development as a result. Satan Worshipping Doom remains a particularly strong instrumental sludge record, however. Riffs are memorable, changes in pace have a purpose and guitars have enough room to offer more than heaviness alone. Bongripper make their best impression when extended repetition leads towards a change which genuinely makes a difference to the music.
