Graveyard Dirt - Shadows Of Old Ghosts (Independent) - Back
The original formation of Graveyard Dirt was created back in 1994. In 1995 they released a 3-track demo then signed to the German record label Ars Metalli about a year later. Soon after they disbanded. Many years afterward in 2005, Graveyard Dirt reformed and re-released their demo in May of 2007. Now they have a new and impressive EP entitled Shadows Of Old Ghosts.

“The Shadows Of Old Ghosts” EP is almost as lengthy as some full-length albums. 3 tunes that are almost 34 minutes…yes they are a long songs, but not boring. The duration of the tracks is due to the form of music they play…heavy, Irish, doom metal. Many bands come to mind as you listen such as Novembers Doom, My Dying Bride, Anathema, Paradise Lost, Entombed, Primordial, Unleashed, etc.

Graveyard Dirt’s melancholic art is filled with passionate riffs, somber keyboard tones, and drumming with perfect cadence. Slow enough to be doomy, but not too slow that it’s dull. Vocals remind me somewhat of Johnny Hedlund from Unleashed crossed with A.A. Nemtheanga from Primordial. Not too much, just a little.

Every track is excellent. There are memorable components in each tune. The second track “A Tearless Lament” will stick in you mind after you listen, and you will want to hear it again, and again.

“Shadows Of Old Ghosts” is guaranteed to knock the happiest person down a peg or two. I’m glad to see these guys got back together after their long hiatus. Graveyard Dirt are now rehearsing new material for a future release. I can’t wait! If you are a true doom metal fan and looking for something new, I couldn’t think of a better purchase!

Rating: 93

Reviewed By: Jeffrey D. Adkins