Hi there! Today, I want to talk about a band I’ve been listening to a lot recently, especially since we’ll have the chance to see them live in Turkey during the “Doom Over Istanbul” event. While eagerly waiting for the days we can attend concerts again, I decided to use this time to prepare for upcoming shows.

Formed in 2015 in the Netherlands, DOOL has a sound that mixes gothic rock and doom metal. Their 2020 album “Summerland” came out during the COVID-19 pandemic, so they haven’t had the chance to perform it live yet. This intrigued me, and while I wanted to check out their live performances, I only found music videos. I guess I’ll only fully experience them at a concert.

One thing that makes DOOL stand out is their female vocalist, which is rare in this genre. Many bands with similar music either have female back vocalists or more feminine versions of the main vocals. The surprising part for me was realizing that the band’s main vocalist, Ryanne van Dorst (stage name Elle Bandita), sings all the songs. It took me until my fourth listen to figure out it was her voice throughout the album. Initially, I thought she was just in the background or singing a few tracks.

The opening track, “Sulphur & Starlight,” is undeniably catchy and sticks in your head. The chorus has a strong Ghost vibe, and each time I listen to it, I could swear it’s a male vocalist. Ryanne van Dorst gave me a second Michelle Gurevich moment.

The second track, “Wolf Moon,” isn’t as catchy as the first but still manages to stick with its chorus. It’s darker than the opening track and features a repeating melodic riff in the background, giving it that gothic, eerie feel.

I’m a sucker for albums that blend Eastern and Western influences, and “God Particle” does just that with an opening featuring a bağlama (a Turkish stringed instrument) and a tambourine. I wish the bağlama part was longer or used again in the song. The overall atmosphere of the track is fantastic, with a mix of post-punk and doom metal vibes. I’m curious how they’ll perform this live if they play it.

The title track “Summerland” is an 8-minute journey. The first half is dark and atmospheric, while the second half shifts mood with guitar usage. Unlike the other songs, this one isn’t instantly catchy but grows on you with multiple listens. Despite its minimalist composition, it’s enriched with back vocals and tambourine.

“A Glass Forest” reminds me of Mor ve Ötesi’s “Benim Küçük Sevgilim” and has a vocal similarity to James LaBrie from Dream Theater. However, it didn’t capture me as much as the previous four tracks.

“The Well’s Run Dry” features double vocals and guitar harmonies, with a solo leaning towards blues, showing they like to mix things up.

As the album progresses, it shifts genres. “Ode to the Future” feels more like alternative rock and almost like a cover due to its similarities. It strongly resembles Patti Smith’s “Dancing Barefoot.” While it’s normal to have influences, the drastic shift from the album’s overall vibe was a bit disappointing for me.

“Be Your Sins” brings us to the penultimate track, again shifting genres and mood within the album. It features a keyboard solo that fills the song’s gaps nicely, adding a new dimension (with a slight Muse vibe).

The album ends on a melancholic note with “Dust & Shadow,” an 8-minute track. The use of violin and synth creates a dreamy feel, perfect for closing your eyes and drifting into somber daydreams. It’s definitely a night-time track, with the second half’s violin and following guitar possibly being a bit much for sensitive listeners.

I can’t say this album was the highlight of 2020, but the songs are catchy enough that you’ll find yourself coming back for more. DOOL doesn’t promise anything you haven’t heard before but still manages to be a very enjoyable listen. With the chance to see them live, I recommend giving them a try. Start with “Sulphur & Starlight” and “Dust & Shadow.” Happy listening!