Altars - Official Website


Futile

Australia Country of Origin: Australia

1. Intro
2. To Forget
3. This Is Where I Am
4. The Fall
5. While The World Sleeps
6. Futile
7. Someone I (Don't) Know
8. (About) Leaving
1. Slouching Towards Gomorrah
2. Perverse Entity
3. Luminous Jar
4. Black Light Upon Us
5. Ascetic Reflection
6. Anhedonia
7. Opening The Passage
8. Inauspicious Prayer

Review by Adam M on January 9, 2026.

This is a more slower doom metal oriented release similar to the likes of Katatonia.  It is very sorrowful and emotional and features a great deal of depth and style.  There isn’t quite the same style as other Katatonia releases because this is not as alternative sounding, but this is still a very strong release.  The heavy crushing nature of the music is quite astonishing to behold, but it is mixed up with a lighter style for maximum variety.

The production on the album is very strong and brings these crushing riffs to life.  There is a morose tone that is similar to Paradise Lost, but also much heavier than that.  The production helps bring the crushing riffs to life and this is very compelling.  The drums and vocals are solid, but take a backseat to the huge guitars.

If there is a flaw to the album, it comes up a bit short when compared to the nature of the alternative stylings of Katatonia because it is more doomy in nature.  Still, the riffs have their own place and niche and make for a good listen with plenty of high points.  There is very little to dislike here, though it could be powerful than it is and more gripping as well.

Still, this was a solid release with plenty of high points and had a great deal of great atmosphere for to be found.  There is little to niggle with in terms of flaws and a radiant release of wonderful doom metal is to be found.  Fans of albums like Katatonia’s Brave Murder Day release will find a lot to like here and this is a strong demonstration of doom metal.

Rating: 7.6 out of 10

   207

Review by Adam M on January 9, 2026.

This is a more slower doom metal oriented release similar to the likes of Katatonia.  It is very sorrowful and emotional and features a great deal of depth and style.  There isn’t quite the same style as other Katatonia releases because this is not as alternative sounding, but this is still a very strong release.  The heavy crushing nature of the music is quite astonishing to behold, but it is mixed up with a lighter style for maximum variety.

The production on the album is very strong and brings these crushing riffs to life.  There is a morose tone that is similar to Paradise Lost, but also much heavier than that.  The production helps bring the crushing riffs to life and this is very compelling.  The drums and vocals are solid, but take a backseat to the huge guitars.

If there is a flaw to the album, it comes up a bit short when compared to the nature of the alternative stylings of Katatonia because it is more doomy in nature.  Still, the riffs have their own place and niche and make for a good listen with plenty of high points.  There is very little to dislike here, though it could be powerful than it is and more gripping as well.

Still, this was a solid release with plenty of high points and had a great deal of great atmosphere for to be found.  There is little to niggle with in terms of flaws and a radiant release of wonderful doom metal is to be found.  Fans of albums like Katatonia’s Brave Murder Day release will find a lot to like here and this is a strong demonstration of doom metal.

Rating: 7.6 out of 10

   207