Scald Relics Review
Scald
Relics
Cruz Del Sur Music
2026
I get a real kick out of discovering bands that have been around for decades but somehow managed to slip past me. It's one of the best parts of doing this. Every now and then a forgotten name lands in my inbox, and it feels like uncovering buried treasure. The latest band to do that is Russia's Scald.
From what I've gathered, Scald built its reputation as an Epic Doom Metal band before tragedy struck with the passing of its original vocalist. Rather than simply carrying on as if nothing had happened, the band entered a different chapter creatively. Whether they were searching for a new direction or simply working through their grief, the songs that eventually became “Relics” were born during that period of transition. Fans have apparently heard several of these songs performed live over the years, but they've been waiting a long time for proper studio recordings. The wait was worth it.
Although “Relics” is technically being marketed as an EP, don't let that fool you. Five songs stretching across nearly thirty minutes is a substantial listen, and nothing here feels like filler or leftover material. This isn't a stopgap release to keep fans occupied between albums, it's a carefully assembled collection that easily stands on its own merits.
Musically, Scald operates within the world of Epic Doom, but there's far more happening beneath the surface than the genre label suggests. Progressive Metal influences weave naturally through the songwriting, giving these compositions a sense of movement that keeps them engaging from beginning to end. Too many Doom bands confuse slow tempos with meaningful songwriting. Scald doesn't make that mistake. Every arrangement feels deliberate. Every melody has a purpose, and the songs breathe without ever drifting aimlessly.
One of the more interesting details in the press material is the band's admission that Sanctuary's “Into the Mirror Black” served as a major influence while writing these songs. I couldn't agree more. That influence is impossible to miss, not because Scald is copying Sanctuary, but because they capture the same dramatic atmosphere and vocal approach. As someone who's always felt “Into the Mirror Black” never received the recognition it deserved, hearing another band tap into that spirit is a welcome surprise.
The vocal melodies are excellent, the guitar work carries plenty of emotion, and the entire record avoids one of Epic Doom's biggest pitfalls: boredom. Even during its slower passages, “Relics” keeps pulling you forward instead of losing you in endless repetition.
With its September release just around the corner, “Relics” feels like the perfect reminder that sometimes the best material isn't newly written, it’s just waiting for the right moment to finally be heard.
Standouts – “Ravens”, “Flame” and “Falcon”.