I’m always excited about Temple of Void. The death doom band returns with their fifth album The Crawl, and first impressions hit exactly where they should. Mike Erdody’s gutturals are once again front and centre — swamp-thick, cavernous, and monstrous. If you’ve ever wondered what a creature of the bog sounds like when it discovers amplification, this is probably it. The record stays close to previous releases, but in this case that consistency feels like strength rather than stagnation.

The album opens with “Poison Icon,” launching with blistering Phrygian dominant guitar shredding. A solo intro is always a welcome move, and it sets the tone immediately before Erdody’s swamp-soaked vocals crash in. The weight of the production is undeniable, and the sense of heaviness builds steadily as you settle in for the next 45 minutes.

“Godless Cynic” follows with what could be described as a quintessential Temple of Void track. The groove is undeniable, the drums lock in with head-bobbing precision, and the signature elements are all here — crushing instrumentation, groove-laden doom pacing, and those signature gutturals. For newcomers, it’s a strong introduction to the band’s sound. For longtime listeners, it slides comfortably into the existing catalogue without feeling forced.

The title track “The Crawl” moves like a doomsday entity dragging itself from murky waters. It’s slow, deliberate, and punishing. One of Temple of Void’s recurring strengths shows up here — leaving space within riffs so each stringed instrument can punctuate sections individually: guitar, guitar, bass. It creates breathing room without sacrificing impact.

My personal highlight, “A Dead Issue,” leans further into groove. A bending guitar phrase appears sparingly throughout the song, but each occurrence lands perfectly. There’s an unexpectedly catchy quality embedded in the weight, making it one of the most memorable cuts on the record.

“Thy Mountain Eternal” introduces cleaner guitar textures early on, beginning with a subtle ambient feel before evolving into a full death doom groove. It doesn’t reduce the intensity — it simply adds dimension.

On “Soulburn,” aggressive alternate picking rides over groove-leaning rock rhythms, creating an interesting tonal contrast. The synth accents and extremely low vocals give it a distinct 80s horror atmosphere. Notably, what feels like it could be an extended solo moment instead resolves quickly, pulling back into the main rhythm rather than indulging in excess. It’s restrained where it could have gone theatrical.

Closing track “The Twin Stranger” brings back the aggressive picking style and horror-infused groove. Melodic passages surface briefly before disappearing, giving the song a progressive undertone. It feels like the final emergence — the creature fully out of the swamp, but still moving at its own deliberate pace.

Temple of Void have consistently delivered strong artwork, and The Crawl continues that tradition. The deep blue palette stands apart from the brighter ghoulish tones of previous releases, but it still leans heavily into that 80s horror aesthetic that fits the music so well.

Sonically, the band hasn’t dramatically shifted direction, and that’s not a flaw. This is not a reinvention record. It’s refinement. Some solos lean slightly more toward a rock feel than outright metal ferocity, but moments like the Phrygian dominant shred in “Poison Icon” balance that out. As the closing feedback fades, what remains is a cohesive, crushing release that will hold its place throughout 2026.

If you’re already a fan, you’ll feel right at home. If you’re new, this is a solid place to step into the swamp. Just watch your footing.

Track Listing

• 1. Poison Icon – 5:13
• 2. Godless Cynic – 5:06
• 3. The Crawl – 5:17
• 4. A Dead Issue – 4:55
• 5. Thy Mountain Eternal – 6:56
• 6. Soulburn – 6:24
• 7. The Twin Stranger – 7:40