Intrigued by the thought of a doom band from Israel, and trusting Relapse not to bother putting their weight behind something that wasn't worth a listen, I shelled out $10 and bought "Saved By Fear" by Dukatalon. This sort of whim purchase doesn't always work out for me, but I keep doing it because of the occasional gem like this. Dukatalon slay. Nothing ground-breaking, just quality sludgy/atmoshperic doom. Reminds me a lot of Zoroaster, but more consistently heavy (other than the one acoustic track, which for me is out of place and unwanted--a minor gripe for an overall excellent album). Is Dukatalon a complete anomaly in Israel? I have no freakin' clue. I do know this has been on heavy rotation for me the last several weeks.

Not many Stoner bands in Israel, but there is a small scene and Dukatalon is the most veteran band to operate in that scene. Not a big fan of theirs, but have to admit that they are quite good at what they do.

I'm a big fan of Jews playing sludge and this album gets regular spins from me. By the way, Billy Anderson produced it.

Back in the SR.com days, I said Dukatalon's debut was the best debut I'd heard since Mastodon's first EP eons ago...however, after a few months of repeated listens I stand corrected...they remind me a lot more of the first and second EP-era Baroness, not b/c they sound like them but b/c they're trying to figure out where they want to take their sound (melding parts of High on Fire, Mastodon, EHG, Zoroaster, etc.) but kicking some serious ass in the process...good sign by Relapse and an even better move setting them up with Anderson...as an aside, Dukatalon is a great band to listen to while working out...the volume, grooves and rage are good for cranking out a few more reps or putting in another five minutes on the treadmill after a night of boozing...

ever heard Rabies Caste? Sludgy doom from some Russians who relocated to Tel Aviv.


http://www.myspace.com/rabiescaste/music/albums/let-the-soul-out-and-cut-the-vein-16034232
http://www.thegauntlet.com/bio/2142/Rabies-Caste.html

Their guitarist may have the most successful imitation of Matt Pike's soloing style that I've ever heard, which I suppose is a compliment. They have a lot of potential.

Rabies Caste is new to me. I'm listening to the link you posted and i'm definitely liking what i hear. Thanks for the recommendation.