As ever the fan of eclectic and extreme doom, this new Show of Bedlam album breeds a lot of excitement. The Quebec quartet is named for the notorious insane asylum in England during the 18th century. St. Mary of Bethlehem allowed England's common folk to enter the hospital to stare at and prod the patients with long sticks. "Bedlam" charged a penny for this show. The attendees incited violent and sexual behaviors from the patients, thus driving them mad. This spectacle lasted well into the 19th century. It is indeed a similar primal madness that the Montreal Show of Bedlam operates with.
The band brings together unique song structure and haunting atmosphere much like fellow Quebecois Gorguts does. Yet, the former opts for a menacing blend of doom and noise rock instead of the latter's death metal. This concoction is very present in the opening track to the group's second album, called "Blue Lotus". At a staggering 12 and a half minutes long, there is no settling into Show of Bedlam's music. Listeners are much like the poor souls of the Bedlam hundreds of years ago. Paulina's voice is tormenting. She employs a punk/noise rock vocal approach that is a harsh contrast to the towering doom that engrosses much of the song. The composition becomes maddening from the midway point and beyond. As "Blue Lotus" unfolds, it ultimately begins a slow, spiraling descent towards its conclusion.
Transfiguration arrives on May 12 across the world. Sentient Ruin Laboratories is handling all digital, vinyl, and cassette formats within the United States. Dawnbreed Records will also release the album in Europe on vinyl and cassette. For those in Canada, Desordre Ordonee will sell the vinyl. Finally, for those wanting a CD, PRC Music is selling it worldwide. Show of Bedlam is also on Facebook. Listen to "Blue Lotus" below.
