Description

Internal Void – Standing On The Sun – Compact Disc

Internal Void’s Standing on the Sun, released in 1993, is a celebrated debut album in the doom metal genre. Hailing from Frederick, Maryland, the band combines a traditional doom approach with hints of heavy blues, drawing significant influence from bands like Black Sabbath, Saint Vitus, and The Obsessed. Standing on the Sun delivers powerful riffs, dark melodies, and introspective lyrics, establishing Internal Void as a notable force in the 90s doom scene. This album is regarded as one of the defining works of early 90s American doom metal, helping shape the Maryland doom sound that has since influenced many bands in the genre.

Standing on the Sun is rooted in traditional doom metal, characterized by slow, heavy riffs, downtuned guitars, and an ominous atmosphere. Guitarist Kelly Carmichael drives the sound with thick, gritty riffs and bluesy solos reminiscent of Tony Iommi’s pioneering style in Black Sabbath. His dynamic guitar work alternates between crushing heaviness and moments of psychedelic flair, giving the album both depth and variety. The rhythm section, featuring Eric Little on drums and Adam Heinzmann on bass, anchors the music with tight, groove-laden beats, while J.D. Williams’s haunting vocals evoke a blend of Ozzy Osbourne’s eerie tone and Wino’s powerful delivery.

Lyrically, the album explores themes of existential dread, societal decay, and introspection. Tracks like “Warhorse” and “Desolate Cemetery” delve into dark, philosophical themes, reflecting the doom genre’s fascination with mortality and the human experience. Williams’ lyrics paint vivid scenes of despair and desolation, while his delivery brings an emotional weight to the heavy, brooding music.

Notable Tracks

‘Warhorse’ – The album opens with a riff-heavy anthem that sets the tone with its powerful, sludgy groove. The song’s lyrics explore themes of battle and endurance, while Carmichael’s guitar riffs and solos capture the intensity and grit of classic doom.

‘The Peace Song’ – This instrumental track provides a meditative, atmospheric interlude in the album. The slow, blues-infused guitar work contrasts with the heavier tracks, showcasing the band’s ability to create mood through subtlety.

‘Utopia of Daze’ – Featuring a driving riff and haunting vocals, this song critiques societal complacency and the pursuit of superficial ideals. The song’s repetitive, almost hypnotic structure enhances its dystopian theme, capturing the sense of a world in decline.

‘Devil in Drag’ – One of the album’s standout tracks, it combines a thick, doom-laden rhythm with powerful, introspective lyrics that suggest themes of temptation and self-awareness.

‘Line in the Sand’ – A slower, introspective piece, “Line in the Sand” balances heavy riffs with a melodic sensibility, showcasing the band’s knack for blending doom with emotive, blues-inspired solos.

‘Desolate Cemetery’ – Closing the album, this track encapsulates the grim, introspective tone of the record with haunting lyrics and powerful, mournful guitar solos. It’s a reflection on mortality and the transience of life, a fitting end to an album steeped in doom and contemplation.

Recorded and mixed at Ambient Studios in Beltsville, Maryland, Standing on the Sun was produced with an intentionally raw, unpolished sound that enhances its authenticity and emotional intensity. Chris Kozlowski handled engineering and production, capturing the band’s dense, organic sound. The guitar tone is thick and distorted, while the drums and bass maintain a solid foundation that gives each song a crushing heaviness. The production amplifies the bleak atmosphere, allowing the doom-laden riffs and haunting vocals to resonate deeply with listeners.

Standing on the Sun received praise from doom enthusiasts and critics alike, earning a place as a hidden gem in the early 90s doom metal scene. While the album didn’t achieve mainstream success, it gained a devoted following among fans of traditional doom, who appreciated its dedication to the genre’s roots and its introspective approach. Over time, Standing on the Sun has been recognized as a key contribution to the Maryland doom sound, influencing bands that draw from both heavy blues and classic doom aesthetics​

​The album’s reputation has grown over the years, appreciated for its raw production, powerful riffs, and emotional depth. For fans of doom metal, Standing on the Sun remains a must-listen, a classic that stands alongside other seminal works in the genre. Its legacy endures as a testament to Internal Void’s role in shaping the American doom metal sound and to their commitment to creating music that is both heavy and introspective.

Track Listing

1. Warhorse
2. Take A Look
3. Peace Song, The
4. Utopia Of Daze
5. Standing On The Sun
6. Unclean Spirit
7. Devil In Drag
8. Eclipsed
9. Line In The Sand
10. Desolate Cemetery