From Radio Birdman to the Saints to Rose Tattoo to Portal and even Total Control, Australia has a rich history of guitar-focused bands (ahem, AC/DC) including several of the heavy ilk. Undoubtedly, one of the most influential bands to come from Australia is none other than dISEMBOWELMENT, the beloved death/doom band that launched 1,000 followers and helped to reimagine the genre of doom metal.

Much like dISEMBOWELMENT in their time, Mournful Congregation is helping to reshape the genre of funeral doom. On The Incubus of Karma, Mournful Congregation's new LP and fifth overall, the band's approach uses dual leads set against guttural vocals and distorted guitars to make the perfect harmonious yin to the brutal yang. Ambient and clean passages abound, adding a dramatic flair and emphasizing the punch once those distorted guitars come back around the bend.

Make no mistake, there is plenty of brutality here to go around, it's just that the band, featuring members of Cauldron Black Ram, Aldebaran and others, know the value of a good hook. Stream that LP in full below for the first time and order yours via 20 Buck Spin.