[GIG REVIEW] CHURCH OF CROW - DOOM FESTIVAL III @ Chiesa Di San Giuseppe (IT), 02.05.25 (Part I).
Words: Dean Underhill
Photography: Dean Underhill + Ombelline Canelle (Portfolio/Profile Link)
Organiser: Church of Crow Records (Organiser Link)
Editor’s Note: Bandcamp links/alternative relevant links have been added for each of the artists where bolded/underlined, e.g. Band Name Here.
Personal thanks given by myself on behalf of the event organiser and staff for keeping our doom-metal writing-machine (and of course, my DM!) safe and entertained from all the way over in Italy, as well of course to the bands and attendees for what looks to have been a successful iteration of the ‘Crow. Squawk-yeah.
Be sure to heed Dean’s doom-sporting words and show the international scene some support and listenership! Grazie! - Brady.
When was the last time that you went to church?
For me, it was the 2nd and 3rd of May 2025. This is May Day holiday weekend in Europe, and the Spring vibe is upbeat - especially in the little town of Pinerolo in the shadow of the Italian Alps.
This is possibly one of the most unique and exclusive Doom festivals in the world. Let me tell you about Valerio, one of the most debonaire gentleman in the genre of Doom Metal. Valerio has been hosting and organising this remarkably niche festival in the non-sacrosanct 17th Century Church of St Giuseppe for three years running. I have no doubt that the epic, groove-laden Doom that emanates out of this church on May Day weekend has got ‘ole St Giuseppe turning in his grave, with all the ghouls and wraiths gyrating along too.
Valerio and his dedicated crew of enthusiasts have truly encapsulated the spirit of eternal damnation, with the spectacular transformation of this historic building into the perfect venue for Doom metal. I was lucky enough to be able to view the church in its’ natural state before its metamorphosis into the epicentre of Doom.
When I arrived around 14:00 on Friday the venue had been transformed into something akin to a stage set for an Italian horror flick. My anticipation was lit for what was to come, along with several dozen punters that had arrived early to witness the spooky edginess of the first band IV Sigillo.
If this event sounds particularly intriguing to you and you want to experience the unique novelty of Church of The Crow, I recommend acquiring accommodation in Pinerolo as early as possible.
Editor’s Note - Image Credit: Dean, gathering with the faithful and doom-laden.
I hope that you can discern the amazing nostalgic feel that this venue imbibes from the photos and video provided. This event is so niche and hip that it only hosts around 170 – 200 dedicated festivalgoers. There is some delectable merch set up left and right of the central hall of the church. There is one (and only one) drinks/food stand, left of the church steps. This was courtesy of Valerio’s colleague Lorenzo, who ran one of the local taverna's.
Now if you’re the precious sort, be warned; in true Italian fashion, there is only one toilet.
Italian Doom has a distinctive sound, and leans heavily at times into the rich traditional music landscape that permeates Italy. Whether that be provincial folk influence, classical, opera or Euro-sounding heavy metal. All of this variation gives Italian Doom its’ own unique and compelling sound. Church of The Crow is an amazing event to immerse yourself in both Italian and Scandinavian Doom metal. For the remainder of this review, I’ll briefly relate the contributions in chronological order - with some extrapolation where warranted.
SATURDAY Session
Groove-laden Doom with some quirky proggy elements. The vocalist was expressive and entertained throughout the songs with his expressive antics including drinking weird coloured concoctions from round bottom flasks he heated the base of with his lighter??? This was complimented by approaching fellow band members from behind and stroking their heads.
The band, not put out in the slightest, unleashed some deep groovy rifts that got you headbanging early. Many of the punters were pleasantly surprised by these guys, and they are definitely worth a listen.
Link to Live Recording of IV Sigillo’s set
(courtesy of Ombelline - note, was unable to embed here thanks to Mark Zuckerberg, may require a Meta account to view. Thanks for the walled-garden app-ecosystem Mark, you silly flog!).
Link to single ‘Satrap of the Cruel’ video (via Metal on Metal Records on Youtube):
Atmospheric doom metal which featured three guitarists (one lady guitarist) and bass. These folks created a solemn mood as the lead (an older Italian Signor, sans skull-head walking stick) switched between hymn-like operatic cleans to vicious witch-screams as the choruses took on a more blackened feel.
Image Credit: Ombelline Canelle
Link to playlist containing some deep-cuts (demo’s, 7” tracks etc), via the artists’ official Youtube Channel:
A blackened 6-piece comprising two singers (one on keyboards) that often sang in unison to great effect. This was good blackened doom with an Italian flavour: tomato, pesto, most probably the pine-nuts up here. It was well-delivered and the solos were entertaining, as the lead guitarist had a skill to be observed.
One track was particularly surprising, i.e. when they played a San Jolla sounding Rock n' Roll Stoner/Doom style track. To switch from atmospheric to black-and-roll to stoner was quite an accomplishment.
Editor’s Note: I spent an inordinate amount of time sifting through algorithms really getting it wrong (LOTS of videos about Coptic conspiracy-theory?!) re: Church of the Crow III and El Capro. Il sigh. In lieu of that, please be champions and check out their latest LP XIII on Youtube):
I took some time out to sit down during this set. Five tracks in, I was pulled out of my seat by these juggernauts of blackened Italian heavy metal. Selvan's vocal range was amazing, and his lead guitarist had possibly the longest hair I've seen on a male muso. They switched between operatic metal to groove-laden black speed, and the drummer was all over the kit.
Selvan himself cut the perfect dominating figure in front of the stage, performing and interacting with the audience like a monster from Italian folklore. He fully imbibed and resonated with the atmosphere at the church. At times his tall, intimidating frame leaned into the front rows, menacing the crowd. Other times, he was utilising human femurs to play a detuned black-skinned drum; the occasional draught of Italian red was customarily consumed during numbers. At one stage he donned a crow feather vest complete with claws and spruiked the Church of the Crow like an officiator of blackened rites. If you’re having pizza and red wine try some Selvans as an apperitifo followed by a late-night cemetery stroll!
Images: Dean Underhill
Deep, heavy stoner doom. Singer was clean singing with a rock n' roll vibe with occasional growls. Old fellas playing old school feeling Doom. Not extreme by any means, but good for Sunday afternoon cruisin’.
Image Credit: Dean Underhill
Epic melodic doom from Sweden. Real crowd favourite, and they are well seasoned and professional musicians to say the least.
They consist of two very accomplished guitarists and bass/ backing vocals. The front man, (Anders Engberg) was a consummate performer with a voice akin to Bruce Dickinson and certainly a Maiden/ Saxon influence. These guys played a huge 50-minute set, complete with an encore.
Sorcerer play some inspiring, nostalgic, epic doom.
I recommend them when you need to slay a proverbial dragon.
Image Credit: Ombeline Canelle/Martine Varago
That’s going to do it for Part 1 of Dean ‘The Muscle Wizard’ Underhill’s equally-staunch Italian doom-metal festival coverage!
Stay tuned, as we’ve still got the rest of the festival coming up ahead.
A reminder to check out the organiser/photographer links up top of the article - supporting the scene is one of our primary goals here, and that includes the international metal community of which we all belong.
Last note - peep the Bandcamp links via the artist titles! I know I’m a broken record, but in the words of a certain Sith-lord & Shia Lebouf - “do it”.
Cheers again to Dean for another prosaic and evocative written piece. You can see why I’ve stuck in the man’s campaign for nearing a decade now (in a tabletop system I’m not even the biggest fan of mechanically, 5e) - bro knows his stuff in weaving a narrative, as do all my talented and wonderful team members.
Peace, Love and Romantic Doom-Metal Getaways In Italia - Brady.