We all have had stretches in our lives where things didn’t go well and we were our own worst enemies in a lot of those situations. Or we struggled with problems we may have brought on ourselves or that were intertwined into our relationships, and it ended up taking a mental and physical toll on us.

On “Hand of Severance,” the latest release from doom duo Coma Hole—vocalist/bassist Eryka Fir, drummer Steven Anderson—delves deeply into personal issues and when life gets chaotic for a stretch of time. Or even longer. This six-tracker stormer makes no bones about the scars shown and blood shed, and these 34 minutes address those matters head on, with eyes toward a better future. It’s also a step up musically for this duo as they add more muscle, make some of their edges sharper, and get even scuzzier. It’s also a payoff on the promise they showed on their 2022 self-titled EP, which deeply salves wounds.

“Alphaholics” starts with a radio dial being turned, scanning for familiar songs, reminding of the open of Queen of the Stone Age’s  “Songs for the Deaf,”  and then we’re soaring into burly doom, Fir lashing, “You can’t fix him, he’s the way he is.” That leads to psyche-heat bass work as the singing swelters, driving into burly terrain before a warm, buzzing finish. “Nevermind” is a molten haze, forceful singing landing blows, the playing grungy and menacing. The chorus is simple but effective, bass quivering and scuffling, heading toward a driving finish that leaves you scorched. “Rivermouth” opens with a muscular riff, the singing rising to the surface, Fir calling, “I’m caught up in the flood again.” Steely leads and pummeling drums add to the carnage, and then the temperature spikes, leaving a path of humidity and scorched air behind.

“Luster” has the bass slinking and vibrating, sultry singing adding to the heat, the vibes settling into cosmic dust. The playing slows but remains heavy, a bluesy psyche sheen stretching far, Fir calling, “I want you to want me like I want you,” droplets of sweat dotting the floor. “King Bee” is driving but also mystical, seductive singing sinking in its teeth and drawing blood. The playing punches harder as Fir’s vocals get a little raspier, the drums punching holes in your mind, the bass encircling before fading into a thick haze. Closer “Nooses” drives into a crunchy tempo, the band pummeling and making heads spin, singing sweltering as the riffs melt steel. That force only grows larger and more formidable, brawling through trudging storms and muddy paths, cold keys immersing with a sense of calm, letting the draining from the mental wounds slowly drip away.

It’s not easy acknowledging one’s self-destructive patterns, but there also is a strength and resolve that comes with that, which you can hear in full on “Hand of Severance.” Coma Hole repeatedly test you with heat and fire, forcing you to perform your own self-reflection while you’re being pummeled thoroughly physically and psychologically. This album leaves bruises but also provides a pathway to healing, giving you the proper, blasting doom buzz to help come to terms and manage the next steps on your own. 

For more on the band, go here: https://www.facebook.com/ComaHole/

To buy the album, go here: https://comahole.bandcamp.com/music