Ancient Anglesey – Barclodiad y Gawres

Continuing our explorations of ancient sites around the Isle of Anglesey, earlier this year we paid a return visit to Barclodiad y Gawres. Not far from our regular haunt in Rhosneigr, on the road to Aberffraw, this ancient tomb is one I’ve visited before – but it’s well worth another, better documented trip.

Barclodiad y Gawres means “The Giantess’s Apronful” in English. There are carparks nearby to reach the site, followed by a short walk along a pretty spectacular coastal path, with great views across the beaches towards Rhosneigr. The monument is visible from the road, and eventually you’ll reach it standing atop a hill.

The entrance is gated, though it is opened up to the public at certain times. You can see inside the tomb regardless, and discern some of the stones within. I’ve not been directly inside yet, but it’s certainly something I’d like to do. Some of the stones contained inside feature patterns made by the ancients – which would be a fantastic thing to see.

The location makes this site an atmospheric viewing. With Porth Trecastell on the far side, it’s surrounded by some wonderful scenery that really makes this a wonderful, magical place. Barclodiad y Gawres is an intriguing place and worth repeated visits – the Jones archeological team shall return.

For more info, visit Cadw.

Goat Major – Album Review

Goat Major – Ritual

Ripple Music

Release date: 08/03/2024

Running time: 41 mins approx

Review by: Alun Jones

9/10

“Ritual” is the debut album of Occult Doom Metal band Goat Major. The band, comprising Jammie Arnold (guitar), Simon Bonwick (drums) and Tom Shortt (bass and vocals) came together as a three piece during the pandemic and the frustration of lockdown. They hail from Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire in Wales, which makes a lot of sense. Wales is steeped in ancient legends, historic monuments and plenty of castles, druids, standing stones, devil dogs and faerie folk – a rich landscape for inspiration.

Musically, we have here eight songs that follow the classic doom/stoner template of fuzzy guitars, rumbling bass and crashing drums. The first track, ‘Snakes (Goddess of the Serpent)’ offers up a burning, slow riff before launching into a dirtier, groovy rhythm. The title track has a driving pace with a hypnotic feel, induced by backing vocals and a relentless grind.

The songs aren’t all just freaked out, fuzztastic trips though. There’s a palpable air of Dennis Wheatley and Hammer horror permeating the whole affair, best demonstrated by ‘Mountains of Madness’, with its slow, atmospheric start. Goat Major bring the gloom to the doom with a touch of malevolence.

Rounding off the album is a short, melodic track called ‘Lay Me Down’, which reminds me of the sort of mellow insert that Budgie (or Sabbath, for that matter) would employ. Appearing last, it’s a lovely oasis of calm after the preceding murkiness. It’s easy to compare the album to Electric Wizard, Uncle Acid and Cathedral, but the foreboding feel Goat Major have created shows they have ideas of their own.

Bubbling away in Goat Major’s coffin is a recipe for some classic Occult Doom Metal. They’ve taken the original sources, added some sinister seasoning of their own, and delivered a hell of a debut album. “Ritual” is easily qualified to make my end of year Top Ten.

PS: in no way has the fact that this band is from Wales influenced my high opinion of this excellent album. Diolch yn fawr, Goat major!

Check out Goat Major on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Spotify.

This review is brought to you by Platinum Al and Ever Metal.