Cathedral

The Profile

Cathedral were an English doom-metal band founded by Lee Dorrian after his departure from Napalm Death. Their early releases are described as extremely slow, oppressive doom, later expanding toward seventies-rooted hard rock, psychedelia, prog touches, and stoner rock nuances. The band’s run is repeatedly framed as spanning roughly 1990 to 2013, ending with the final release “The Last Spire.”

From the reviews: Cathedral are described as a Coventry/British Midlands English band led by vocalist Lee Dorrian, formed after leaving Napalm Death in 1989. Early key releases include the demo/EP “In Memorium” (1990) and the debut album “Forest of Equilibrium” (1991). Multiple reviews emphasize Black Sabbath as a core influence and call Cathedral major heirs of that sound. “The Last Spire” is presented as the final work, released posthumously after the band’s disbandment, with the band’s activity framed as 1990–2013.

Across these reviews, Cathedral are framed as a defining English doom-metal band led by Lee Dorrian, moving from brutally slow early doom to more colorful, psychedelic and stoner-leaning forms. Recurring touchstones are Black Sabbath (and other classic doom acts), massive riffs, oppressive atmospheres, and Dorrian’s distinctive vocals. “Forest of Equilibrium” is repeatedly treated as a cornerstone; later peaks often cited include “The Ethereal Mirror” and “The Carnival Bizarre,” while “The Last Spire” is praised as a fitting final statement.