Release
date: November 06th 2015. Label: Napalm Records. Format:
CD/DD/Vinyl
Fornjot
– Tracklisting
1.
Augurs Echo
2.
Vultures Prey
3.
Sumerian Cry
4.
Fornjot
5.
Horns of Jura
6.
Hekla
Band
Members:
Daniel
Arvidsson - Bass, Vocals
Christer
Ström - Guitars
Emil
Ahlman - Drums, Organ
Review:
Mammoth
Storm released a well-received EP – Rite of Ascension - back in
2014 with the band’s style of progressive Doom/Stoner Metal. These
guys are from Sweden and we know Sweden are one of the current kings of
all things Doom/Stoner Metal. Now, Mammoth Storm return their debut
full length record – Fornjot.
Fornjot
is a conceptual album of sorts based on an Ancient Giant from Norse
mythology who was king of Finland, Kvenland and Gotland. (I know this
sounds like a crazy advert for a Folk/Power Metal album but it’s
not. So you’re safe on that one). Mammoth Storm have stuck very
closely to their Swedish roots on this album. Heavy Doom/Stoner Metal
riffs blended with tales of mythology and fantasy. It’s a setup
that the guys brilliantly get away with as they’ve created a
non-stop exercise of loud progressive doom metal riffage.
Opening
track – Augars Echo – is an epic 11 minute track with the band
creating a doomy atmosphere with the emphasis on noise and volume.
Daniel’s vocals are very narrative at times with an exciting story
unfolding right in front of you. The bass heavy guitars add extra
grit as the band venture into progressive rock/metal territory.
There’s an element of FUZZ which I didn’t expect as the sound
becomes more distorted before a twisted vibe of Psych Rock appears.
Second
track – Vultures Prey – is another epic doom-laden track with the
music once again remaining within the Doom/Fuzz/Stoner Metal realm.
The lyrics will probably mean more to fans of Norse Mythology but
that doesn’t stop this being another exciting song on the album.
The drums and guitars are loud through-out with a few moments of
psychedelic freak-outs merged with slow progressive doomy riffs.
Daniel is clearly passionate about what he’s singing about as his
vocal range is quite impressive on this song.
Third
track – Sumerian Cry – is one of the albums shortest tracks
running under 3 minutes. It’s an instrumental song with hints of
Eastern vibes. A nice change from the band. Shame it’s such a short
song as the duelling guitars set against a distorted noisy backdrop
has quite a calming and soothing atmosphere.
Fourth
track – Fornjot – finally appears and it’s good to see what
this mystical Norse Giant has in store for us. As expected, Mammoth
Storm create some of the albums most exciting moments as the heavy
progressive doom/stoner metal riffs weave a dark hypnotic almost
trance-like vibe. It’s a very slow paced affair but that’s a good
thing as it gives Mammoth Storm the chance to experiment with their
sound. Layers of noise and psych rock collide with Daniel’s
commanding vocals as the song reaches a thrilling climax.
The
final two songs – Horns Of Jura and Hekla – offer 24 minutes of
action packed progressive doom metal though Horns Of Jura does see
the band try their hand at creating Ambient based noises which makes
for an intriguing listen. Horns Of Jura does take some time to
finally get going as the band take their time unleashing the heavier
riffs but it’s all worth it when they finally appear. The final
song – Hekla – is perhaps the best song on the album as Mammoth
Storm do just that – unleashing a Mammoth Storm of heavy riffs over
an epic progressive groove. It starts very slowly but beware; the
mood becomes heavier as Mammoth Storm end the album to its natural
conclusion.
One
of the strengths of Fornjot is the lyrics as Mammoth Storm have
written fantastic lyrics throughout and ones that give actual power
to the music. Though I know most people will be here for the heavy
riffs. You won’t be disappointed on that score either. Fornjot is a
stunning debut album on all levels. Check this out as you won’t be
disappointed.
Words
by Steve Howe
Thanks
to Mona at Napalm Records for the promo. Fornjot will be available to
buy on CD/DD/Vinyl from 6th November 2015 via Napalm Records.
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