Wednesday 16 March 2016

SOURVEIN - Aquatic Occult (Album Review)


Release date: April 08th 2016 . Label: Metal Blade Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Aquatic Occult – Tracklisting

Tempest (Of Desire)
Avian Dawn
Ocypuss
Aquanaut
Hymn to Poseidon
Mermaids
Urchins
In the Wind
Cape Fearian
Capsized
High Tide
Bermuda Sundown
Coral Bones
Oceanic Procession

Review:

I like to be honest when I review records. And whilst I don't want to come across as trying to look super cool by knowing about all the bands, I also don't want to look like a dick by not knowing about all the bands. Alas....If I'm going to be honest, I now look a dick as Sourvein were a band I had never listened to up until taking on this review.

Of course, I knew the name and I knew the reputation (I'm trying not to say anything about Electric Wizard at this point). For me it was a simple as the sea theme of the record and the reputation of the band, that made me take this from the options presented. (Steve's a very reasonable chap like that)

I'm kinda glad I opted to do this review as with "Aquatic Occult" Sourvein have unleashed a monster of a record, that ticks all the boxes for me.

After initial opener "Tempest (Of Desire) kicks off proceedings complete with sea sound effects, the next three or four tracks fly by at no nonsense pace, until amidst all the chaos the band hit us with the track "Mermaids". An obviously 70's sounding piece laden with beautiful dual guitar harmonies, dripping with an instantly cool and confident swagger that makes a mockery of some of the popular bands at the moment currently plying this as their trade (I'll name no one, but you know.....)

Then after 1.53 the next track "Urchins" kicks in and promptly the aggression of the 1st part of the record takes back hold again as Sourvein continue to conjure up images of all sorts of mythical creatures and battles beneath the sea, culminating in the almost sinister sounding album closer "Oceanic Possession" which gradually fades away to the sound of a sub marine slowly sinking down to the deepest darkest depths....

An absolute (sea) monster of an album and as far as introductions to bands go, you probably couldn't ask for better. If you like sludge, you'll love this. Here's to the next 20 years......

Words by Simon Ross Williams

Thanks to Andy at Metal Blade Records for the promo. Aquatic Occult will be available to buy on CD/DD/VInyl from Metal Blade Records from April 8th 2016.

You can read my recent interview with T.Roy from Sourvein here.

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