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.
Links:
