Release
date: April 1st 2016. Label: Voodoo Chamber Records. Format:
CD/DD
Glitter
– Tracklisting
1.Apotheosis
2.Vacant
3.Skin
of the Buffalo
4.Bad
Intentions
5.Whistleblowers
6.Sobchak
7.Glitter:
The Devil's Horn
8.Eat
The Sun (Bonus Track - Digital only)
Review:
THAL’s
debut album Glitter comes off as a heavier version of Truckfighters
as they create a similar style of Fuzz/Desert Rock as that great
band. THAL start to create their own sound by adding a distorted
noise rock vibe to the mix.
Opening
track – Apotheosis – sets up the scene for a cool ride of heavy
Stoner/Fuzz riffs. The vocals take a few minutes getting used to as
they’re very different to the usual style of Fuzz/Stoner Rock bands
currently out there. I would say you can detect a slight Punk/Heavy
Metal vibe to the vocals. The riffs are the main attraction here as
THAL keep things nice and simple which allows the listener to fully
enjoy themselves here. THAL don’t offer anything new or original
here but what they do offer is highly energetic riffs you will find
very hard to resist.
Second
track – Vacant – sees THAL create a more vibrant atmosphere
compared to the first track. THAL start playing superb progressive
guitar solos but the mood remains firmly rooted in classic desert
rock/stoner metal territory. It has a slight blues-rock feel towards
the end of the song that allows THAL to demonstrate their musical
skills.
Third
track – Skin Of The Buffalo – is a song I have issues with. It
starts off superbly well but then some of the more interesting guitar
riffs are drowned out by lesser impressive sounds. Though to THAL’s
credit the turn things round quite quickly with the band creating
solid riffs to hold your attention. The vocals can be very jarring at
times but they get the job done. This track is perhaps one of the
weakest songs on the album but it shouldn’t deter you from the
overall enjoyment of the album.
Fourth
song – Bad Intentions – is perhaps the standout track on the
album. An exciting and action packed song packed full of intelligent
riffs and lyrics to match. The atmosphere becomes a tad psychedelic
as it shows another side to THAL that I’m becoming to enjoy more
every time I listen to the album. This song has a rebellious punk
based attitude especially with the vocals and lyrical content.
The
second half of the album sees THAL add a heavy NOLA sound to the mix
especially on the fifth song – Whistleblowers. Fans of cult classic
movie – The Big Lewbowski – will find very much to enjoy on the
song – Sobchak. All I’m going to say but expect a cool
instrumental song that pays homage to that classic movie.
Glitter
does have a few flaws but for sheer non-stop stoner metal
entertainment, you’ll find this very hard to beat. THAL have
created an album they can rightly be proud off. Awesome stuff.
Words
by Steve Howe
Thanks
to THAL for the promo. Glitter will be available to buy on CD/DD from
1st April 2016.
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