Wednesday 11 May 2016

Limestone Whale - S/T (Album Review)


Release date: May 27th 2016. Label: StoneFree Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Limestone Whale – S/T – Tracklisting

1.Ambrosia
2.Tale Of The Snow Child
3.W
4.Swarms
5.A Book I Have To Close
6.Paralyzed In Paradise 04:11
7.An Allegation

Band Members:

Clement Hoffer (vocals)
Flo Ryan Kiss (guitar)
René Preiß (bass)
Maximilian Brev (drums)

Review:

You will be forgiven for classifying Limestone Whale as another Kadavar clone. There are tons of bands starting to appear on the scene and literally copying Kadavar’s great style of Classic Hard Rock and Doom Metal tinged vibes. Limestone Whale may offer the same style of music that Kadavar is known for but their debut S/T album shows a band with a lot going in their favour. A collection of great songs for a start.

This album may only contain seven tracks but the band has made sure you’re thoroughly entertained for the next thirty-five minutes or so. Opening song – Ambrosia – shows the band playing a more refined classic rock approach that fans of The Who will definitely enjoy. Layers of psychedelic rock holds all the riffs together with lead vocalist Clement opting for Roger Daltrey style vocal approach. It’s a no-holds barred hard rock song that shows the bands appreciation for good old fashioned rock and roll from the last 50 years or so.

Second track – Tale Of The Snow Child – opens with a slow-paced psych doom instrumental riff before the band start playing at a much faster pace. It’s quite a cold and eerie affair before the vocals start to appear. Limestone Whale expand their psychedelic doom sound with Sabbath inspired vocals and riffs but one that sounds very original through out.

Third track – W – carries on the vibe from the previous song as the band create haunting slow paced melodies and bittersweet vocals/lyrics to match. It’s very much in the vein of classic hard rock but you can tell the song will return to the heavier psych doom vibe that the band does so brilliantly well. This is perhaps my fave song from the album. It has the right balance of tone, melody and power for one hypnotic ride.

The rest of the album follows the same structure as the opening three songs as Limestone Whale impress you with more classic hard rock and psych doom magic. Other great songs to check out are: Swarms, Paralyzed In Paradise and An Allegation.

It’s a shame there’s only seven songs as it could have done with one or two more to make the album last that little bit longer. Maybe I’m being too greedy but this is such a great record that you don’t want it to end. The production is superb throughout as everything sounds crisp and clear from the start. Overall this is a stunning and superb release from Limestone Whale.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Timon at Mountain Range PR for the promo. Limestone Whale S/T album will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl from May 27th 2016 via StoneFree Records.

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