Release
date: July 29th 2016. Label: Napalm Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl
Old
Salt– Tracklisting
1.
Mirakuru - 04:06
2.
Lil Knife - 03:48
3.
Cut and Run - 04:19
4.
No Count Blues - 03:17
5.
The Trudge - 05:21
6.
Worm Up - 05:46
7.
Spellbroke - 04:15
8.
Linen Maker - 02:02
9.
The Shroud - 03:44
10
Looking Glass - 03:39
11.
Jealous Gods - 03:35
Band
Members:
Dr.
Professor Nitewolf Strangees - Bass
Lucian
Thorr - Drums
Eidan
Thorr - Guitars
Valient
Himself - Vocals
Sadat
Thorr - Guitars
Review:
Valient
Thorr return with their seventh album – Old Salt. The album which
is being released on Napalm Records sees the band return to their
earlier stylized hardcore based Southern Metal sound. Valient Thorr
still maintain their heavier riffs that have been present on the last
couple of albums. I will be honest; I thought the last couple of
Valient Thorr albums have been kind of a disappointments compared to
their earlier albums. Though I’m happy to report that Old Salt is a
return to form for the band.
Opening
track – Mirakuru – captures Valient Thorr with a much missed
blues/southern rock swagger that allows the band play soulful riffs
with the ever-reliable Valient Himself singing classic rock/punk
style vocals. It has a playful energy that invites you to join in
with the vibrant fun.
Second
track – Lil Knife – is one of the most fun and insane songs the
band has written in years. An almost pop style delivery but delivered
with the usual Valient Thorr magic. Spaced out lyrics and southern
rock style riffs just carries on the devilish based atmosphere
running through out the entire album. It has quite a sinister edge
towards the end of the song as classic heavy metal vibes start to
appear.
Third
track – Cut and Run – is a faster garage psychedelic rock kind of
song as the band creates disjointed punk/noise style riffs. Elements
of classic doom metal are spliced through out the song as Valient
Thorr manages to include as many different genres they possibly can.
Fourth
song – No Count Blues – sees Valient Thorr starting to include
spaced out trippy vocals and computer based glitches. Set this
against a fast-paced Stoner/Southern/Punk Rock backdrop and Valient
Thorr have written one of the albums standout tracks. These four
tracks will give you a good impression on what to expect on Old Salt.
Other great tracks to check out are: The Trudge, Linen Maker and
Looking Glass.
One
of the main strengths of Old Salt happens to be the production. As
this is perhaps the best that Valient Thorr has ever sounded.
Everything sounds so good and crystal clear.
If
you’re new to the world of Valient Thorr then Old Salt is perhaps
the best place to start as it offers the classic earlier sounds of
the band matched with the more modern sounds that have appeared on
the last couple of albums. If you’re already a long-time fan of the
band then you can rest easy as Old Salt is perhaps their best album
in years. This is a must have album. Do yourself a favour and buy a
copy. You won’t be sorry….
Words
by Steve Howe
Thanks
to Napalm Records for the promo. Old Salt will be available to buy
via Napalm Records on CD/DD/Vinyl from July 29th 2016.
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