Release
date: October 29th 2016. Label: STB Records. Format: Cassette/CD/DD/Vinyl
...In
The Shadows Below – Tracklisting
1.Lion
And The Unicorn
2.The
Siege
3.Vision
Of Three
4.Spider
And The Fly
5.Persephone
6.White
Wizard
7.Temple
Of Apollo
8.Electric
Warrior
Band
Members:
Amy
Tung-Barrysmith – Bass/Vocals
Jon
Barrysmith - Drums
Review:
Year
Of The Cobra have only been going as a band since 2015. Since then
they have released a debut EP and a split record with legendary
Stoner Rock band – Mos Generator. Both releases were acclaimed
within the Doom/Stoner Community and this only showed a brief glimpse
of what the band were truly capable of. When news was announced that
the band signed to STB Records this made a lot of people very excited
to hear their full length debut album.
Now
that time is upon us as Year Of The Cobra have released ...In The
Shadows Below. An 8 song opus that weaves a magical spell of Doom
based Psych Stoner Rock riffs. There are a few moments of heavy
sludge based riffs to prove that Year Of The Cobra know how to create
a thunderous atmosphere.
Opening
track Lion And The Unicorn is one of the albums strongest tracks as
it gives the full picture of what to expect on the album. Year Of The
Cobra are primarily a Drum and Bass Duo with lead vocalist Amy
providing superb vocals. Year Of The Cobra paint a gloomy atmosphere
with Jon's heavy drums and Amy's pounding bass. The band prove you
don't need a lead guitarist to create heavy riffs as this hugely
talented duo create heavy noises of their own.
Second
track – The Siege – carries on the gloomy atmospherics with a few
moments of psychedelic noises starting to appear for the first time.
Amy's vocals have quite a hypnotic vibe to them. The band excel once
again in the riffs department as they play an epic progressive jam
based duel towards the end of the song.
Third
track – Vision Of Three – opens with a slow-paced heavy pounding
bass riff with Jon's finely tuned drumming that allows the band to
build up excitement for the song. It's a more grunge based affair
compared to the opening two tracks but Year Of The Cobra slowly add
elements of Noise, Doom, Psych and Stoner sounds for one of the
albums more emotionally haunting songs. Amy's vocals take a slight
turn into Occult Rock territory though you can still detect something
sinister lurking around the corner.
The
whole production of the album is first rate which is not surprising
since it was produced by the legendary Billy Anderson. Billy gives
Year Of The Cobra's sound a heavier and more direct approach. Even
the quieter moments still sound HEAVY!!!
Fourth
track – Spider And The Fly – sees the band opting for a more 90s
Alt Rock/Grunge sounding track with the emphasis firmly on Amy's
vocals and the superb lyrics. Spider And The Fly is perhaps one of my
favourite songs off the album as the song only lasts for 3 minutes
but the band play some of the albums heaviest and fastest riffs on
this song.
Fifth
track – Persephone – is perhaps the song that most people will
find the most enjoyment as it's another fast-paced affair but one
that is pure Doom/Stoner Rock carnage. The instrumental work holds
your attention throughout and you still won't miss the sound of an
actual guitar. Shades of classic Black Sabbath appear on this track
and it's a very cool influence to hear. Though the band do show their
love for all things PUNK ROCK as well.
The
final 3 tracks – White Wizard, Temple Of Apollo and Electric
Warrior – sees Year Of The Cobra return to their Psych/Doom Metal
roots with Amy's vocals moving into Occult Rock territory once again.
Jon's drumming is perhaps what holds your attention as he's a fucking
madman on the drums especially on White Wizard.
Year
Of The Cobra have delivered on all counts with their debut album.
...In The Shadow's Below is simply an album you cannot ignore. It's a
powerful and hard rocking affair that may just launch Year Of The
Cobra as one of the next breakout bands within the Doom/Stoner Metal
scene.
Words
by Steve Howe
Thanks
to Jadd Shickler for the promo. ...In The Shadows Below will be
released on Cassette/CD/DD/Vinyl via STB Records from October 29th 2016.
Links:
