Release
date: November 16th 2016. Label: Midnight Werewolf
Records. Format: Cassette/CD/DD
Pyre
– Tracklisting
1.Thoros
18:46
2.Cyclopean
Walls
3.Green
Dream
Green
Bastard - Band Members:
Max
- Guitar
Spencer
- Bass/Vocals
Ethan
- Drums
Review:
Green
Bastard is a Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal band who creates epic sounds
that are influenced by a wide range of different artists such as
Sleep, High On Fire and Ufomammut. Though the band inject a more
murkier and down-tempo sound that stays brutally heavy from the
start. Their debut album – Pyre – contains three epic songs.
Each running between fifteen mins to over twenty mins in length.
Opening
track - Thoros is a very hard song to describe. Parts Sludge, Doom,
Stoner, Psych all held together in one epic twenty minute progressive
jam based style of rock/metal. The song takes so many twists and
turns that some people maybe put off by the drastic change in
direction the band create here. The heavy down-tuned riffs are held
together by a pounding bass line that is both fearless and relentless
in its delivery. Some people may have issues with the overall sound
of the album. Sure it’s raw as heck but that only adds to the
overall feel of the album.
Take
the vocals for example as they’re very raw indeed. They may not be
the most professional sounding vocals you’re ever likely to
encounter but at least lead vocalist – Spencer – gives
his all on this song and the entire album. Green Bastard treats the
listener to some crazy High On Fire/Sleep inspired riffs but still
creating their own original sound.
One
of the highlights of the album is how the band changes the direction
and sound of the album with one brilliantly played sound or riff.
Thoros feels like a song that should be broken down into individual
chapters.
Second
Track – Cyclopean Wells – opens with a distorted drone based
sound that gives Pyre an even more unsettling doomy atmosphere. The
band adds different noises and epic sounds before the familiar style
of sludgy riffs appear. It’s perhaps the weakest song on the album
but it does contain some great riffs as the band play a classic style
of Doom/Sludge Metal. My main issue with the song is the overall
pacing. It takes far too long for the heavy moments to arrive. This
song does show that Green Bastard is a highly talented band indeed.
Third
Track – Green Dream sees Green Bastard change direction on this
track especially with the vocals. Lead vocalist opts for a more clean
based sound but still delivered with passion and anger. The song
opens with a bleak post-rock sound with elements of psychedelic
sludge riffs being added at different moments. It’s a bass heavy
affair with quietly played drums giving the album quite a subtle and
forgiving mood. Though wait a few moments and the band return to
their heavier ways.
It’s a glorious transformation that band go
through on this track. One moment beautifully played post-rock sounds
and then the mood changes into a heavier progressive style of
Doom/Stoner Metal. Add heartfelt lyrics and you have more evidence
why Green Bastard have the talent to go a long way in the
Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal scene.
The
production is excellent throughout the album even though it’s very
raw from the start. Pyre has its faults but for a debut album, it
sure does offer an epic ride of genuine thrills and excitement.
Overall Green Bastard has created a stunning and highly atmospheric
debut album.
Words
by Steve Howe
Thanks
to Dewar PR for the promo. Pyre will be available to buy on
Cassette/CD/DD via Midnight Werewolf Records from November 16th
2016.
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