Release
date: January 20th
2017. Label: Argonauta Records. Format: CD/DD
Dharmanaut
– Tracklisting
Enemy Was a Friend
of Mine
Emprisoned
The Leap
Revolution
Red Eclipse
Licancabur
Desolate Wasteland
Band
Members
M. Verdelli _guitars
D. Ferrara_vocals
L. Storai_bass
T. Tassi_drums
Review
It's
time for another quality release from Argonauta Records. This time
they’ve signed a fairly new Italian Psychedelic Stoner/Grunge Band
called Mars Era. Mars Era debut album Dharmanaut is a hard-hitting
combination of Alt Rock, Grunge, Psych and Stoner Rock with trippy
Space Rock vibes keeping everything together.
Opening
track – Enemy Was A Friend Of Mine – takes a few moments for the
heavy sound to appear though it’s still a very good song to open
the album with. Grungy Spaced Out riffs with a side of heavy
psychedelic noises show that Mars Era is in highly confident form.
The vocals are primarily in the Alt Rock arena but with a dark
soulful blues based vibe.
Second
track – Emprisoned – has a dark lyrical theme held within the
song with the Grunge/Stoner sounds offering a clearer and heavier
experience than the opening track. Mars Era offers a doomier sound
with the other elements being played in the background. You can hear
shades of Soundgarden and Black Sabbath in this song and certain
parts of the album at times.
Third
track – The Leap – is a nine minute plus epic with Mars Era
finally starting to make cool original sounds of their own. The song
opens with heavy psychedelic guitar riffs that start very slowly
before the lead vocalist puts in another impressive vocal
performance. The song is very progressive in parts as it can be
broken down into individual chapters as the band move from one genre
to the next. Space, Grunge, Stoner and Psych Rock all expertly
played.
The
first three songs is a good indication on what to fully expect with
the remaining four songs on the album. Heavy Psychedelic riffs with
the band showing a keen ear for sonic experimentation on the final
two songs – Lincancabur and Desolate Wasteland. Two more epic songs
where Mars Era proves once again they have a talent for writing
progressive catchy riffs and intriguing lyrics to match.
The
final track – Desolate Wasteland – is the standout track as it’s
a majestic ride that opens with quietly played swirling psychedelic
noises before the heavy riffs appear. The vocals has shades of John
Garcia matched against Tool-esque riffs.
Dharmanaut
feels like a concept album of sorts. The album has a beginning,
middle and end with each part offering a different sound that allows
Mars Era to make a lasting impression. The album is superbly produced
which is surprising since Argonauta Records are releasing this album.
Argonauta Records always release well-produced albums and they always
sound top-notch. Still overall credit has to goto Mars Era for
creating an intriguing and well executed album that flows naturally
from start to finish.
If
you’re in the mood for a Progressive Space/Grunge/Stoner Rock album
packed full of heavy noises then Dharmanaut is the album for you.
Mars Era has delivered a well-crafted and brilliantly entertaining
album.
Excellent
and Highly Recommended.
Words
by Steve Howe
Thanks
to Barbara at NeeCee Agency. Thanks to Gero at Argonauta Records for
allowing me to stream this excellent album. Dharmanaut will be
available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl from January 20th
2017 via Argonauta Records.
You can listen to the
album below. Play this one LOUD!!!!
