Release
date: April 01st 2017. Label: STB Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl
Vae
Victus – Tracklisting
1.Vae Victis 09:30
2.Dysthiest 06:20
3.Immanentize The
Eschaton (Jim Jones Instrumental) 04:43
4.Scum Of The Earth
07:03
5.The Room Of The
Torch 07:36
6.Green Scar 06:09
Members:
Dylan A. Rogers. -
Bassworshipper
Alex Bytnar. -
Drumworshipper
Bobby James.
-Riffworshipper
Review
Wounded
Giant make a welcome return after a lengthy four year absence from
their debut album - Lightning Medicine. Sure they've released an EP's
and split record but this time they've come back stronger than ever
with their new album - Vae Victis. Newly signed to STB Records, the
guys have not only teamed up with that awesome label but they have
also called upon the talents of legendary producer Billy Anderson to
produce their new album.
Vae
Victis sees Wounded Giant create a more diverse and progressive sound
heard on their debut album. Though fans of their debut album will be
treated to some familiar sounds spliced throughout the album. Vae
Victis has a more Melvins/Soundgarden influenced style of sound. It
works as their familiar Doom/Stoner riffs hold everything together.
The
opening title track is ten minutes of twisted and distorted noise
rock driven sounds that owes a huge debt to The Melvins but it's
still a song that sees Wounded Giant create their own sound. The song
is quite political at times with sharp, bleak and social conscience
lyrics adding quite a rebellious punk feel to Wounded Giant's sound.
The song offers moments of heavy pounding sludge grooves and it's
perhaps the albums standout track. The sound is very raw from the
start but with Billy Anderson involved it still sounds superb.
Second
track - Dysthiest - offers a more gloomy style of Doom/Stoner Rock
with grungier sounds making a commanding appearance with the band
offering another subtle take on the modern world. The heavy drumming
and guitars are the main standout with the vocals not too far behind.
You can hear elements of nineties style Noise Rock slowly playing in
the background as the band move that little further away from the
music they created on their debut album. This has song has a more
world weary approach but fans of Doom and Stoner Metal can fully
appreciate this track.
Third
track - Immanentize The Eschaton - is the most gloomiest and
depressing song on the album as Wounded Giant blend gloomy
atmospherics with a touch of Occult Rock appearing with the cool
organs playing throughout. The band adds heavier moments as the song
progresses. Another standout track on the album. The song has a very
minimal approach but the political message contained within the song
that speaks major volumes.
The
final three songs on the album - Scum Of The Earth, The Room Of The
Torch and Green Scar carry on the political and social messages the
band delivers but told through the power of Doom, Sludge and Stoner
Metal. The atmosphere can be very experimental at times as Wounded
Giant play a wide different style of sounds though remaining a true
Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal band. The vocals are once again sung with
precise anger and that blends perfectly well with the heavy grungy
sounds the band surrender themselves to.
The
final three songs range from six to seven minutes in length. So
expect moments of pure distorted heaviness and sonic experimentation.
Truth
be told, it took me a long time to fully appreciate this album as my
first listen it left me rather cold by the whole experience. I've
only enjoyed it with multiple listens and listening closely to the
lyrics that I started to fully appreciate what an epic and stunning
album this really is. My final thoughts on Vae Victis are that
Wounded Giant has exceeded themselves with this album. As it's a
spellbinding take on all things Rock, Metal and everything in
between.
Excellent
and Highly Recommended.
Words
by Steve Howe
Thanks to Jadd for the
promo. Vae Victis will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via STB Records from April 01st 2017.
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