Release
date: March 23rd 2017. Label: Self Released. Format: CD/DD
1.Elerium 02:35
2.Signals 06:57
3.Desolate Waves 07:18
4.Myötähäpeä 06:02
5.Drudger 07:28
6.Searching For... 01:49
7.Laika 13:28
Members:
Dan Atkinson (Bass/Backing
Vocals)
Fergus Thomson (Guitar/Vocals)
Ronan Wevling (Guitar/Vocals)
Lyle Brown (Drums)
Review
SAPIEN state this is an
EP. Though Laika, Come Home lasts for 45 minutes and that's quite
lengthy for an EP. If that's their definition of an EP then I would
love to see their definition for a full length album. Anyway I'm
digressing before I've even started the review.
So, SAPIEN are back
with their 2nd EP entitled Laika, Come Home. SAPIEN play a
progressive blend of Sludge, Doom and Stoner Metal with traces of
Grunge and even Space Rock at times. If you're a fan of Mastodon,
Orange Goblin and High On Fire then you'll feel right at home with
these hugely talented bunch of Sludge/Stoner Rockers.
SAPIEN may not offer
anything new or original here but Laika is still an exciting album to
listen to. Sorry I mean EP. With the band creating epic riffs merged
with heavy prog rock/metal grooves. The vocals are handled superbly
well throughout with SAPIEN not being afraid to experiment with both
their vocals and music.
The first few tracks –
Elerium, Signals and Desolate Waves – show you what Sapien are
fully capable of when in full flight. Heavy Psychedelic Sludge/Stoner
riffs with an epic progressive spaced out feel. The instrumental work
is ferocious and highly addictive and it allows SAPIEN to pay homage
to their musical heroes whilst still forging their own identity. It's
the spaced out psychedelic sounds that SAPIEN include within their
music that makes them such an intriguing band to listen to.
The songwriting on
Laika, Come Home has improved immensely since their 2013 debut EP –
Toad Handler. The other tracks on the album, sorry EP –
Myötähäpeä, Drudger and the epic – Laika – show that SAPIEN
should be more well known within the Sludge/Stoner Metal community.
Hopefully with this record or when their full length debut album is
released.
As SAPIEN have a lot
going for them. Huge riffs and superb ideas contained in most of the
tracks on the EP. The production on the EP is good for the most
part. There are a few rough parts but nothing that should stop your
overall enjoyment of the EP.
All in all, Laika, Come
Home is a fantastic slice of Progressive Sludge/Stoner Metal that
will appeal to fans of High On Fire and Mastodon the most. Give these
guys a chance as you will be pleasantly surprised.
Excellent and Highly
Recommended.
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