Release
date: April 7th 2017. Label: Self Released. Format:
CD/DD/Vinyl
Beyond
The Sun – Tracklisting
1.Beyond The Sun
2.The High Priest
04:46
3.Living In The Sand
4.Magnetic North
5.Lawless
6.Quest For Clarity
7.A New Hope
8.Foresee The Future
9.Chrononaut
Members:
Turner Midzain - Vocals/Guitar
Mike Badmington - Bass/Vocals
Kevin Nelson - Drums
Review
I'm
new to the world of Woodhawk as I missed their debut album released a
few years ago. My good pal Bucky Brown told me to check these guys
out. As Bucky knew I would go crazy over this band. I was luckily
sent a promo to review and here's my review for Beyond The Sun.
Woodhawk
have a new album - Beyond The Sun - and it's one that ticks all right
boxes if you're a serious fan of Stoner Rock. Taking influence from
bands such as Kyuss, The Sword and Truckfighters. Woodhawk offer a
refreshing style of Psych Stoner Metal with moments of Fuzz and
Desert Rock that add extra grit to their music.
Opening
track - Beyond The Sun - is a highly confident number with the band
playing a heavy thunderous stoner metal roar. The lyrics are inspired
by a mixture of classic Kyuss desert rock beginnings and the later
progressive stylings of Truckfighters world weary tales. It's a
captivating style of music Woodhawk cater for both the casual and
dedicated Stoner Rock/Metal fan. The vocals from Turner are
impressive from the start especially when set against the heavy
musical background. Woodhawk even find time to play a thrashier sound
of Stoner Metal towards the end of the song.
Second
track - The High Priest - sees Woodhawk opt for a more Doom Rock
driven sound as they channel the very early sound of The Sword but
still creating their own original addictive sound. The lyrics build
upto a rousing chorus especially when the band starts singing over
the title lyrics over and over again. The riffs drift from heavy
psych stoner to a heavier style of doom rock that leaves you wanting
more. The guitar solos are impressive with members – Turner and
Mike - showing what they can do by creating epic riffs that have a
twinge of classic Thin Lizzy about them.
Third
track - Living In The Sand - continues with the heavy style of Doom,
Psych and Stoner Rock with lead vocalist - Turner - singing with a
more laid-back style before he returns to the familiar style he sung
on the opening two tracks. The back-up vocals add a more menacing
touch as they have quite a duelling effect. The music is perhaps what
will hold people's attention the most as Woodhawk merge the different
sounds at their disposal with supreme confidence.
It's
pointless for myself to describe what to expect on the remaining six
tracks on the album as Woodhawk wisely keep to the same winning
template throughout. Though they do change the mood at different
parts of the album especially on Magnetic North and A New Hope and
the standout final track - Chrononaut. Beyond The Sun is a
hard-rocking masterclass that's a winning album on all levels. It's
great to hear an album that has much attention to the lyrics as well
as the music.
Fans
of Star Wars will get much enjoyment of A New Hope as Woodhawk have
created a spaced out stoner prog rock odyssey based on that
legendary movie. One of the most exciting moments of album as
Woodhawk prove how creative they are by blending popular movie
culture and modern Desert/Stoner Rock sounds.
The
production is another highlight as the album is crystal clear and
very loud from the start. What's more to be said about this album
apart from this is a must have album for all you serious Stoner
Rock/Metal fans out there. Woodhawk have delivered the goods with
this album. End Of.
Words
by Steve Howe
Thanks to Jon at Asher Media for the
promo. Beyond The Sun will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl from
April 7th 2017.
Links:
