Release
date: July 14th 2017. Label: Self Released. Format: DD
Magnetic
Fields Of Radiant Light – Tracklisting
1.Apotheosis 07:08
2.Mortals 08:26
3.Maelstrom of
Discontent 07:47
4.Black Moon Ritual
07:40
5.Magnetic Fields of
Radiant Light 08:47
Band
Members
Paul Dudziak-
vocals, guitars
Matt Howl-bass
Chad Walter-drums
Review
Portland Sludge/Stoner Rockers –
Mammoth Salmon – make a welcome return with their epic new album –
Magnetic Fields Of Radiant Light. Two years have passed since the
band released their last album and the guys have returned in
spectacular fashion. With five heavy sounding sludge/stoner rock
songs that have a more doomed and spaced out feel.
Opening track – Apotheosis – has
a classic heavy metal feel with Paul's vocals adapting a more heavy
metal approach compared to previous albums. The riffs have been given
a slight doom/psychedelic makeover as Mammoth Salmon's earlier sounds
have become heavier and emotionally distant at times. The psychedelic
noises add a harsh sound to the overall tone of the album. It may
take some time getting used to but the band are playing some heavily
tuned out devilish riffs.
Second track – Mortals – carries on the twisted Sludge/Stoner/Doom Rock sound with the band opening the song with a slowly played riff. Shades of Sabbath can be felt as the band adapt a more Blues Rock approach to their music. It's a slowly played track with violent outbursts of Sludge/Stoner Metal riffs to keep the die-hard metalheads fully entertained.
The other three tracks on the album
– Maelstrom Of Discontent, Black Moon Ritual and Magnetic Fields Of
Radiant Light – all carry on the dark and twisted doomed out riffs
that Mammath Salmon expertly create. The down-tuned Sludge/Stoner
Metal sounds is played to full effect as the band fully explore their
Doom Metal identity compared to previous albums. Paul's vocals are
more adventurous with shades of NWOBHM making a welcome appearance.
The standout song is the epic title
track which captures everything we love about Mammoth Salmon. Heavy
sounds and more outlandish vocals from Paul with stunning support
from Matt and Chris on bass and drums respectively. The song does
move from different genres too many times for my liking but the song
contains my favourite moments of the album. Distorted sludge sounds
with a nightmarish feel that will leave the listener pressing play
one more time and listening this album from the very start, over and
over again.
Magnetic Fields Of Radiant Light is
another superb album from Mammoth Salmon and one that proves why
these guys are so highly thought of.
Words by Steve
Howe
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