Release
date: May 8th 2017. Label: Self Released. Format: DD
Domus
Brutalis – Tracklisting
1.Nag 13:34
2.Afterimage 07:55
3.Scry 12:39
4.Reverent Savage
09:49
5.Extremely Fucking
Nigh 08:47
Band
Members:
Vocals - Will
Montague
Guitar - Patrick
Motylinski
Bass - Tom Webb
Drums - Tomás Spite
Review
Sunstone's new album –
Domus Brutalis – does take time to actually get going. The opening
track – Nag – opens with a subtle Doom/Stoner instrumental riff
before the vocals make an appearance. Though their more chant based
vocals that are paired off against the heavy distorted riffs. It's
not the most exciting song to open the album with but when Sunstone
opt for a more doomier sound, the album finally starts to open up and
becomes more exciting as a result.
The vocals move from
hardcore growls to a heavier and nastier style of vocals. Not quite
death metal style but they're still delivered with a menacing feel.
Sunstone's style of Doom/Sludge/Stoner sound is not the most original
sound though that doesn't stop the album being a well produced and
exciting album to listen to. The instrumental work is superb for the
most part with hints of classic doom/sludge metal sounds played at a
deliberately slow pace.
The other songs on the
album is perhaps where Sunstone impress the most. As the mood is more
frantic and it allows Sunstone to create some of the albums heaviest
sounds especially on Afterimage, Scry and Extremely Fucking High. The
Blues Rock vibe of Afterimage is perhaps one of my favourite parts of
the album. As it has a slight murky NOLA sludge feel to it.
Domus Brutalis
is a fantastic album that Doom/Sludge Metal fans will enjoy the most.
Sure it has moments of Stoner Metal but these parts are
out-numbered by the heavier Doom/Sludge Metal parts. Otherwise this is an excellent album from Sunstone and one that not only deserves your attention but actually demands it....
Words
by Steve Howe