Release
date: August 25th
2017.
Label: Self Released. Format: CD/DD
Black
Hole Space Wizard: Part 2 – Tracklisting
1.Henry Tate
2.The Pioneer
3.Visions
4.The Forest Speaks
5.Circle of Druids
6.Earth Wizard
Band
Members
Tom Polzine -
Guitar/Vocals
Roger Marks -
Bass/Vocals
Zach Wheeler -
Drums/Vocals
Review
US Psych Stoners - Howling Giant -
release their second part of their two part EP - Black Hole Space
Wizard. The first part I became a fan of very late in the day and I
didn't get the chance to review that release. Not making the same
mistake twice with this EP. As it's an action-packed thirty minute
ride showcasing some of the best spaced out Stoner Riffs around.
These guys have been compared to Elder and Red Fang. I can see why
but you should really take Howling Giant on their own merits and
sound.
This EP opens with the superb doomed
out/psychedelic jams of Henry Tate. The music has an aggressive feel
to it, even when merged with the psychedelic doom/stoner riffs. The
soundclips give the EP an out of this world feel. With past releases
from Howling Giant, the EP is heavily influenced by science fiction.
Henry Tate is purely an instrumental track and it shows you how good
the band is writing melodic songs whilst firmly remaining in the
Doom/Stoner Metal world.
Second track - The Pioneer - opens
with a more fuzz based sound and he vocals finally make an
appearance. The music feels influenced by Monster Magnet at different
times. I wasn't initially a fan of the organ and keyboards that
appear on this song. Though after listening to this EP half a dozen
times I've become to appreciate them a lot more .They add real
substance to the overall feel of the song.
Third track - Visions - is one of
the heaviest and catchiest songs on the EP. It has a more cautious
approach compared to the other songs on the EP. The song is very
soulful in parts and perhaps more reflective as a result. The sci-fi
theme never makes you lose interest as Howling Giant creates a
different feel and sound for each of the songs. The second half of
the song sees Howling Giant move into more progressive doom/stoner
territory.
The EP comes unstock and almost to a
dead end with the fourth song - The Forest Speaks. It doesn't really
go anywhere. As the song is a quietly played instrumental song that
offers no real substance compared to the other songs. Though it's
beautifully played.
Normal business resumes with the
excellent fifth track - Circle Of Druids. This is my favourite song
on the EP. As its way OTT in the lyrics department and the thumping
psychedelic riffs that easily draw comparison to Elder but with
Howling Giant showcasing their own blend of Psychedelic Doom/Stoner
Rock. The vocals are heavy and emotional throughout.
The final song - Earth Wizard - sees
Howling Giant conjuring up one final round of psychedelic spaced out
madness and they deliver on all fronts. This song is the best way to
end the EP with. As the EP has a cool narrative and engaging story
with a beginning, middle and end.
It's a shame that Howling Giant
didn’t' release both EP’s as a full album. As it would have made
for a complex and fantastic sounding album. The production is superb
with the sound being loud and clear from the start. Overall, Black
Hole Space Wizard Part Two is a thrilling and superbly entertaining
EP that demands your undivided attention.
Words by Steve
Howe
Thanks to Asher Media,
Tony at Magnetic Eye Records for the promo. Black Hole Space Wizard
Part Two will be available to buy on CD/DD from August 25th
2017.
Links:
