Thursday 24 August 2017

Howling Giant - Black Hole Space Wizard: Part 2 (EP Review)


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.
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