Release
date: March 2018. Label: Black Bow Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl
Totems
– Tracklisting
(MWWB) The Master
and His Emissary
(MWWB) Eagduru
(SLO) Ancient
Architects
(SLO) Silver Ships
Into The Future
(SLO) Master's
Descent
Mammoth
Weed Wizard Bastard - Members
Jessica Ball
James Carrington
Wez Leon
Paul Davies
Slomatics
- Members
Chris Couzens -
Guitar
David Majury -
Guitar
Marty Harvey -
Drums/Vocals
Review
Fuck.
This.
Is. Incredible.
I
wouldn't have necessarily put these two together as bands that would
put a split out, but as soon as you hear it, it's makes perfect sense
that they did. And thank goodness they did.
MWWB
kick off proceedings with just two tracks (still over 20 minutes
combined) vs the three that Slomatics have contributed.
Opening
track "The Master And His Emissary" is nothing short of
perfect. Two minutes of droning repetitive synth (I genuinely mean
that as a compliment) which suddenly gives way to FUCKING MASSIVE
RIFFS, which build in momentum and structure as the song progresses
and the distinctive and ethereal vocals cover the FUCKING MASSIVE
RIFFS in swathes of melody for the best part of 12 minutes. Lovely
stuff.
2nd
track "Eagduru" follows suit and by the time it's all over
if you're anything like me you'll find yourself reaching towards the
repeat button.
But
before you get a chance here comes Belfast's Slomatics with their own
equally FUCKING MASSIVE RIFFS BUT FROM SPACE, as they start where
their Welsh chums left off.
"Ancient
Architects" is ace and the perfect way to introduce a slight
change in the Slomatics sound as we see (or hear) the synth start to
play a more prominent role in the bands sound. Everything else that
you would expect is present and correct, those soaring vocals,
concussive drumming and of course FUCKING MASSIVE RIFFS BUT FROM
SPACE all play a part here.
"Silver
Ships To The Future" makes for a nice interlude before the
record closes with what I actually think is the best song Slomatics
have ever written. It's definitely my favourite.
"Master's
Descent" is an absolute joy from start to finish. About halfway
through the song, just when I was expecting (and hoping) to be
bludgeoned with another FUCKING MASSIVE RIFF BUT FROM SPACE Slomatics
throw a massive curve ball...
The
synth pops back up whilst the dual guitars hammer away beneath it and
then there's a female vocal which is Jessica from MWWB making an appearance. It repeats, and builds and builds to a
glorious crescendo that left me grinning form ear to ear desperate
for more. Honestly. I'm pretty sure this is their masterpiece and if
this is a sign of things to come I can't wait to hear more.
"Totems"
is an absolute beast of a release that showcases two of the best
bands in action today and both delivering probably their best
material to date.
Don't
be foolish and get over to Black Bow Records now and pre-order a copy
because you'll kick yourself if you miss this.
Words
by Simon Williams
Thanks to Curtis at
Dewar PR for the promo. Totems will be available to buy on
CD/DD/Vinyl via Black Bow Records from March 2018.
MWWB
Links:
Slomatics
Links:
