IV–
Tracklisting
1.IV(Part 1)
2.IV (Part 2)
Review
Archdruid
are a Psychedelic Sludge/Doom Metal Duo from Canterbury, UK. The band
will be releasing their first full length record – IV. IV was
recorded and written simultaneously and the results are
mighty impressive. As this album has a very raw sound that only
elevates their music to great heights.
Taking
influence from bands such as Pelican, OM and ISIS
(The Band).
Archdruid add a more progressive Jazz feel to their music. Archdruid
are an instrumental band and a very loud one for that. IV is a very
challenging album to listen to as the band never settle for one final
sound. The album moves freely from one different level of sound to
the next. IV is made up of two epic songs IV (Part One) and IV (Part
Two).
IV
(Part One) is the mellower of the two songs with the band setting up
a constant rhythm of Drone based elements for the band to further
expand upon within the twenty five minute running time. The
Psychedelic riffs take time appear however they bring a world weary
style of Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal with them. The mood can be
quite experimental and quite raw. However you cannot deny the
excellent instrumental work. The song does become heavier towards the
very end and that’s where IV (Part Two) takes over.
If
IV (Part One) was all about control and restraint then IV (Part Two)
is all about pure aggression and playing a looser style of
Doom/Sludge Metal. Archdruid bring their “A” game to this epic
slice of heavy rock/metal goodness with the riffs moving from heavy
psychedelic grooves to a highly stylized Progressive Jazz based
approach. The song can be quite sombre and tender at times. However
the best part of the song is when Archdruid leave the mellow parts
behind and play the heavy psychedelic riffs that makes their music
more alive as a result.
IV
is a challenging album to listen to. Maybe the album could have done
with better production values but I expect that with future releases.
As Archdruid have shown a lot of potential on this album and I want
to see how they explore their music further on future releases.
Overall,
IV is a stunning, thrilling and sometimes breathtaking album that
sees Archdruid hopefully building a bright future for themselves.
Words
by Steve Howe
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