Wednesday 14 November 2018

Goliathan - Albion (EP Review)


Release date: November 16th 2018. Label: Metal Assault Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Albion – Tracklisting

1.Albion 
2.Vaalbara
3.Aberration

Members

Shawn Doster: Guitar
Kevin Cogill: Guitar
Neal Gardner: Bass
Phillip Bailey: Drums

Review

Instrumental Post-Doom/Sludge Metallers - Goliathan - latest release Albion is a heavy mix of Post-Doom, Sludge, Post-Rock, Post-Metal and Psychedelic Ambient based sounds. The band throw you right into the action with the opening track - Albion - which is a haunting progressive mix of Psychedelic Metal and almost pitch-black textures. Inspired by bands such as Pelican and Russian Circles but with a doomier edge.

The song does take to fully get going but when the almost post-black metal vibes appear then Goliathan become a more confident band. The atmosphere is quite hard-hitting and one that offers an intelligent and exciting style of music. The music can be quite melodic at times especially when the post-rock passages appear. These quieter parts show another side to the band as they feel equally comfortable playing a softer style of music. Though their main talent is creating the heavier riffs that ultimately Post-Metal fans demand.

Second song Vaalbara is a more chaotic affair with the band moving into different directions at different stages of the song. Mostly this works very well. However there are a few parts that feel out of place at times. Though overall this song manages to end on an exciting finish.

Final song - Aberration - is the standout song with Goliathan once again expertly changing the mood of the EP. This song sees Goliathan playing a heavier style of music that starts off real slow before quickly progressing into a faster blend of Post-Rock/Post-Metal. Albion is a superbly produced EP and shows that Goliathan have real promise with their music.

Overall, Albion is a majestic EP that will impress the Post-Rock/Post-Metal crowd looking for their next heavy musical fix.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp