Release
date: March
2nd
2019. Label: Self
Released. Format:
DD
Alchemy
– Tracklisting
1.I
Hear You Howlin 06:10
2.Moonlight
Gunnin 06:13
3.Alabaster
04:15
4.When
The Sun Goes Down 04:38
5.Mind
Corruptor 07:46
6.Electric
Fire 04:40
7.Maniac
06:14
8.Alchemy
11:38
Members
Jesse
: Vox/Guitar/Drums
Jordan
: Bass
Jordan
: Guitar
Review
Alchemy
is the debut album from Canadian Sludge/Stoner Rockers HEMPTRESS who
incorporate Blues Rock and Doom Metal into their music. The album has
a very distinctive sound with the band playing a direct style of
Sludge/Stoner Rock. HEMPTRESS are very hard to pin down to one
particular genre as they move from different sound to the next.
Though the album is pure ROCK & ROLL EXCESS and is the better for
it.
Opening
song – I Hear You Howlin – shows you how HEMPTRESS play around
with their sound as they offer a Sludgy and Doom based atmospheric
style of music. The song has an almost vintage feel to that sees the
band move towards the realm of Classic Rock but still maintaining a
fresh modern sound as well. The vocals take some getting used to but
Jesse’s vocals soon shine through.
Second
song – Moonlight Gunnin – shows the bands love for all things
Psychedelic merged with a heavy Blues Rock vibe. The song does take
time to fully get going but it’s always an engaging and vibrant
affair. HEMPTRESS have over 6 minutes to play with on this song and
they build up to a thunderous and exciting finish. Fans of CLUTCH
will no doubt enjoy HEMPTRESS style of music.
Third
song – Alabaster – is more laid-back compared to the opening two
songs. However the band still play some heavy stylish sounds. This
song sees HEMPTRESS remain within the Classic Style of Hard Rock and
Heavy Metal. Jesse’s vocals are inspired by 1980’s Heavy Metal
Excess and he runs away with that style. The vocals maybe brief but
it what sells the song as one of the standout moments on the album.
HEMPTRESS
carry on that style of Sludge Rock. Stoner Rock, Doom Metal and
Classic Hard Rock for the remainder of the album. Songs such as Mind
Corrupter, Maniac and the almost 12 minute final song – Alchemy set
the scene for an excellent sounding album.
It’s
good to see HEMPTRESS paying respects to their musical influences on
this album whilst managing to create their own superb sound. I can
see why the band are starting to receive some great praise from the
Stoner Rock/Metal community with people such as Steve Woodier
(Deathrattle Podcast), Steve Rodger (BandCamp Doom/Stoner Metal
Expert) and Bucky Brown (Ripple Effect) singing this bands praises
most recently. These guys know what they’re talking about. As
they’re some of the most prominent BandCamp supporters within the
community and they know a thing or two about good music.
So
take their advice and listen to this epic album. As HEMPTRESS have
delivered the goods with this album. You’ll be hearing a lot more
from these guys in the near future.
Excellent
and Highly Recommended.
Words
by Steve Howe
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