Friday 3 May 2019

Mount Soma - Nirodha (EP Review)


Release date: May 1st 2019. Label: Self Released. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Nirodha – Tracklisting

1.Dark Sun Destroyer 07:39
2.Emerge The Wolf 05:49
3.Resurfacing 09:14

Members

Vocals/Guitar - Brian
Guitar - Keith
Bass/synths - Conrad
Drums - Aaron

Review

Nirodha is the new EP from Irish Heavy Space/Doom Rockers - Mount Soma. This is a different sounding EP from Mount Soma compared to their excellent debut EP from a few years ago. This EP has a heavier progressive sound with the band creating a sludgier groove with elements of Psych, Doom and Stoner Metal that add a more cinematic feel to Mount Soma's music.

Opening song - Dark Sun Destroyer - is a dark sci-fi based tale told through the powerful distorted Sludge/Stoner Riffs and the aggressive vocals of lead singer Brian. The song is driven by a thumping bass line that is quite deafening at times. The swirling ambient and psychedelic spaced out noises the band include on this song is a cool touch and makes you feel part of the overall journey that Mount Soma take you upon.

Second song - Emerge The Wolf - is a heavier and more aggressive song with the band playing a faster style of music. The mood is very raw but still constantly engaging despite the harsh vocals being screamed at you. There is an epic guitar solo towards the end of the song that leaves you wanting more. The EP can sound quite seedy in places and none so more on this song but it works to Mount Soma's favour. As the sludgy and harsh guitars create some of the best riffs held on the EP.

Third song - Resurfacing - is the standout song on the EP as Mount Soma take you on a ten-minute adventure where the riffs drift from Psych, Stoner Metal, Doom and Sludge Metal with relevant ease. The song does feel inspired by Metallica classic - ONE - in places. Not with the music but how the song is structured especially with the haunting voiceover that appears at the start. Add the Psychedelic Doom/Stoner Riffs and you have the recipe for a hard-hitting science-fiction spaced out metal odyssey. Brian’s vocals are violent and compelling as ever with the music providing the perfect gloomy backdrop as well.

Nirodha production is good for the most part. However, there are a few rough parts which could have done with more volume. Though that could actually be a creative choice from the band themselves. Mainly to give Niroda a more emotionally driven sound. That doesn't stop Nirodha being a thrilling and genuinely exciting EP that will impress even the most jaded of Sludge/Doom/Stoner Metal fan.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

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