Sunday 14 February 2021

Tombstunner - Call To The Void (Album Review)


Release date: January 14th 2021. Label: Self Released. Format: DD

Call To The Void – Tracklisting

01. Cupio Dissolvi (04:40)
02. ASH (03:45)
03. Apex Prey (05:08)
04. Coma Dose (05:30)
05. Under Consideration and/or Lack Thereof (04:40)
06. Contempt's Concrete (04:44)
07. Heart Burn (05:25)
08. Call to the Void (04:53)
09. The Last Ride (08:01)


Review 

Tombstunner debut album took myself by surprise with it's inventive mix of Doom Metal, Stoner Metal, Hard Rock and Alternative Metal themes. Call To The Void is an album that has melodic hard rock grooves matched with Progressive Metal themes with the band sounding out like Faith No More jamming with Mastodon. Add touches of High On Fire Stoner/Sludge Metal energy then Tombstunner new album is a serious slice of action packed and modern day Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal.

The album is packed full of Psychedelic grooves which Tombstunner that has a catchy vibe to it all. The opening few songs - Cupio Dissolvi, ASH and Apex Prey feature the band playing an almost FUZZ HEAVY sound before playing their standard Alternative Metal feel which does remind me of FAITH NO MORE especially with some of the vocals and the change in musical tempos adapt for this album.

The dual vocals approach is quite good and refreshingly different with the clean based vocals having an air of authority and rebellion around them. Tombstunner perhaps a few songs to fully get into their full creative stride but they have more than enough great riffs to make a mighty impression on you before the end of the excellent 2nd song - ASH and when APEX PREY appears I was fully down with their trippy blend of Psychedelic Sludge/Stoner Metal.

Tombstunner's music never feels forced throughout this album and even when the guys do become too "COCKY" with the more experimental sounds, the music is always driven by familiar and exciting Progressive riffs.

Other good songs to check out are: Coma Dose, Contempt's Concrete, Call To The Void and The Last Ride.

I haven't seen this album get much attention with the Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal community and that's a shame. As this is an exciting and superbly produced record which shows a truly wonderful band playing addictive and modern sounding Doom/Stoner Metal with and OTT Alternative edge to it.

Check Tombstunner out and be prepared for a thrilling ride.

Words by Steve Howe

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