Release Date: November 10th 2021. Record Label: Exile On Mainstream. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl
Haunted - Tracklisting
1.Viking X 10:36
2.The Cannibal County Maniac 09:07
3.Casket Down 09:24
4.Jaw on a Hook 11:27
5.Haunted 07:19
6.Under the Sign of the Reptile Master 08:14
Members
Mathias Klein (bass)
Stephan Gottwald (drums)
Gunnar Arndt (guitars/fx)
Stephan Kurth (guitars/fx/vocals)
Review
Confusion Master are a new band for myself when checking out their stunning heavy new opus Haunted. The band released their debut album awaken back in 2018 that completely passed me by. I’m kicking myself for that as I usually go crazy for Confusion Master style of music. Seedy Psychedelic Sludge/Doom/Stoner Grooves with a big emphasis on fast-paced aggressive melodies that bring HIgh On Fire and Black Sabbath at times. Well you get that mix with their new album Haunted.
The band have firmly aimed for the Occult/Lovecraft vibe for this album and a sound that is influenced also by the Swedish Sludge/Stoner Metal scene with soundscapes that wouldn’t go amiss from bands such as Monolord and Spelljammer. Though what makes Confusion Master truly standout is their creative leanings to more Hardcore based vibes especially with their use of distorted guitars and bleak “Punk-Doom” down-tempo musical flows that appear on the record.
Opening song Viking X has a High On Fire VS Electric Wizard approach with the guitars and down-tempo beats that move up to an exciting and action-packed pace. The vocals are very much Doom Metal based but one that sounds both classical and modern at the same time.
The album then moves along at breakneck speed with all of the songs being extra long between seven to eleven minutes each. No short-paced tracks here with Confusion Master playing to their musical strengths on songs such as The Cannibal County Maniac, Casket Down, Jaw On A Hook and Under The Sign Of The Reptile Master.
The album imagery, song titles and lyrics maybe rooted or influenced by Horror Folklore but there is still a hefty amount of Psychedelic and Cosmic Rock/Metal sounds that are my favourite parts of the album. However, this album is a lot more sinister with the messages behind the songs.
Confusion Master are a band who play "LOW & SLOW" grooves but moved along by fast-paced sludgy guitars to keep the mood lean, mean and SUPER-FRESH.
Haunted is one of the best “musical discoveries” I’ve come across this year. This album is a fantastic release with Confusion Master proving their Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal credentials with sublime style from start to finish.
Excellent and Highly Recommended.
Words by Steve Howe
Haunted is available to buy Digitally now with Physical Media being released from November 10th 2021 via Exile On Mainstream.
Links
Official | Facebook | BandCamp