Release Date: December 03rd 2021. Record Label: Galactic SmokeHouse / Interstellar Smoke Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl/Cassette
1904 - Tracklisting
1.Magma 14:55
2.Spores 13:48
Review
Poland’s Heavy Atmospheric Doomsters Moonstone come back after a two year absence with their latest EP - 1904. An EP that explores the heavy and fuzzier side of Atmospheric Doom with the music bringing plenty of Psychedelic and Progressive Muscle that has elements of Sludge and Stoner Metal to bury listeners expectations with.
The music draws influence from the usual suspects of Black Sabbath, SLEEP and Electric Wizard but Moonstone add a more Progressive creative flavour to their sound that even may see people hear other bands such as Pallbearer and Bongripper. 1904 feels like a band trying to make their own way into the Sludge/Stoner Metal world on their own creative merits which Moonstone ultimately succeed at doing.
I feel the band takes direct influences from the Polish and Swedish Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal scenes on this, especially with the Psychedelic and Swirling Atmospheric moments that appear on both songs of Magma and Spores. Both tracks run for almost fifteen minutes and fourteen minutes respectively. The vocals/chants that appear are kept down to a bare minimum and it’s the music that’s the real star here. With Moonstone playing a very cool style of slow paced and fast paced grooves that expand the entire modern day Doom/Stoner Metal box of musical tricks.
The slow parts are quite majestic and often goes into Post-Rock territory but still retaining a heavy sound that can be quite heavy and distracting but in a good way. There is also a lot of sonic experimentation and the AMPLIFIER RIFF worship that is becoming quite popular recently.
The production is excellent with Moonstone giving every chance to shine with the heavy gloomy RIFFS that ultimately make this EP such a winner. I can see why this release is getting a multiple format release. It’s bound to sound great on the whole range of releases that 1904 is getting now and in the future.
1904 is another gloriously EPIC release from Moonstone and showcases another quality band from the Polish Heavy Rock Scene.
Excellent and Highly Recommended.
Words by Steve Howe
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