Release Date: February 04th 2022. Record Label: Self Released. Format: DD
Dread Bong - Tracklisting
The Smoke That Blinds
Red Eyes & Loose Thighs
The Bud Of Destiny
Electric Haze
The Smokings of Satampra Zeiros
Review
I bought Dread Bong self-titled album on February 2022 BandCamp Friday and I was excited by their heavily distorted blend of Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal that’s been given an almost Drone Metal makeover. The album can be classed as “One Note” or “One Way” style of music being used on how to deliver their music. However, this album takes many twists and turns with music that’s always constantly changing levels of heaviness and bringing a fresh Psychedelic perspective.
The sound does have a “SUNN O)))” quality to it with the band allowing the heavy distorted Sludge, Doom and Stoner Metal grooves dictate the action of the entire album. The distorted levels gives the whole atmosphere of the album a menacing approach which you instantly feel and hear on the stunning opening song - The Smoke That Blinds.
This is a “WEEDIAN” based album through and through but with a sinister Drone quality to it. Dread Bong manage play to fantastical guitar solos along the way. There is multiple styles of music being played in the background and it might take a few listens to hear everything being played at you. The music is layered and quite complex in places which just adds to the overall enjoyment of the album.
There are five songs on the album running between seven minutes to ten minutes in length. So perhaps a more progressive listen from what you would expect from an Instrumental album. Dread Bong hit their true creative stride from the excellent songs “Red Eyes & Loose Things” and “The Bud Of Destiny”
Everything comes into play from those particular songs and you can you begin to understand Dread Bong’s overall vision. Channeling bands such as SLEEP, Black Sabbath, Karma To Burn and SUNN 0))) with Dread Bong manage to play a great style of Instrumental Sludge/Doom/Stoner Metal of their own.
The album sounds thoroughly modern with excellent production values having a slight “less is more” approach which ultimately works in the bands favour. The record does feel one epic forty minute plus song broken down into individual chapters.
The final two songs on the album - Electric Haze and The Smokings Of Satampra Zeiros - are the wildest and heaviest tracks on the whole record.
Dread Bong’s debut album also comes with a high amount of distorted and drenched out FUZZ ROCK/METAL to give their music extra bite and aggressive attitude. You could also say these guys attend the CHURCH OF AMPLIFIER RIFF WORSHIP with a fresh “LOW & SLOW” attitude running through their veins.
This is a wonderfully heavy and riff-tastic album that pulls no punches but also allows for listeners to enjoy the whole experience of the album.
Perhaps an early Album Of The Year Contender is right here. Well it is for me.
Awesome stuff….
Words by Steve Howe
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