Release Date: April 22nd 2022. Record Label: Majestic Mountain Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl
Ascend/Descend - Tracklisting
1.Domkraft - The Core Will Pull You Home 07:56
2.Domkraft - The Brush Descends the Length 03:39
3.Domkraft - And Yet it Moves 08:03
4.Slomatics - Positive Runes 08:02
5.Slomatics - Buried Axes on Regulus Minor 03:54
6.Slomatics - Dustrider 04:52
Review
Ascend/Descend is the new split album from underground Doom/Stoner Metal heroes Domkraft and Slomatics. Throw in the added bonus of both bands covering each other's music with Domkraft performing Slomatics classic And Yet It Moves with Slomatics performing Domkraft classic Dustrider.
Both bands are in splendid gloomy form with heavy spaced out grooves that everyone is known for. These guys do feel like different sides of the same coin and this release proves that point superbly well with Domkraft playing a more multi-layered Psychedelic Doom/Stoner Metal sound. The standout song from their side of the album is The Core Will Pull You Home.
With that song being a heavy monolithic spell of Doom fused Psych Stoner Metal with lashes of ambient noises and great vocals to match. Their cover of And Yet It Moves is a stunning rendition which manages to be quite different to Slomatics original but still highly recognisable as well. Perhaps a bit more “out there” than the original but a fantastic cover in its own right.
Slomatics bring their usual “A” game to the split with an inspired vocal performance from Marty who has been trying different vocal styles over the last couple releases. If you’re a fan of Slomatics then the two new songs Positive Runes and Buried Axes On Regulus Minor carry a similar vibe heard on their last acclaimed album Canyons. Their trademark FUZZ heavy SPACED OUT sound remains intact with thunderous drive and energy but with perhaps a less is more approach when the heavier moments appear.
Their cover of Domkraft’s Dustrider is excellent and feels like a Slomatics track through and through with the band giving it a Spaced Out Doom makeover. This version is on twice the length of the original with Slomatics slowing things right down for a more droned out effort compared to the original.
Ascend/Descend has the potential to be the standout releases of the year. It's seriously that good. With this being released via Majestic Mountain Records then you seriously need to add this album to your record collection.
This is simply a masterclass of Psychedelic Doom/Stoner Metal by two of the finest bands the Doom/Stoner Metal scene has to offer.
Words by Steve Howe
Thanks to Sheltered LIfe PR and Majestic Mountain Records for the promo
Ascend/Descend is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl via Majestic Mountain Records and the bands respective merch pages.
Domkraft Links
Slomatics Links
Official | Facebook | BandCamp
