Release Date: January 27th 2023. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD
proceed as one: Tracklisting
1.Fathead 14:18
2.Wax 06:22
Members
Tommy - Drums
Ogo - Guitars
Selly - Bass/Vocals
Review
German Doom/Stoner Metal Riffsters Earthbong return with their new EP - proceed as one. The EP features their usual heavy style of long drawn out Doom/Stoner Metal with the emphasis on LOW & SLOW extended jams. The music is obviously powered by the mighty WEED or BONG the band like to describe their music themselves. Taking shades of power from bands such as Black Sabbath and SLEEP, the band perhaps take a more heavier distorted approach especially on the epic opening song Fathead.
Fathead features Psychedelic Droned Out textures with a pummelling backline bringing an aggressive attitude to the mix. The music has a bleak sonic sound for Earthbong to project their bleak creative sound and vision on this track. The vocals are a mixture of screams, screeches and death growls that allows the band to have a more menacing feel compared to othe bands of the WEEDIAN underground scene. Earthbong perhaps becomes a more exciting unit when playing a more Psychedelic and stripped back sound which harks back to the classic days of Stoner Rock/Metal. The neverending use of guitar solos is flashy and over the top but makes this track an exciting style for the band to fully explore. Though, the second half of the song goes slightly further into the more extreme side of Doom/Stoner Metal with harsh distorted grooves.
Second song Wax continues with the down-tuned sounds from the opening song but with a more highly polished style of Psych Rock/Metal and Droned atmospherics. Earthbong bring a sense of nihilism to this track with the bleak lyrics and Selly’s vocals leading the way.
Despite the harsh heaviness of the EP, Earthbong remain fully committed to the WEEDIAN or BONG cause with the music paying homage to the legendary bands of the scene whilst forging an exciting future of their own with “proceed as one”. The production values are stellar even allowing Earthbong to remain true to their DIY roots.
This EP is another excellent and welcome release from the band. This will satisfy long time admirers of the band until their new album is released later this year.
Excellent and Highly Recommended.
Words by Steve Howe
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