Release Date: April 20th 2023. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD
A Holy Pilgrimage to Jerusalem: Tracklisting
1.A Holy Pilgrimage to Jerusalem, Pt. One 09:51
2.A Holy Pilgrimage to Jerusalem, Pt. Two 09:49
3.A Holy Pilgrimage to Jerusalem, Pt. Three 09:32
4.A Holy Pilgrimage to Jerusalem, Pt. Four 10:36
5.A Holy Pilgrimage to Jerusalem, Pt. Five 06:02
6.A Holy Pilgrimage to Jerusalem, Pt. Six 09:16
Members
Guitar, bass, drum kit, cello, classical guitar, organ and synth materials by Aaron D.C. Edge
Guitar leads, additional guitar texture and violin sections by Aaron Walters
Vocals by George Chamberlin
Review
Well I suppose if you want to cover the most definitive Stoner Metal album for the HOLY WEEDIAN HOLIDAY of 4/20 then it would be SLEEP’s legendary Dopesmoker. That would be the safest choice but The Lumbar Endeavour decided to think differently. As Aaron Edge the main creative force behind The Lumbar Endeavour decided to cover Jerusalem in its entirety. Aaron is joined by Aaron Walters and George Chamberlain for this also legendary album.
A Holy Pilgrimage To Jerusalem is a totally different thing to the original. As the band have made the songs longer and added different sound effects within the whole album. The sound is more multi-layered and is quite progressive with different instruments being played on this version including Cello, Classical Guitar, Organ and Synths all played by Aaron D.C. Edge You also have violins played by Aaron Walters that all offer a record that’s quite contemporary and classical compared to the original version.
The Lumbar Endeavour even adds some face-melting guitar solos that are quite vivid and freaky in places especially on A Holy Pilgrimage to Jerusalem, Pt. Two. You would never hear Matt Pike play that style of music but it somehow works. This is one band’s take on a great song from an iconic album. Somehow, the band makes it their own thing with the different styles of music being played for this track and for the whole album.
The album has more droned out effects, psychedelic sound and spaced out ideas. This has a more “Drugged Out” feel when compared to the original. The instrumental work on this album is first rate from everyone involved. George’s vocals are both a respectful homage to Al Cisneros and their own thing especially when the “Proceeds The Weedian, Nazareth” parts appear.
Aaron D.C. Edge has added a trippy Middle Eastern vibe into this record with certain sounds, themes and textures that make this one of the best cover albums I’ve heard in years.
One other thing that stands out is the first rate production values. This album is aggressively loud and self contained when the quieter moments appear. The Droned Out vision of the original album remains intact here but with a more diverse sonic attitude that perhaps die-hard fans of SLEEP will truly appreciate.
Back in 2018, SLEEP broke the internet on 4/20 by releasing their classic album The Sciences without very little publicity or fanfare. It’s great to see The Lumbar Endeavour carrying on that tradition in releasing their own definitive take on a true “WEEDIAN HOLIDAY CLASSIC” even if it’s not Dopesmoker.
This version is a bold, complex and psychedelic head-trip that is a loving homage to SLEEP and another wonderfully adventurous record from The Lumbar Endeavour who are fast becoming one of the most interesting bands within the Doom/Sludge Metal Underground Scene.
You know what to do with this album. Buy it now. You won’t be sorry.
Happy 4/20 everyone. As the legendary band SLEEP state - “Proceeds The Weedian, Nazareth”
Words by Steve Howe
Thanks to Aaron D.C. Edge for the promo.
A Holy Pilgrimage To Jerusalem is available to buy now on DD.
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