Release Date: May 12th 2023. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD
Raze//Repose - Tracklisting
1.Sansin//Echo Summit
2.Asura//Raze
3.Samsara//Repose
4.Mara//Tongues 02:48
5.Yama//Sunder
Members
David P. - Bass/Vocals
Emilio A. - Guitar/Vocals
Jihad N. - Drums
Review
Doom/Sludge Metallers Iron Buddha new EP Raze//Repose takes the ferocity of bands such as CONAN and High On Fire before adding the technical progressive ability of GOJIRA and Mastodon for a mighty brutal release. The EP never wavers from it’s brutal and heart-pounding sludgy grooves with the band adding a subtle Noise Rock and Post-Metal sound into the mix.
The five tracks on offer here sees Iron Buddha evolve into a different creative force compared to their 2018 debut full length album. The mood is more violent and unpredictable with Iron Buddha adding sparks of Psychedelic Metal with a twisted dark edge which is used to great effect on the excellent opening track Sansin//Echo Summit.
Sansin//Echo Summit is quite intense with the fast paced grooves which shows off Iron Buddha’s technical ability superbly well. The vocals from both David P and Emilio A offer a mixture of clean vocals and harsh growls which gives Iron Buddha a more “extreme” style of music. The song does have that CONAN inspired CAVEMAN DOOM sound but Iron Buddha play a more Progressive Sludge Metal style of music with elements of Drone starting to appear.
Second track Asura//Raze carries on that Progressive Sludge Metal drive but with a more “stop/start” approach which gives way to flashes of Mastodon-eque psychedelic grooves for the more slower parts of the track. The vocals remain constantly aggressive with the grooves having a more Ambient essence to them. This allows Iron Buddha to be more creative with their music with a slight level of distortion giving their music a richer and fuller sound.
Third track Samsara//Repose is the standout track on the EP with Iron Buddha having more time to play with to expand their own blend of Doom/Sludge Metal. As the track runs near the ten minutes mark. The music does become more adventurous with a Post-Metal flow leading the way. Dual vocals appear from time to time which gives the song a more menacing purpose. The grooves are classic sounding Progressive Sludge Metal which reminds me of the early era High On Fire and Mastodon but still having their own identity as well. The song becomes more interesting when the Psychedelic and Post-Metal elements appear and the music becomes more focused.
Fourth song Mara//Tongues is the shortest track on the EP running under three minutes. The song is direct and straight to the point with the heavy sounds. The grooves are perhaps shorter and less progressive compared to the other tracks on the EP. However, Iron Buddha never play it safe as they weave another Psychedelic driven track that does have a quality Noise Rock feel to it.
The final song Yama//Sunder is the second epic track the EP contains running near the nine minutes mark. The track follows the same creative route as Samsara//Repose with flashes of aggressive and downright catchy Sludge/Doom extended jams. The song also has a certain Stoner Metal vibe especially within the extended instrumental parts which carry a despairing distorted atmosphere to the EP. The vocals are excellent yet again with Iron Buddha closing the EP with some of the heaviest parts of the record.
Raze//Repose is a great EP from start to finish with Iron Buddha on majestic form throughout. Helped along by superb production values, the EP will no doubt easily win the hearts and minds of the Doom/Sludge Metal Underground scene.
Iron Buddha offers an uncompromising blend of Doom/Sludge Metal that will leave you wanting to hear more.
Words by Steve Howe
Raze//Repose will be available to buy digitally from Friday 12th May 2023.
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