Release Date May 17th 2023. Record Label: Galactic Smokehouse / Interstellar Smoke Records. Formats: CD/DD
Growth: Tracklisting
1.Harvest 02:40
2.Bloom 07:46
3.Sun 08:01
4.Night 05:04
5.Lust 06:16
6.Emerald 06:12
Review
Growth is the new from Doom/Stoner Metallers Moonstone and it’s a different record compared to their 2021 release 1904. Moonstone have changed into a more Psychedelic band compared to that release. Growth has a more transcendent metal approach with influences such as YOB and Pallbearer coming into the mix. There’s a more adventurous sound to this album with Moonstone wisely merging elements of Post-Metal, Heavy Psych, Prog Rock, Doom Metal and Stoner Metal.
Growth has an array of different QUIET vs LOUD moments of emotionally charged music with Moonstone having a Cosmic feel to their music. The opening songs of Harvest and Bloom showcase that Post-Whatever dynamic with vocals that are full of SORROW and have a DRONE quality to them. The music is cautiously optimistic at times but comes alive when Moonstone brings a more sombre attitude to the heavy grooves that have a hint of melody to them.
Becoming ever more DOOM based on the songs that follow especially on Sun, Night and Lust that allows Moonstone play a more ethereal style of Prog Doom/Stoner Metal with flashes of Cosmic Metal and Occult Doom slowly appearing. The instrumental work is relentless with harsh sludgy sounds being the main order of business for Moonstone to bring new levels of DOOMED OUT HEAVINESS to their creative repertoire.
The album has its fair share of sublime guitar solos that can be quite flashy at times but it works within the creative confinements that Moonstone have adapted for this album. Growth allows Moonstone to build a more dramatic world compared to their previous releases. The vocals do take some getting used to but they’re delivered with charm and conviction even when they have a more sinister feeling to them on tracks such as Bloom and Sun.
Growth is another winning and spellbinding album from Moonstone that showcases another brilliant band from the famed Poland underground Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal scene.
Excellent and Highly Recommended.
Words by Steve Howe
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