Release Date: November 29th 2024. Record Label: London Doom Collective.: CD/Cassette/DD/Vinyl
WARPSTORMER - Track Listing:
1.Black Herald
2.Oracle
3.Cursed, Cold
4.Beyonder – i. A Cry Towards the Light; ii. Ash & Rust
5.A Liar's Crown
6.Fester
7.The Edge of Time
Members
Richard J Morgan – voice
Simon Doggett – bass, voice
Adam Davies – guitar
James Loh – drums
Review
Heavy Metal Riff Merchants WARPSTORMER create one hell of a racket with their self titled debut album which comes with an ALL GUNS BLAZING attitude that throws a classic Hard Rock and Heavy Metal ferocity into the mix. Taking inspiration from bands such as Baroness, High On Fire, Mastodon and Thin Lizzy.
The album has a heavy Psychedelic charge that transforms into a barrage of non-stop THRASH grooves with a hint of Progressive Metal attitude which comes off in spectacular fashion with tracks such as Black Herald, Oracle and Cursed, Gold setting up the scene.
There’s also a slight Orange Goblin vibe appearing within some of the lyrics and vocal passages that WARPSTORMER uses on the album. However, the demented classic Thrash Metal energy is the main driving force for the band to explore the heavier areas of the Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal stratosphere.
The band have a deep reliance on Science Fiction and Fantasy themes on the album which appeared on their acclaimed 2022 debut EP. This time round, WARPSTORMER have honed their songwriting skills to absolute perfection which allows the album to be completely outrageous and way OVER THE TOP like a great classic HEAVY METAL album should be.
Teaming up with the GOD LIKE technical genius of Wayne Adams to co-produce the album who also doubles down on mixing, recording and mastering duties. This winning creative combination has delivered one of the catchiest and riff-fuelled debut albums you’ll likely to hear in 2024 with aggressive and abrasive melodies being played at wonderfully LOUD levels.
The subtle use of SONIC and PSYCHEDELIC scores adds a level of Post-Stoner attitude to the album that Mastodon would be proud to call their own especially within the standout fourth track Beyonder. The track has moments of deep PROGRESSIVE clarity that sees a rush of non-stop sludgy guitar solos that moves into different areas of Thrash, Doom, Heavy Metal, Sludge Rock and then all the way back to the centre ground of STONER METAL mayhem.
The album is being released by rising UK Underground label - The London Doom Collective who’ve been on a roll recently this year releasing acclaimed albums by the likes of OLD HORN TOOTH, TROY THE BAND and ERRONAUT. This is a great fit for both parties to both establish themselves further within the wider underground Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal scenes.
The later stages of the album keeps up with the fast-paced Thrash Metal trajectory with that intense Sludge/Stoner Metal sound that adds a more aggressive Progressive energy into the musical landscapes with daring Psychedelic textures and subtle levels of distorted movements. Though, you’ve gotta admire WARPSTORMER’s use of classic HEAVY METAL guitar shredding that comes straight from the 1980’s and given a modern day STONER METAL makeover on tracks such as A Liar’s Crown, Fester and The Edge Of Time.
WARPSTORMER’s debut album is quite a wild ride and one that only becomes a better album with each subsequent listen. If you miss the early days of High On Fire and Mastodon then WARPSTORMER is here to answer your call. As they’ve delivered an outrageously epic slice of Stoner Metal carnage you’ll find very hard to beat and one that perfectly can easily be ranked as one of the standout debut albums of the year.
Words by Steve Howe
Thanks to Sheltered Life for the promo.
Warpstomper S/T debut album is available for pre-order now on Cassette/DD/CD/Vinyl via London Doom Collective
Links
Twitter – x.com/warpstormer
Facebook – facebook.com/warpstormer
Instagram – instagram.com/warpstormer
