Release Date: August 29th 2025. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD
Oracle Of The Dead - Tracklisting
1.Seeds Of Oblivion 05:09
2.Last Rites 03:44
3.Pigs 05:14
4.Constant Grief 04:02
5.Tomahawk 08:00
6.Death Defying Heights 02:52
Members
Gareth Brunsdon - Drums,
Steve Lynch - Sub Octave Guitar/Vocals
Review.
Oracle Of The Dead is the debut EP from Sludge/Stoner Metallers The Dukes Of Hades that featuresGareth Brunsdon (Eternal - pre Electric Wizard), Spirmyard, Sludgefeast) and Steve Lynch (The Electric Shakes, Teaspoonriverneck, Burg & The Vagabond Choir) performing a heavy FUZZED up duo with subtle distorted overtones dictating the melodies and subtle grooves that appear throughout the EP. Helping along their creative journey is Sam Grant (PIGS X7) who helped with studio engineering duties.
This EP is influenced by the 90’s early Sludge and Stoner Metal scenes with aspects of Death ‘N’ Roll appearing in the background. The low & slow attitude of the band really comes to life very early on with influences wide across the musical globe appearing that allows The Dukes Of Hades to have a vibrant, brash, aggressive and wholly addictive sound that should appeal to fans of Electric Wizard, SOURVIEN, WEEDEATER and BONGZILLA. Add the likes of FU MANCHU and KYUSS then Oracle Of The Dead is full of subtle extended sludgy melodies and cool vocals delivered by Steve Lynch.
The six tracks that make up the EP captures the gritty undertone of the UK Sludge/Stoner Metal scene with the fast-paced aspects of the Swedish Doom Metal scene in certain aspects on tracks such as Seeds Of Oblivion, Pigs, Constant Grief and Tomahawk. The Dukes of Hades add a twinge of Blues Metal in different parts of the EP which gives the record a faster and heavier sound that makes you feel there are more members in the band other than Gareth and Steve.
With a no-nonsense vibe to the production values, Oracle Of The Dead is quite a stacked EP with plenty of different Sludge/Stoner melodic passages which taps right into the classic UNDERGROUND vibe especially within the quieter parts of the EP. This allows The Dukes Of Hades to play a more intriguing style of music with perhaps Pigs and Tomahawk being the standout tracks on the EP.
You can easily see The Dukes Of Hades playing some cool musical festivals such as Desertfest and Stoomfest and whipping the audience into a frenzied state which is the whole vibe of the EP which does remind me of Orange Goblin back in the day.
Oracle Of The Dead is superbly entertaining that lasts under thirty minutes and ultimately leaves you wanting to hear more. The Dukes Of Hades have delivered a high amount of great riffs and sounds in such a compact release that I can’t recommend this EP highly enough. Do yourself a favour and check this great band out now. You won’t regret it!!!
Words by Steve Howe
Links
Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram
