Release Date: August 07th 2026. Record Label: New Heavy Sounds. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl
Four - Tracklist
1.Bows Of London
2.Bill Norrie
3.Valtz Efter Tor Lohne
4.Lovely Joan
5.Gower Wassail
6.Last Of All Sleep
7.The Unquiet Grave
Lineup
John Mosley – Guitar
Donny Hopkins – Guitar
Ruth O’Loughlin – Bass
Katie Harnett – Vocals
Matthew Atkins- Drums
Review
Doom/Stoner Rockers Crumbling Ghost return in spectacular fashion with their latest record Four which is obviously their fourth full length record and their first in a decade. This record has a heavier and diverse array of Doom, Stoner, Fuzz and Folk melodies that’s strengthened by the band’s great use of warped psychedelics and space rock attitude. I always feel that the band never got the recognition they truly deserve for helping to establish the modern day UK Stoner Rock sound that’s benefited so many great bands of late.
This isn’t Crumbing Ghost playing catch up, this is the band solidifying their reputation as one of the true original bands the UK underground rock scene currently has right now. Four offers a refreshing take on that modern Stoner Rock sound with the band applying Folk, Shoegaze, Indie Rock and Pop influences amongst the aggressive Doomed Out sounds that reminds me of Electric Wizard, Windhand and Black Sabbath in equal measure.
Check out the superb opening tracks of Bows Of London and Bill Norrie that have different musical perspectives to each other but allow Crumbling Ghost to play a distorted style of Doom Metal that harks back to the days of Electric Wizard in places. The lyrics are brilliantly whimsical and heartfelt on Bill Norrie whilst the music itself is just crushing with epic levels of distorted movements that allows that Shoegaze aspect to hit some really emotional highs for the listener to become part of the whole musical journey that the band have created here.
Each track on Four tells a different musical perspective and story where Crumbling Ghost changes into a different musical persona with freakish jazzy and post-rock beats becoming part of the musical perspective whilst still remaining an essential part of the Doom/Stoner Metal universe. The music is played beautifully throughout with Crumbling Ghost laying down some of the best sounds of their music caterer and with the amazing vocals from Katie Harnett being one of standout elements of the whole record.
The instrumental passages are constantly engaging with Crumbling Ghost giving Russian Circles a run for their money on the standout third track Valtz Efter Tor Lohne which is an intense and first class style of Instrumental Post-Rock with flashes of Cinematic themes appearing along the way.
The second half of the record moves across areas of Folk, Psych and classic Heavy Rock whilst employing a great style of modern day surroundings which appears brilliantly on tracks such as Lovely Joan, Wassail and The Unquiet Grave. The whole record can be classed as a concept album with an emotionally wrought journey told throughout the album which allows the Folk Rock aspect to really shine but there’s more unexpected sonic and fuzzy delights waiting to be heard from Crumbling Ghost when everything is said and done.
Four is an exquisite, soulful and beautifully made record which instantly commands your attention as Crumbling Ghost may have released their best album to date.
Outstanding. End Of.
Words by Steve Howe
Thanks to For The Lost PR for the promo.
Four is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl via New Heavy Sounds.
Links
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