Accepting Omega - Tracklist
1.The Prophecy (Jaws of Victory) 04:10
2.Brave Design 02:51
3.Guided by Stones 05:01
4.Procession 06:32
5.Sleepwalker 03:50
6.The Accomplice Pt.I (The Offer) 01:42
7.The Accomplice Pt.II (Father's Funeral) 05:38
8.Cavitation 05:34
9.The Oracle Speaks 04:21
Members
Drums - Jonny Pickvance
Bass - Jack Bratt
Extra bass - Madi Morris
Guitar - Wolfe Peterson
Vocals - Madison Morris & Wolfe Peterson
Review
Doom/Grunge/Stoner Metallers Holystone return with a heavier and spacier sound compared to their 2024 debut album East of the Sun, West of the Moon. Their second record Accepting Omega operates in the same vicinity of the likes of TORCHE and FLOOR with a sludgy melodic soundscape developing from very early stages. However, there are still familiar musical steps of Grunge, Psych and Doom Metal that were first laid down on their excellent debut album.
There’s a deeper scope on melody, aggression and spaced out surroundings that feel more fully fleshed out which is perhaps down to the inclusion of new band member Madison Morris who is now on Bass and Vocal duties though I think previous bassist Jack Bratt lends a hand here on some of the tracks. Accepting Omega is a sludgier excursion in darker, deeper and heavier territory whilst keeping an epic style of modern “Doom-Pop” landscapes.
You can feel influences such as Soundgarden, The Melvins and HUM lending a creative hand which still allows Holystone to still sound downright original in their own right. The DOOM & GLOOM aspect does give way to more melodic passages that gives Madison a great chance to shine on the emotionally charged vocal passages that appear from time-to-time. With some screeching guitars and levels of distorted feedback giving an uneasy feeling at times, Holystone aren’t afraid to to develop a heavier and threatening style of Space Rock and Cosmic Doom with some intense instrumental passages moving into the DRONE stratosphere.
The lyrics can be quite “POPPY” and “INDIE” based with the surrounding Post-Whatever elements transforming into a faster style of music where different psychedelic vibes transform into ethereal extended instrumental jams that will sure delight fans of the mighty MELVINS and SOUNDGARDEN.
Sometimes the album does sound like it has two different approaches with how the music is fully delivered which isn’t surprising since half of the album was recorded by Jack Endino (Tracks - 1, 2, 4, and 8) and Dave Catching (Tracks - 3, 5, 6, 7 and 9). However, this works to the album’s favour as this record keeps you on your toes as you don’t know what to expect next. Holystone has delivered an actual record that feels like the actual elements are battling against each other but in an amazing “QUIET vs LOUD” or “HEAVY vs CALM” dynamic.
This is about the third time I’ve written a review for this album and previous versions focused on track-by-track analysis which I wasn’t fully happy with. All I can say is to go into this record and expect a journey that takes many unexpected twists and turns throughout the whole Grunge, Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal dynamic. Accepting Omega feels like a record broken down into individual chapters where the parts don’t necessarily fit the way you expect and you have to make your own conclusions. Though, the end result is a journey that’s absolutely hypnotic and superbly breathtaking to listen to with Holystone delivering classic RIFFS through every track going.
The vocals are superbly delivered throughout with Madison and Wolfe Petersen working brilliantly well together but also sometimes against each other in the most adventurous moments of the whole album. This record has a completely destructive cinematic feel which allows Holystone to be absolutely fearless with their music especially on tracks such as: The Prophecy (Jaws Of Victory), Brave Design, Procession, The Accomplice II (Father’s Funeral) and The Oracle Speaks.
Accepting Omega is an absolute joy to listen with Holystone blending those intense gloomy aesthetics to a non-stop energy of modern day Doom/Stoner Metal that ultimately dares to be completely different.
This is a record you seriously need to listen to right now. As Holystone may be primed to become one of the next breakout acts to emerge from the underground scene.
Words by Steve Howe
Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the promo.
Accepting Omega is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl.
Links
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