THE MON - Songs Of Abandon (Album Review)

Release Date: November 07th 2025. Record Label: Supernatural Cat. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

Songs Of Abandon - Tracklisting

1.Smiling Dog 02:18

2.Two Stones 03:54

3.The Hidden Ghost 05:08

4.Hourglass 03:22

5.The Moon And The Devil 03:25

6.Mayhem 03:22

7.Little Bird 03:33

8.The Fluorescent Sand 02:31

9.Beautiful Star 04:10

10.Your Eyes 03:26

Lineup

Urlo - Everything

Review

Drone/Doom/Ambient artist THE MON is back with their new album Songs Of Abandon which is the first part of "Embrace The Abandon" which is a two-chapter journey that explores loss and rebirth. For folks not in the know, THE MON is the solo project of Urlo (Bass/Vocals) from the legendary Doom Metallers UFOMAMMUT. This project is about as far as you can possibly get from UFOMAMMUT with Urlo exploring musical genres such as Drone, Ambient, Americana, Folk, Electronica and Alternative Sounds.

Songs Of Abandon is a gloomy experience with THE MON creating a minimal and solitary experience that’s full of emotional wonder with Urlo’s tender vocals set against his Post-Doom instrumental surroundings and subtle Ambient effects. There is a lovely and affectionate style of melody that develops very early on from the opening tracks of Smiling Dog and Two Stones which can be quite carefree and influenced by the dark sounds of the Sixties and Seventies rock scene.

This is quite a different affair compared to THE MON’s 2023 critically acclaimed album THE EYE as Urlo is doing everything himself here where THE EYE had major guest contributions from the likes of Steve Von Till (Neurosis), Colin H. Van Eeckhout (Amenra),Sarah Pendleton (Subrosa, The Otolith) and David W. (White Hills). Songs Of Abandon allows THE MON to go back closer to their earlier releases but still maintaining a similar style heard on THE EYE.

The music is quite experimental and brilliantly therapeutic especially within the standout third track The Hidden Ghost which has a grounded Country/Americana approach whilst adding Post-Doom and Drone based movements within the darker aspects of the track. Urlo’s vocals are earnest and superbly real that offer a stark contrast to his work with UFOMAMMUT. The song works best when the Drone aspect takes charge in the later stages as this album ventures briefly into the domain of Psych Rock and Space Rock soundscapes.

The haunting fourth track Hourglass explores that Space Rock angle for the first few seconds before settling upon an excellent style of Acoustic Doom groove with Urlo’s vocals being its most daring and remarkably honest with some experimental background vocals giving it an outlandish quality. The subtle flashes of semi-acoustic Psychedelic sounds once again twists the creative narrative where you begin to notice the smaller things being played in the background. As this is a superbly realized multi-layered track that will surprise you of how it ultimately plays out and changes the course for the rest of the album.

Songs Of Abandon flirts with a vivid assortment of different musical styles that are constantly evolving which makes this one of the most unique and engaging solo albums I’ve heard in quite some time and THE MON keeps on delivering songs of real beauty and quality especially on tracks such as The Moon And The Devil, Mayhem and Little Bird. However, THE MON still offers moments of intense DOOM & GLOOM quality which gives an unsettling feeling at times but the sheer cinematic and emotional scope that Urlo fully commits himself to is a joy to behold.

The songwriting on the album is simply magnificent and so is Urlo’s musical abilities which once again showcases a different side to his work on UFOMAMMUT. The album becomes quite adventurous with flashes of Post-Rock and Gothic Doom that surprised me in many different ways which appear on tracks Mayhem and Little Bird developing into hazy areas of trippy psychedelics that left me wanting more.

Songs Of Abandon is an absolutely exquisite record that shows how THE MON are at the top of their game with their most deeply rewarding and brilliantly engaging record to date. I can’t wait to hear part two to see where this extraordinary journey takes me. Until then, Songs Of Abandon is a record you all need to experience as soon as possible.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to THE MON for the promo.

Songs Of Abandon is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl via Supernatural Cat.

Links

Official | Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Dee Calhoun - From Under the Smogberry Trees - A Novelty EP (EP Review)

Release Date: August 23rd 2024. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DDl

From Under the Smogberry Trees - A Novelty EP: Tracklisting

1.Taylor's on the NFL Today 04:37

2.Bumpin' Uglies 02:17

3.Off is the Direction... 04:03

4.(She) Learned it from Watchin' a Porn 03:17

5.The Legend of Woke Dolly 03:55

6.Under the Smogberry Trees 03:47

Members

Dee Calhoun - Everything

Review

Doom/Stoner Rock musician Dee Calhoun takes a break away from his usual bleak way of usual storytelling by taking a humorous and sly look at modern day pop culture and mainstream media. The music is still a mix of Americana, Southern Rock, Folk Rock, Boogie Rock and Doom Rock with spiky lyrics that takes aim at the American male stereotype especially on the brilliantly funny opening track of Taylor’s On The NFL Today. 

Even with myself being British or a Limey Prick who has no right commentating on the American way of life but Dee has tapped into the similar type of humour that I’ve seen with the whole Taylor Swift vs NFL Football fan. (Even though in my mind there’s only one real game of FOOTBALL and it’s not the NFL. It’s what you guys call SOCCER - Anyway I digress). The music itself is simply played acoustic jams but it’s the music and Dee’s deadpan serious manner that makes everything stand out. 

The whole EP is delivered within the whole style of Dr Demento Radio Show with perhaps some Weird Al Yankovic influence shining through along the way. Bumpin’ Uglies is another funny little oddity which doesn’t quite work overall but the music was solid enough. The rest of the EP is bang on point with Off Is The Direction and (She) Learned It From Watchin’ A Porn seeing Dee’s real musical identity shining through with his music mostly and dark comedic lyrics perhaps drawing influence from the likes of Bill Hicks and George Carlin with Dee’s commentary on modern day life.

The final two tracks of The Legend Of Woke Dolly and Under The Smogberry Trees expands the Adult Humour which does show a more rebellious side to Dee’s songwriting skills but it’s the instrumental sounds that impress yet again with the music being quite daring, raw and honest that explores the darker style of Americana, Acoustic Rock and Southern Rock grooves.

From Under The Smogberry Trees is silly and downright hilarious entertainment where it’s good to hear Dee Calhoun releasing a different style of music that he’s currently known for. I’m not sure if I could listen to a full record of this and as the EP states within the title, the novelty could quickly wear thin but this is still a superb EP.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

Facebook | BandCamp

Thomas V Jäger - Iron Nights (Album Review)

Release Date: November 17th 2023. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Iron Nights - Tracklisting

1.Side By Side 02:41

2.From One To Another 04:28

3.I'm Losing My Mind 04:36

4.No Doubt About It 02:53

5.Cold Blue Sun 03:29

6.It's Been A While 04:01

7.Light Of Yesterday 04:15

8.Weigh Me Down 04:17

Members

Thomas V Jäger

Guest Musicians

Peter Scherman / drums on Side By Side

Anders ”Pompe” Jacobson / drums on From One To Another & The Light Of Yesterday

Isa Jaeger Berglund / Vocals on It’s Been A While

Nicklas Hellqvist / Bass on The Light Of Yesterday

Review

Thomas V Jäger from Doom Metal Titans MONOLORD returns with his new album Iron Nights and it’s his second solo album release of the year following April 2023’s Foliage. This is another collection of spellbinding tunes where Thomas delves into areas of Psych Rock, Blues Rock and Classic Rock which has moments of melancholic moments of Doom Rock and Stoner Rock. This is quite a different journey compared to Foliage with Thomas offering a more heartfelt sound which draws heavily upon the 1970’s Prog Rock scene with its flashes of intricate Psych Folk sounds.

Opening track Side By Side is a varied style of different musical themes with the song exploring Semi-Acoustic grooves that merge into areas of Folk, Blues, Psych and slightly more aggressive Stoner jams which setup the main creative nucleus of the whole album. Despite the short running time of the track Thomas covers a lot of ground on this track which is quite progressive in its own way. The song has the mellow trademark vocal tones from Thomas which adds a friendly atmosphere and easy-going attitude that makes the album more easier to fully get on board with.

The second song From One To Another is a gloomy and emotionally charged track that drifts form semi-acoustic rock to mind-expanding 1970’s trippy Prog Rock which soon brings a more emotional performance from Thomas with the Folk-ish trappings of the song. The song is quite melodic which becomes quite heavier when the full-on electric guitars appear that thrust the song into the 1980’s arena of Classic Hard Rock before the music mellows out with soft Ambient tones.

Third song I'm Losing My Mind is mostly driven by Post-Doom themes with echoes of Psych Stoner Rock with moments of MONOLORD inspired gloominess within the solitary acoustic guitars. The track impresses mostly with the minimal vocal performance from Thomas that reminds me of certain classic tracks of THE WHO in places. One of the standout tracks on the album and perhaps one of my favourite individual tracks that Thomas has created to date. 

Fourth song No Doubt About It is an upbeat Blues Rock/Classic Rock number that has a more AOR or Soft Country Rock approach which I didn’t expect but it’s superbly played and a direction I wouldn’t expect to hear from Thomas. The vocals are calm, passionate and quite loud when they need to be with superbly written lyrics that have a loving and easy-going drive that will leave you with a nice warm glow inside you.

The second half of the album sees Thomas venture further into the different musical genres he’s created for this album with moments of Bluegrass starting to appear within the weirdly addictive fifth track Cold Blue Sun. Though, there’s still a wide range of fantastic sounding Classic Hard Rock sounds that blends the Acoustic and Electric styles of music to more magical sounds and extended grooves on other cool tracks such as It’s Been A While, Light Of Yesterday and Weigh Me Down.

Thomas had delved into his love and appreciation for the 1970’s Music scene where he brings so many different musical styles for an album that’s deeply warm-hearted and superbly engaging throughout. Iron Nights is another superb solo release from Thomas V Jäger which is also perhaps his most experimental and personal solo effort yet.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

BandCamp | Instagram

Dee Calhoun: Old Scratch Comes To Appalachia (Album Review)

Release Date: June 23rd 2023. Record Label: Argonauta Records. Formats: CD/DD

Old Scratch Comes To Appalachia: Tracklisting

The Day The Rats Came To Town

Verachte Diese Hure

A Wish In The Darkness

New Modern World

Conjured

Pulse

Self Inflicted

Stand With Me

All I Need Is One

Old Scratch Comes To Appalachia

Members

Dee Calhoun: voice, guitars & other various stringed instruments, harmonica, keyboards

“Iron” Louis Strachan: bass guitar

Rob “Little ‘Houn” Calhoun: lead vocals (tracks 4 & 8), backing vocals, percussion

Queen Nadia, Heiress of Dyscord: backing vocals (track 8)

Katharina Neuert: non-intro spoken word (track 2)

Dave Benzotti: backing vocals (track 9)

Old Nancy: intro (track 2)

Review:

Old Scratch Comes To Appalachia is the new album from Doom Metal Artist Dee Calhoun who has been part of bands such as Iron Man and Spiral Grave. Dee is also an accomplished solo artist with a string of acclaimed albums under his belt. This is his fourth full length album and the album is accompanied by a sublime novella. Dee Calhoun is also an established writer of Science Fiction, Horror and Fantasy novels. However, I'll only be focusing on the actual album from Dee Calhoun and this is a refreshing type of Americana, Country, Folk and Doom Rock but all told within an Acoustic style for the whole album.

The album does have it's fair share of Southern Gothic/Horror influences which evokes gloomy chills on the excellent opening track of The Day The Rats Come To Town which could be used as an analogy for Politicians in my mind taking over small town life anywhere across the world. However, the song draws upon Southern Rock grooves with that semi-acoustic sound allowing Dee Calhoun to fully speak his mind and he doesn't hold back with the lyrics he's written for this track. A lo-fi and dirty sounding Blues Rock vibe holds everything together.

Second song Verachte Diese Hure continues with the Gloomy soundscapes and bleak lyrical content that offers a slightly Grungy and Alt Country attitude with Dee offering heavy passionate vocals that can easily be drawn and compared to other Metal musicians' solo output such as Wino and Steve Von Till. The instrumental work has a dark Blues Rock essence with the acoustic grooves full of Southern Rock and even NOLA charm. There's also a few instances of almost Electronic sounding guitars starting to appear but my hearing could be playing tricks on me. 

Third song A Wish In The Darkness offers a more American Western approach with subtle "soundtrack" elements being used with Dee Calhoun adopting a more Neil Young and Bob Dylan persona on this track. The song is quite a cautionary tale on both modern and historical era's of America. The "Americana" aspect shines the most here with the twangy guitar sounds offering a more solitary feel. There's some killer instrumental solos that remind me of Stadium Hard Rock bands from the 1970's with Dee Calhoun keeping everything real.

Fourth song New Modern World is a more up-to-date style of acoustic music with great vocals from Rob "Little Houn” Calhoun making a fleeting appearance. The song does have a more simplistic approach creatively speaking but remains one of my favourite tracks on the album. As this song takes you on a wicked journey of Americana/Blues Rock instrumental jams and trippy Psychedelic beats with a kick-ass HARMONICA being delivered on the later stages of the track.

Fifth song Conjured opens with a distorted and drone based sound before the semi-acoustic vibes appear. The song is the gloomiest track on the album and I'm wondering if this as a full blown Doom Metal track that Dee Calhoun changed into an acoustic track. As the song has a more dramatic flair with Dee's vocals becoming more DOOM based along the way. The instrumental work is quite intense with that Southern Gothic flavour becoming more Occult driven along the way. The lyrics are sinister and show a different side to Dee's creative journey for this album. The use of different styles of Instrumental Doomed Out Rock becomes slightly progressive but never takes anything away from the album.

The second half of Old Scratch Comes To Appalachia continues the gloomy Americana message of the first with that sinister approach that has appeared on the last few songs especially within Pulse, Self-Inflicted and Old Scratch Comes To Appalachia. The music has a consistent "OUTLAW" Quality and feel to it with appearances from folks such as Queen Nadia, Heiress Of Dyscord and Dave Benzotti lending their backing vocals along the way on tracks Stand With Me and All I Need Is One respectively.

Old Scratch Comes To Appalachia is a dark, mysterious and intense record which offers a few chills and spills along the way. The album is most definitely a DOOM album and easily qualifies under the "DOES THIS DOOM" category. Screaming Mad Dee should be proud of this album. As it's a superbly entertaining album and perhaps one of the best "semi-acoustic" albums you'll hear all year.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Grand Sounds Promotions for the promo.

Old Scratch Comes To Appalachia is available to buy now on CD/DD via Argonauta Records

Links:

Official | Facebook | BandCamp

Thomas V Jager - Foliage (Album Review)

Release Date: April 20th 2023. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Foliage: Tracklisting

I Hope It's Black

Cold

Like A Storm

Sea Of Green

On YOur Own

Nocturnal Vision

When I Call Your Name

To Feel Alright

Review

The voice of Monolord, Thomas V Jäger returns with his second solo album Foliage and almost three years after his celebrated debut. The album follows the same creative path as that album with Thomas playing a style of Acoustic Doom, Folk Rock and Blues Rock with subtle hints of Stoner or Weedian themes heard within both the music and lyrics that Thomas has written for this album.

The vocals are more emotional and organic for this record compared to Thomas's work for Monolord. It's great to see Thomas adding eerie Psychedelic Sounds throughout the album and playing a wonderful sideline in Acoustic Doomed Out Rock with subtle Classic Rock influences. There are some beautiful and emotionally heavy parts of this album where Thomas does bare out his soul early on the record on such songs as I Hope It's Black, Cold and Like A Storm.

There's guest appearances from musicians such as Ryan Gut (STONER and Brant Bjork), Hasse Nyman, Isa Jäger Berglund, Ryan Lee and Esben Willems (Monolord) who all make this album a richer experience whenever they appear. Though, it's Thomas’s wonderfully diverse creative talents that make this album truly work. Even when the heavy WEEDIAN sounds move from semi-acoustic to full on Electric Rock. 

The songwriting is immense and some songs do have that classic MONOLORD energy within the background when the heavier moments appear. Foliage is mostly laid-back with a sweet-natured attitude but expect some catchy bouts of Hard Rock heaviness which gives this album a more atmospheric nature you wouldn't expect.

Standout tracks include: Like A Storm,  Sea Of Green, On Your Own and To Feel Alright.

Foliage is a super-fresh and down to earth release from a wonderfully gifted musician, singer and songwriter who I hope releases more groovy and interesting solo albums as this more often. Though, Thomas's time with Monolord may hamper these wishes but Foliage is an excellent album that oozes class from start to finish.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

BandCamp | Instagram

​The Pilgrim - .​.​From The Earth To The Sky And Back (Album Review)

Release date: November 06th 2020. Label: New Heavy Sounds. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

​.​.​From The Earth To The Sky And Back – Tracklisting

1.Mexico '84 04:18
2.Sitting Down On The Porch 02:45
3.Obsessed By The West Part I, II, III, IV 06:06
4.Lion 04:17
5.Fool Around 03:51
6.Riding The Horse 03:52
7.Cuba 02:11
8.Secrets In The Kingdom 03:14
9.I'm Just Scared 03:32
10.Solitude 04:07
11.At Your Door 03:15
12.Sounds Of The Night 04:10
13.Space And Time 01:22
14.Waiting For The Sun 03:31

Members

GABRIELE FIORI - ACOUSTIC AND ELECTRIC GUITARS, VOCALS,BANJO, BASS, KEYS, SYNTH, PIANO, TAMBOURINE, MARACAS

FILIPPO RAGAZZONI - DRUMS, PERCUSSIONS

RYAN LEE - PEDAL STEEL ON OBSESSED BY THE WEST PART IV, AND ON RIDING THE HORSE

Review

I’m surprised that The Pilgrim are back with a new album so fast after their last effort which was released in May 2019. As the main creative force behind The Pilgrim is Gabriele Fiori. The genius behind Black Rainbows who released their brilliant new album Cosmic Ritual Supertrip earlier this year and Gabriele runs the awesome record label Heavy Psych Sounds. I wouldn’t think that Gabe would have the time to release another record under The Pilgrim moniker. Though, here we are with their new release - “​.​.​From The Earth To The Sky And Back”

The album offers 14 tracks of Alt-Country, Psych Rock, Stoner Rock and Folk Rock goodness played mostly in a semi-acoustic environment. If you were a fan of their debut album then this one is even better. As the album feels like it has more focus to it and the songs have a lot more meaning to them.

The 70s Influences come shining through on the excellent 2 opening songs – Mexico and Sitting Down The Porch. There is a laid-back and cool sounding atmosphere which allows the listener to forget about the outside world troubles and immerse yourself into a much happier place with Gabe’s excellent country based vocals. This is far from removed you can get from Black Rainbows and that’s a good thing.

The Pilgrim is on a musical journey of the rural heartlands and wastelands of America and that is told through the next hour or so with The Pilgrim shining a light on their musical influences of 60’s and 70’s Alt-Country and Americana based music.

Maybe the album feels slightly too long but at least by 2 or 3 songs but The Pilgrim have aimed big for this release and it works superbly well with a clutch of breathtaking songs you can easily fall in love with.

Highlights include: “Obsessed By The West Part I, II, III, IV”, Lion, Riding The Horse, Solitude, Sounds Of The Night and Waiting For The Sun. As these songs have the most addictive grooves to them and the ones I personally enjoyed the most.

This album is more expressive and fairly more experimental than the last album The Pilgrim released. Though, it’s a much better record in so many different ways. This is a journey worth taking with The Pilgrim over and over as it’s a quality sounding album from start to finish.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Purple Sage PR and All Noir for the promo.

...From The Earth To The Sky And Back” is available to buy now be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Heavy Psych Sounds.

Links: 

Facebook | BandCamp

An Interview With Thomas V Jäger

Thomas V Jäger is mostly known as the lead guitarist and lead singer of Doom Metal Heavyweights - MONOLORD. Thomas has just released his excellent debut solo record - A Solitary Plan. This is a Folk Rock Record which is vastly different to what MONOLORD are known for.

I caught up with Thomas recently to discuss the making of his new album.

Hi Thomas. Thanks for doing this interview. How are things with you today. Congrats on your new album. It's a great album. When did you get the idea to record a solo album. Was this something you wanted to do for some time. 

The first song ideas came a bunch of years ago. I wanted to do something by myself and started recording ideas. I bought an old acoustic guitar and all of a sudden I had three songs that I liked. So I just continued. 

I'm surprised you found the time to record a debut album. As you've been quite busy with Monolord the past few years. Was this a challenging album to write and record for. 

Both yes and no. The music was pretty easy, it almost wrote itself but the lyrical theme was a bit harder. I recorded between tours and I haven't worked my day job as much these days so I have had "plenty" of time. It is of course a matter of where your priorities are. I wanted to do this so I did it. 

What is the album about and what inspired you when writing this album. 

​I just wanted to do something mellow, something smooth and also something sad. Black Mountain - Stay Free is a fantastic song and that inspired me loads. Torgeir Waldemar - No Offending Borders too. A Solitary Plan is more or less lyrics about stuff that I normally wouldn't be so open about. That is maybe why I haven't released the lyrics. The first two songs on the album was recorded around three years ago or so but I am always writing. 

Sometimes I have three new Monolord riffs when I am trying to write something mellow. Some other day I made a new acoustic song when I tried to record metal riffs. This is how I work and a lot of stuff is inspiring. The woods. The sea. Animals. Mind altering things. I have my own studio setup here at home and that is a must for me, to have my stuff close and ready to record. 

It's quite an uplifting album to listen to and really soothing in places. Was that the plan to release an uplifting album and something different to Monolord. 

It was more something I just needed to do. I can't write music that only sounds a certain way. I need to do a lot of different music. Right now I have recorded three hours of ambient stuff and I have half a rock album rattling in the back of my head. For me this album isn't really uplifting. It reminds me of how sad I was about things that were happening in my life just then. 

What do your Monolord bandmates think of this album. Did they give you any constructive feedback on the album which you acted upon. 

​They heard it when It was done more or less. I haven't gotten any feedback from anyone that made me want to change something 

Did you have any extra help with album or is everything by you. 

​Kalle Lilja is a buddy of mine that work in a studio called Welfare Sounds. He got all the tracks and my mixes and he did his version out of that. He put down some piano on one song. Another guy I know, Emil (Rolof) bought a mellotron so he is the one handling that duty on the title track. 

RidingEasy Records are releasing this album. Were they your only choice. As I thought with Monolord signing to Relapse Records you would go with another label. 

​I sent the songs to Daniel at RidingEasy and he said "yeah lets release it" and so it was.There hasn't been any bad blood between us and Ridingeasy. The decision for us (Monolord) to move on to a bigger label was mutual. 

How are things with Monolord after signing to Relapse Records. Has anything major changed and how did that come about. 

​There is no bigger changes. Of course Relapse is a bigger label and it shows but we're working (hard) as usual. 

Monolord recently released instrumental versions of the first two albums to an amazing response. How did that idea come about. And did the fans response surprise you all with their reaction to these versions. 

​In these weird times you gotta explore options that you wouldn't normally think about. As a touring band we have not been able to keep day jobs for very long and we need some kind of income. This was an idea to help us pay our rent more or less but the reaction has always been good with every release. Our fans are sick (in a good way). 

Will you be releasing other instrumental versions of your other albums in the future. 

​Not sure about that. We´ll see. 

Before you go. Do you have any words of encouragement you want to say to your fans. 

​Stay home & please don't be racist. Thanks. 

Words by Steve Howe and Thomas V Jäger 

You can now buy A Solitary Plan on CD/DD/Vinyl via RidingEasy Records now.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp

Thomas V Jäger - A Solitary Plan (Album Review)

Release date: July 24th 2020. Label: RidingEasy Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

A Solitary Plan – Tracklisting

A Solitary Plan.
Creature Of The Deep.
It's Alright.
From The Ashes
The Drone.
Goodbye.
The Bitter End.

Review

A Solitary Plan is the debut full length album from Monolord frontman Thomas W Jäger and I was quite surprised when this album was originally announced. As I thought Thomas would be too busy conquering the world of Doom Metal with the critically acclaimed band and after their recent album that was released via Relapse Records

This album sees Thomas take a step back in more ways than one. The music is a semi-acoustic style of Folk, Doom Rock, Psych and Stoner Rock grooves and RidingEasy Records are releasing this album who previously Monolord were signed to.

The first thing that grabs you with A Solitary Plan is how emotionally stirring and involving the album can be despite the different style of music that Thomas plays on this album. This is quite a riffier solo offering compared to other solo albums I’ve listened to from WINO and Steve Von Till.

The opening song - A Solitary Plan - has the gloominess that Monolord are known for but this album is definitely it’s own thing with Thomas putting a more sincere and heartfelt vocal performance. The semi-acoustic nature of the album is quite easy to fall in love with and the lyrics whilst emotionally charged are never boring and remain quite grown-up from start to finish. The music easily drifts along from musical hypnotic passage to the next with the gloomy folk vibes holding everything together.

Second song - Creature Of The Deep - opens with a secluded guitar before Thomas appears with his Doom/Folk based vocals leading the way. The Psychedelic nature of the song is quite claustrophobic but it has an eerie dreamlike quality to it all that harks back to the day of 70s Rock. The second half of the song sees a slight Electronica style of music coming into play which adds a more nuanced feel to the song.

Third song - It’s Alright - is easily my favourite song on the album with perhaps the most “Monolord” style song on the album whilst still retaining the semi-acoustic drive of the entire album and the beautifully written lyrics allow Thomas to deliver his best vocal performance on this album. The quietly played guitars are passionate and have real genuine warmth to them.

These 3 songs should give the listener a good picture on what to expect for the rest of the album. Thomas has 4 more songs left to impress folks with and he does with songs such as: From The Ashes, The Drone and The Bitter End. The album allows Thomas to continue his musical journey branching out into different styles of music you wouldn’t expect him to do especially on From The Ashes and The Bitter End.

The whole sound of the album is another highlight with A Solitary Plan sounding crisp and super-fresh in all of the right places. This album will surprise you with some of its heavy moments despite not primarily being a Heavy Rock album.

A Solitary Plan is a masterful album packed with great music and Thomas in fine storytelling form. You don’t have to be a fan of Monolord to enjoy this album. Take this album on it’s own merits and you will be rewarded with a beautifully charged and emotional album.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Andy at Palmer Turner Overdrive and Dave at US/THEM PR Group for the promo. 

You can now buy A Solitary Plan on CD/DD/VInyl via RidingEasy Records now.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp

Dee Calhoun - Godless (Album Review)

Release date: July 10th 2020. Label: Argonauta Records. Format: CD/DD

Godless – Tracklisting

1. Here Under Protest - 04:30
2. Godless - 05:52
3. The Moon Says Goodbye - 05:10
4. Hornswoggled - 04:20
5. To My Boy - 04:33
6. Spite Fuck - 05:50
7. No Justice - 03:49
8. Ebenezer - 05:41
9. Ride Away - 05:01
10. The Greater Evil - 05:41
11. The Day Salvation Went Away - 04:26

12. Prudes Puritanicals Puddles of Piss - 06:34

Review

Legendary Doom Metal Artist – Dee Calhoun – returns with his 3rd solo album Godless and it sees Dee on on fine form with an album that has 12 tracks to soothe your soul with. This is a deeply emotional and quite troubling album in places. As Dee lays his heart out here. Playing a more subdued acoustic style of American, Doom, Country and good old fashioned Outlaw Rock.

The album features Dee’s infinite wisdom which he’s built up with almost 40 years in the musical business and performing for great bands such as Spiral Grave and IRON MAN. This is Dee’s 3rd solo album and it’s good to see him continuing his excellent relationship with Argonauta Records yet again.

Godless is quite a spiritual album despite the name of GODLESS. As there’s a lot of deep meaningful lyrics that touch upon religious themes. The music is constantly captivating with Dee playing a wild style of Acoustic Rock that offers the perfect balance of different sounds and still keep the gloomy atmosphere thriving from start to finish.

Dee is joined by Iron Man and Spiral Grave bandmate, Louis Strachan, provided the bass tracks. Dee’s son Robert, “Little ‘Houn” Calhoun, appears on the record with percussion and backing vocals performances. So it’s good to see that Dee has made this a very close and personal affair and you can tell that on the lyrics for the majority of the songs.

Maybe 12 tracks is slightly too long for this album but it’s quite a powerful album that pulls no punches with the dark vocals and lyrical content that Dee has included on this album. The album is deeply soaked by the legendary Blues Rock scene as it’s steeped in a very cool and vibrant Blues Rock sound.

Standout songs on the album include – Here Under Protest, Godless, To My Boy, Spite Fuck, Ride Away, The Greater Evil and Prudes Puritanicals Puddles of Piss.

The “Outlaw” aspect of this album is perhaps the best part of GODLESS. As Dee writes and performs some of his best material when he’s in a more rebellious mood but though there are still plenty moments of emotionally charged acoustic rock to be impressed with.

GODLESS is wonderfully eerie and challenging in equal measure. So don’t expect an easy ride as this album offers no easy answers or solutions but a showcase for a Doom Metal Legend at the top of his game.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Mona at All Noir PR for the promo. Godless is available to buy on CD/DD via Argonauta Records now.

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