Mount Soma - Nirodha (EP Review)

Release date: May 1st 2019. Label: Self Released. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Nirodha – Tracklisting

1.Dark Sun Destroyer 07:39

2.Emerge The Wolf 05:49

3.Resurfacing 09:14

Members

Vocals/Guitar - Brian

Guitar - Keith

Bass/synths - Conrad

Drums - Aaron

Review

Nirodha is the new EP from Irish Heavy Space/Doom Rockers - Mount Soma. This is a different sounding EP from Mount Soma compared to their excellent debut EP from a few years ago. This EP has a heavier progressive sound with the band creating a sludgier groove with elements of Psych, Doom and Stoner Metal that add a more cinematic feel to Mount Soma's music.

Opening song - Dark Sun Destroyer - is a dark sci-fi based tale told through the powerful distorted Sludge/Stoner Riffs and the aggressive vocals of lead singer Brian. The song is driven by a thumping bass line that is quite deafening at times. The swirling ambient and psychedelic spaced out noises the band include on this song is a cool touch and makes you feel part of the overall journey that Mount Soma take you upon.

Second song - Emerge The Wolf - is a heavier and more aggressive song with the band playing a faster style of music. The mood is very raw but still constantly engaging despite the harsh vocals being screamed at you. There is an epic guitar solo towards the end of the song that leaves you wanting more. The EP can sound quite seedy in places and none so more on this song but it works to Mount Soma's favour. As the sludgy and harsh guitars create some of the best riffs held on the EP.

Third song - Resurfacing - is the standout song on the EP as Mount Soma take you on a ten-minute adventure where the riffs drift from Psych, Stoner Metal, Doom and Sludge Metal with relevant ease. The song does feel inspired by Metallica classic - ONE - in places. Not with the music but how the song is structured especially with the haunting voiceover that appears at the start. Add the Psychedelic Doom/Stoner Riffs and you have the recipe for a hard-hitting science-fiction spaced out metal odyssey. Brian’s vocals are violent and compelling as ever with the music providing the perfect gloomy backdrop as well.

Nirodha production is good for the most part. However, there are a few rough parts which could have done with more volume. Though that could actually be a creative choice from the band themselves. Mainly to give Niroda a more emotionally driven sound. That doesn't stop Nirodha being a thrilling and genuinely exciting EP that will impress even the most jaded of Sludge/Doom/Stoner Metal fan.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Mount Soma - Origins (EP Review)

Release date: April 5^th 2016. Label: Self Released. Format: DD

Origins – Tracklisting

1.Nebula 09:41

2.Origin 02:47

3.Lazarus 06:30

Band Members:

Vocals/Guitar - Brian,

Guitar - Keith,

Bass - Conrad,

Drums - Aaron

Review:

Mount Soma's debut EP is slowly starting to turn some heads within the Sludge/Stoner Metal world since it's release last week. Origins is the arrival of a band you need to check out now. If you're a fan of heavy spaced out Sludge/Stoner Metal then Mount Soma is the band for you.

The EP may only last for 20 minutes or so but the band have included a ton of great ideas for you to discover. Opening track – Nebula – starts off rather slowly before exploding into heavy sonic sludge based warfare with a touch of Psychedelic Doom Metal appearing here and there. The vocals from Brian add quite a lo-fi punk edge but it works in the bands favour.

Apparently Origins was meant to be a full length album but the band decided to release it as an EP instead. I think this is a wise decision as it allows the band to keep an air of mystery around their music. Second track – Origin – is a slow-paced semi-acoustic grunge song with cool vocals once again from Brian. It has a very earthly quality about it.

Though the band return to heavier spaced out riffs on the final song – Lazarus. This is perhaps the standout track on the EP as Mount Soma create a more progressive spaced out song to immerse yourself with. It's played at a very slow pace to begin with but once the louder riffs appear the song changes into a more heavier and doomier affair.

The production could have done with more work but that shouldn't distract you from enjoying the hell out of Origins. I've heard a full length album is on the way. If that's true then that can't come soon enough as I want to hear more of Mount Soma and this excellent EP is never enough. Check this out now. It's a great start from a band with hopefully a bright future. Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp