Spirit Division - Forgotten Planet (Album Review)

Release date: August 31st 2018. Label: Self Released. Format: CD/DD

Forgotten Planet – Tracklisting

1.Forgotten Planet
2.Nothing To Be Missed
3.River Rising
4.The Light That Shines (When All Must Die)
5.Seeking The Crow Witch
6.Behemoth
7.Half-Hearted
8.Solitude
9.King Of Scars

Members

Chris Latta: Bass/Vocals
Jace Epple: Drums
Andy Bowerman: Guitars/Vocals

Review

Progression is the key for Doom Metallers - Spirit Division - who return after a two year absence with their epic new album - Forgotten Planet. Spirit Division have decided to give their music an almost trippy makeover as the album is way more psychedelic compared to previous albums. The album is full of trippy moments that leave you wondering what has happened to the Spirit Division from previous albums.

I'm not complaining as I feel Spirit Division have not only progressed as musicians but also songwriters as well. The lyrical content is perhaps the band's most mature offering to date. Spirit Division still play their familiar vintage Doom Metal sounds but the music is just way more out there.

Opening track - Forgotten Planet - is an instrumental psychedelic doom and spaced out offering with the band letting the listener getting used to their new sound.

Second song - Nothing To Be Missed - offers fans the best of both worlds. With Spirit Division playing their classic old-school Doom/Stoner Metal sound but with the focus on the more psychedelic element they've added to this album. Spirit Division is really hard to categorize on this album as they start to add different strands of Classic Heavy Metal sounds. The vocals are top-notch from both Chris and Andy.

The next few tracks: River Rising, The Light That Shines (When All Must Die) and Seeking The Crow Witch, offer perhaps some of the best moments on the album. With the music and vocals being a cut above the rest. The switching from different musical genres will leave you wanting more. The swirling psychedelic and spaced out moments immersed with the gloomy atmosphere shouldn't really work but Spirit Division show real vision and talent in keep everything flowing naturally.

The production on Forgotten Planet is quite adventurous in places. As the overall feel of the album can be quite vintage in parts and super modern in other parts of the album. The vocals on the album have a slightly creepy feel and that keeps with the tone of the entire album.

The second half of the album sees the band more settled with their new musical surroundings with songs such as Behemoth, Solitude and King Of Scars being the heaviest and meanest held on the entire album. Forgotten Planet is a thrilling and highly original sounding album that will have long-time fans extremely happy and even help gain a wider recognition.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Leanne at Mettle Media PR for the promo. Forgotten Planet will be available to buy on CD/DD via from August 31st 2018.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Spirit Division - No Rapture (Album Review)

Release date: June 11^th 2016. Label: Self Released. Format: CD/DD

No Rapture – Tracklisting

1.Whispers In The Embers 05:36

2.No Rapture 03:42

3.When The Sun Explodes 03:10

4.Rewinding Life 03:27

5.A Dark Request 03:02

6.The Mourning Song 03:47

7.Wendigo 07:35

Band Members:

Chris Latta: Bass Guitar/Vocals

Stephen Hoffman: Guitar/Vocals

Jace Epple: Drums

Review:

Spirit Division’s new album – No Rapture – is a steady and heavy mix of Doom, Stoner and Psych riffs. The vocals are firmly rooted in classic heavy metal territory. Opening track – Whispers In The Embers – offers dual vocals from Chris and Stephen with slow-paced doom and gloom based riffs. The atmosphere does become more fast-paced with the vocals taking a more sinister turn. Taking influence from Saint Vitus and Black Sabbath but with a more sinister approach to their music. It’s quite a bass heavy affair with grizzled guitars to match.

Spirit Division have already started to win praise for this album. It’s praise well deserved as they have delivered an exciting and well crafted album. The album is not going to change the world of Rock/Metal but it will entertain you for the next thirty minutes or so. The songwriting is a definite highlight as Spirit Division have written intriguing lyrics on the majority of the songs especially on No Rapture, Rewinding Life and the epic song Wendingo.

The production could have done with more work at times as the volume can be very low at times. Apart from that minor issue, Spirit Division have released an album that plays to their strengths mainly with the riffs, great vocals and superb lyrics. No Rapture is an album that will be enjoyed by both fans of the Doom/Stoner Metal scenes. As this leaves you with no doubt that Spirit Division have something different to offer people with No Rapture. Though I have a feeling we won’t see the true Spirit Division until after a couple of more releases when they build upon their enormous sound. Until then, No Rapture is definitely worth your time.  Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp