Release date: September 02nd 2016. Label: Black Bow Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl
Future Echo Returns – Tracklisting
1. Estronomicon
2. Electric Breath
3. In The Grip of Fausto
4. Ritual Beginnings
5. Rat Chariot
6. Supernothing
7. Into The Eternal
Band Members:
David/Chris - guitars/amplification
Marty - traps/howls/cowbell
Review:
The news broke a little while ago, that the long-standing relationship between Slomatics and Conan had moved into another phase when it was announced that Black Bow Records would be releasing the new record from everyone's favourite Belfast band (Stiff Little Fingers coming in a close 2nd place)
It's a move that makes perfect sense, as both bands have a long history as kindred spirits having collaborated on some notable releases together, and even back in the day (2008 to be exact) they even put a split out with Chris Fielding's (current Slomatics/Skyhammer Producer/Wizard) band Agent Of Morai. Which by the way is fucking ace, and I think still available via Bandcamp.....
Anyway.... Enough of the history lesson/fact sheet.....
"Future Echo Returns" opens with the mesmerizing and hypnotic instrumental track "Estronomicon" featuring a riff that builds and builds throughout the course of the song. It's a deliciously simple but effective track, that prepares you for the masterclass that's about to follow.
"Electric Breath" is up next and opens again with a lone guitar hammering home a blunt and stubbornly heavy riff, but the track really kicks into gear with the addition of Marty Harvey's excellent vocals. To my ears, on this release the vocals really stand out more clearly, than on any other, and they sound ruddy majestic throughout.
More of the same mix of that trademark Slomatics sound on "In The Grip Of Fausto" and then we are offered up the all together calmer and reflective ""Ritual Beginnings" which is more about the subtle use of synths and some ace space sound effects (whilst not the most technical description, they made me think of space, so that's what I'm going with). The track, builds slowly yet masterfully across its six minute run time as layer by layer more samples, synths and guitars are added.
The riffs are back on the next couple of tracks, the fucking wonderfully named "Rat Chariot" and "Super Nothing" which for me is the go to track on this album. If I was wanting to introduce the band to someone who had never heard them before, this is the song I'd pick to do it. Everything about is pretty much perfect.
Not only does Marty Harvey have an impressive set of pipes, he's a beast behind the kit and shows it of to full effect here, whilst the disgustingly heavy riffs of both Chris Couzens and David Majury, compliment it perfectly. Also if you strain your ears you might hear some familiar vocals backing things up in the mix....(but I could be wrong)
The album ends on "Into The Eternal" probably the slowest and certainly the longest track on the record. Heavy, yet melodic and the prefect way to bring this record to a close.
"Future Echo Returns" is certainly my favourite Slomatics record, and in a year that has already seen some phenomenal releases its confidently staking its claim to sit alongside the likes of Conan, Slabdragger and Mantar as one of the albums of the year.
As you may have seen from the recent commotion on Facebook this album is selling out faster than an Anthony Joshua stoppage win, so head over to the Black Bow Records BigCartel and order it while you still can....
Words by Simon Ross Williams
Thanks to Curtis at Dewar PR, Black Bow Records and Slomatics for the promo. Future Echo Returns will be available to buy from September 2nd 2016 on CD/DD/Vinyl from Black Bow Records.
Release
date: May 27th
2016. Label: StoneFree Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl
Limestone Whale – S/T – Tracklisting
1.Ambrosia
2.Tale
Of The Snow Child
3.W
4.Swarms
5.A
Book I Have To Close
6.Paralyzed
In Paradise 04:11
7.An
Allegation
Band
Members:
Clement
Hoffer (vocals)
Flo
Ryan Kiss (guitar)
René
Preiß (bass)
Maximilian
Brev (drums)
Review:
You
will be forgiven for classifying Limestone Whale as another Kadavar
clone. There are tons of bands starting to appear on the scene and
literally copying Kadavar’s great style of Classic Hard Rock and
Doom Metal tinged vibes. Limestone Whale may offer the same style of
music that Kadavar is known for but their debut S/T album shows a
band with a lot going in their favour. A collection of great songs
for a start.
This
album may only contain seven tracks but the band has made sure you’re
thoroughly entertained for the next thirty-five minutes or so.
Opening song – Ambrosia – shows the band playing a more refined
classic rock approach that fans of The Who will definitely enjoy.
Layers of psychedelic rock holds all the riffs together with lead
vocalist Clement opting for Roger Daltrey style vocal approach. It’s
a no-holds barred hard rock song that shows the bands appreciation
for good old fashioned rock and roll from the last 50 years or so.
Second
track – Tale Of The Snow Child – opens with a slow-paced psych
doom instrumental riff before the band start playing at a much faster
pace. It’s quite a cold and eerie affair before the vocals start to
appear. Limestone Whale expand their psychedelic doom sound with
Sabbath inspired vocals and riffs but one that sounds very original
through out.
Third
track – W – carries on the vibe from the previous song as the
band create haunting slow paced melodies and bittersweet
vocals/lyrics to match. It’s very much in the vein of classic hard
rock but you can tell the song will return to the heavier psych doom
vibe that the band does so brilliantly well. This is perhaps my fave
song from the album. It has the right balance of tone, melody and
power for one hypnotic ride.
The
rest of the album follows the same structure as the opening three
songs as Limestone Whale impress you with more classic hard rock and
psych doom magic. Other great songs to check out are: Swarms,
Paralyzed In Paradise and An Allegation.
It’s
a shame there’s only seven songs as it could have done with one or
two more to make the album last that little bit longer. Maybe I’m
being too greedy but this is such a great record that you don’t
want it to end. The production is superb throughout as everything
sounds crisp and clear from the start. Overall this is a stunning and
superb release from Limestone Whale.
Words
by Steve Howe
Thanks
to Timon at Mountain Range PR for the promo. Limestone Whale S/T
album will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl from May 27th
2016 via StoneFree Records.
On
16 November 1974 the Arecibo message was broadcast into space a
single time via frequency modulated radio waves. The message was
aimed at the current location of globular star cluster M13 some
25,000 light years away just to get in touch with extra terrestrial
minds somewhere out there. Well, the message worked as scientists
say, they’ve gladly approved that it attracts the attention of the
ever hungry tyranids hive fleet which is now heading to our Solar
System, the reptiloids race (it’s first representatives already
rule few big countries including yours), few rock bands and other
hostile life forms. Ufosonic Generator project amongst them.
They
came from outer space and play the stuff similar to classic doom
rock. Minotauro Records took care of these homanoids and promised to
help them get in touch with humankind through their first album. So
Ufosonic Generator is finishing this work to make all of us happy
with cosmic knowledge. Diego and Gojira (of course it’s not their
real names, because no one in the space hasn’t such names!)
broadcast this interview through their alien technologies.
Hi
there on the high orbit! Please introduce Ufosonic Generator to our
readers - who are you and from where did you come from?
DD:
Formed as Ufosonic Generator in 2011, happened I was in disease a
full month straight those days and got medicine –and I would be
endlessly grateful to the national health service for that!- and..
definitely mixing illness and drugs had a nice effect on my
songwriting as, between visions and pain, Ufosonic were born...
that’s how it goes!
Where
do we come from? Mmm.. i think we would never belong to any country
on earth but, we encourage you to get in contact to the overdriven
species out there so, you can have a glance to humanity from outside
and just looking from the Earth to deep space..
Gojira:In my past life I was a female singer,
then I suddenly turned into a male screamer for Ufosonic.
Such
a cool story bro! Diego, are you sure that it's the real Gojira there
with you?! He could be abducted by aliens and returned with an erased
personality! How can you prove it?
ROOAAARRR!!
The
band was formed in 2011, how long did you work over your first
record? What were your primal goals when you composed that material?
DD:Miguel Bell and me had the idea to
start a band together in one of those alcoholic nights… Then
McManchester and me started our rehearsal together and in the next
few months all the ideas and riffs got into shape.
How
did you find other members of Ufosonic Generator? What's the current
lineup?
DD:Our line-up is Gojira on screams, Carl
Michael Bell on bass, S.Mcmanchester on drums and me on guitars. We
all played in different bands in the past and we still do nowadays .
Started a Black Sabbath faithful tribute together with Gojira and
Mcmanchester years ago so, it was quite easy to ask the guys to
join.. on the other hand our Carl Michael doesn’t belong to Planet
Earth, we just borrowed him at some point and we know we will let him
go when they’ ll want him back..just like Bowie.
Gojira,
how did you find that your way of singing is OK for the band?
G:
DD wanted me to sing in the band. And DD’s word is pure gospel, you
know…
Ufosonic
Generator first records are two EP's - "Harold The Addicted,
pt.1" and "Harold The Abducted, pt.2". What is the
story behind them?
DD:We just gave a name to the king, which
is Harold – from a Shelley’s novel..”- and he is an addict at
first, more morally than because of drugs. Now, I have a question for
you - have you ever seen a corrupted “king”? Mmm.. well I would
say yes. So, in our second EP we were sick of him and, we just gave
him to our friends there in outer space.. Wouldn’t be nice if every
population would do that to mainstream rules and rulers?
But
hey! Don’t get me wrong. Harold likes drugs and aliens as well.
How
often do you get in contact with aliens and drugs? Oh... sorry, I'm
not going to show any disrespect, I bet that you're honorable
gentlemen, so answer just about aliens!
G:
Oh no, that’s really OK: aliens are our favorite pushers.
Ufosonic
Generator – At Witches’ Bell
What
are your requirements to creating your own sound?
DD:
How much time do you have? Aahaha well, a riff-based powerful sound
of guitar is our first goal. “Harold the Abducted” has been
recorded with engl head and cabs plus a beloved ‘73 laney klipp for
the fuzzy sound, Gibson SG and lot of mics!
We
got a good sound but not completely happy with that – it’s
definitely necessary being critic with ourselves!
I
think a riff-by-riff approach mixed to unique McManchester drumming
style - which is totally devoted to classic stuff from Bonzo, Mitch
Mitchell and Ward, routed with a-la-Tool skills approached with some
jazzy weirdness is our trademark.
As
you can see, rhythm and power is truly vital to us and, that’s why
Miguel Bell bass sound is so roaring and thunderous..
Did
you have in mind any lyrical conception when you started the band?
Did you have any certain message for your listeners?
DD:Speaking
the truth to the listener is always
the best way to speak to the listener. We can’t play any other
style without being more expressive than that because we are
anti-hero, anti-mainstream players, we do believe in man but we lose
our hopes for humanity every day more and more.
That’s
why our lyrics are deeply involved in magic, illuminated literature
and fascinations from the dark side and again, do you really believe
we are alone in this universe?
Gojira
and me worked more together on the second EP lyrics as well.
Gojira:
It’s basically a mix between psychedelic and oniric visions plus
some dark satanic shit. What’s good about these lyrics is that we
can freely write down things about some of our weirdest dreams.
Sometimes we also draw inspiration from some strange old stories and
legends.
Senior
Gojira what do you mean speaking about dark satanic shit?
G:
Well, satanic shit is way better than Christian shit. One night Jesus
himself told me so…
How
often do you visit the church? Did you ever have a chance to play a
gig there?
DD:I remember I entered a church once.
Still waiting for the holy spirit to come.
Ufosonic
Generator played alongside Funeral Marmoori, Godwatt and Psychedelic
Witchcraft. How often do you play live? What was your biggest success
as a live band?
DD:
Nice gig that one, man! FM are our pals and good boys to party with
–even if we live far from each other- so, we are always glad to
share the stage with them. We had fun for sure - good beer, good
drugs and no-good-looking-guys crowd. Just perfect!
We
would love to play live everyday, I think it’s a commitment to
every rock&roll band but, on the other hand I must say that it’s
going to be more and more difficult playing raw music in a way which
is honest in front of people who really got the message.
Audiences
are used to fake bands which prefer to spend a lot of time in the
studio and then missing the point as a live band. It’s just like
having a cake full of cream and trimmings, we are more like daily
bread.
Diego
how did you get in touch with Minotauro Records? What details of the
deal you are ready to share? Did you already buy the new house on
this new deal?
DD:Glen is a good guy and they're going to
release our first album. First cheque we will grab a double-flat
boathouse along with a nice garden and a fountain. As soon as we get
it, we will have a party and you will be invited!
Ufosonic
Generator – A Sinful Portrait
I'm
ready to party and already prepared my best suit and tie! How long is
your first album? How many songs does it consists of?
DD:While this interview occurred, our
first album is going to be recorded; everything is set up and almost
ready, just finishing recording the last song then mixing and
mastering as well. It should contain 8 or 9 tracks but, we never
planned anything yet so, we just let things flow and wait for the
holy spirit to illuminate us!
Will
it be performed stylistically in the same manner as your EP's?
G:Our recordings aim to be as close as
possible to our live sound. We’re mainly a live band. Gigs are
where the fun is.
What's
official date of release? And how are you going to support it?
DD:It’s still a secret and, secret is
the fundamental of magic so. Just let the spell be with us a bit more
then. Support?. Well, Minotauro will do its part distributing the new
album, supporting us spreading our voice in Europe and US and on
mags. We all do the rest, of course!
How
did you record the album? What were the conditions recording in the
studio?
DD:We recorded at Studio12, Giovanni is a
good guy to work with and, we arrived there with everything ready so,
it was quite easy. The studio has a comfy sofa and Giovanni is always
ready to open a beer for you! Then “wolf of wall street” came
out, just one of the best movies of the last few years, as long as
“Bird”. When you will watch them just think to Ufosonic!
What
was the most difficult part during the record session?
DD:
Paying the bills, I guess…
How
much of money and time do you usually spend on Ufosonic Generator?
Isn’t it cheaper to record at night?
G:
This type of music can be only recorded at night. Mornings are good
only to find some money for Ufosonic.
What
are your plans for the next release?
DD:We hate plans.
The
answer is cool to finish this interview, but I should ask – do you
have few more words of Ufosonic wisdom for our patient readers?
DD:Wisdom? Let the Bill Hicks spirit be
always with us! Enjoy listening to us and I must say been a pleasure
to answer your questions so, keep up supporting us! And remember -
abduction is imminent and well desired.
Swedish
Stoner Metallers – Vokonis – have just released their superb
debut album – Olde One Ascending. An album packed full of great
songs that will appeal to fans of Black Sabbath, Kyuss and Orange
Goblin. Or mainly for everyone who digs good old fashioned Stoner
Metal where the emphasis is put on lyrics as well as vocals and the
riffs.
Vokonis
were originally called Creedsmen Arise who released a great debut EP
– The Temple – last year. The guys have re-grouped and returned
as Vokonis. Our team member Niels Fuzz recently reviewed the album
and he raved about it. You can read his great review here.
I've
caught up with Simon (Guitars/Vocals) from Vokonis recently where we
discussed how the band came together and how the new album came
about. So lets get started.
Hi
Simon. Thanks for doing this interview. How are things with you
today.
Hi!
Thank you for conducting it. We’re doing quite well, A bit tired
after our gig last night in Gothenburg.
Vokonis
was originally known as Creedsmen Arise. But you changed the name to
Vokonis. Can I ask you why you changed your name. As I loved your
original name.
When
we were known as Creedsmen Arise we built our music and lyrics around
an already existing mythos (Dopesmoker), and when we split ways with
our original bass player and vocalist we just wanted to get a fresh
start. To kind of get rid of some of the expectations. Because we
knew we were gonna sound different than Creedsmen. I don’t know if
that worked but I know for a fact that Olde One Ascending doesn’t
sound the same as Temple.
Was
it a hard or easy decision to change your name to Vokonis.
It
was necessary. We all felt it was the right thing for us if we wanted
to move forward. So I guess it was a mix. It was hard letting it go
but at the same time we felt thrilled about a new name, a new sound
and no ties to the old material.
Why
Vokonis. Why do you choose that name. What does it mean to you as a
band.
We
had the song King Vokonis Plague before we changed name. And when we
came to that point of us wanting to move forward it just made sense
to choose a name of this old evil King in his decrepit kingdom.
How
did the band get together. Did you all know each other before forming
the band.
Me
and Emil knew each other from before since we played in Creedsmen.
Jonte came along sometime around a year ago. He actually filled in on
bass for Creedsmen at one of the two gigs we did. And when we split
with our former bassplayer and vocalist it felt natural to ask Jonte
to join us as a full member. And he agreed, which made me and Emil
very happy.
For
a first time listener looking to discover your band - How would you
describe your music.
The
obvious answer I expect heavy riff-based stoner metal. We try and
make our own thing in a very crowded scene. I mean there are a LOT of
good and great stoner bands. Even in our area. We just try to do our
thing. Which happens to be this Sabbathy thing I guess.
Your
new album – Olde One Ascending – is a stunning album. If you have
to describe your new album in your own words to a perspective new fan
– What would you say to them.
First
of all, thanks a lot. We put a lot of energy and focus into this
album as it was both conceived and recorded in just a few months.
This is my first singing experience so it’s a very personal album
to me. If I were to describe the album I would say that it tells a
Lovecraftian story, it has a beginning and an end. And we wanted
to make it in a way as that you wanted to just play it again and
analyze it. The lyrics are obviously very fantasy based. But we
wanted to let the listener determine the meaning of the songs.
Was
recording the album an easy or hard process to complete.
It
was certainly harder than penning the album. A big part of that was
that I had no previous experience recording vocals so I had to learn
in the studio, which isn’t the best time to learn. But we put a lot
of blood sweat and tears in it and in the end we were very happy with
the results.
And we recorded with a great guy at a great
studio here in Borås (Fredrik Jordanius, Bastard Sounds Studios). We
really feel that he helped to bring out the best of us.
The
album is being released by the awesome Ozium Records CAT RECORDS. How
did you get involved with them. Did you have offers from any other
labels.
Indeed
it is. I first got in contact with Mats at Ozium when Creedsmen
released Temple. But they wanted to wait to see what we could conjure
up as our debut record instead. Now obviously things took unexpected
turns. But as soon as we announced our plans to record our plans on
recording an album to Ozium they immediately wanted to sign us.
Without hearing a single note of Vokonis. So
we because of that dedication and their previous catalogue of bands
we didn’t look elsewhere. It felt like being embraced by a big
family.
The
album is starting receive some great praise within the Doom/Stoner
Metal community. Have you noticed that yourselves. Are you pleased
with the responses so far.
We
are extremely pleased with how the community is responding to the
album. The fact that people are writing to us and saying that they
like album that much is unreal.
How
hard is it being a band in today's world. What are the most difficult
aspects in being in a band.
I
think that it’s hard enough putting together a band, and that it’s
even harder to get out there and play. It is a tough world where
there are maybe 100 bands and 3 good places to play in a city. But
it’s very rewarding. If you’re playing a show and you see people
in front rocking out and after the show they’re asking to buy your
album, that’s probably one of the best feelings in the world.
What
is the song-writing dynamic in the band. Is it a group collective or
down to one individual.
I
write the music and lyrics, and then we jam on it to see if we can
make something out of it. I’m a very creative person when it comes
to writing and I’m constantly in writing mode. I have a strong
sense of how I want our music to be. So it’s a very natural dynamic
we have in the group. I think we already have most of the song
structures ready for the next album. But that’s a long ways off.
Can
we talk about the fantastic album cover. I see that Tessa Naijar
designed the picture and Dominic Sohor designed the Vokonis logo. How
did you get involved with those two great artists. And how much input
did you have into the final design of both the album cover and
logo.
I
got into contact with both of these great artists back in the
Creedsmen days. And they are extremely talented and imaginative.
Dominic created this almost old school death metal logo for us which
I fell in love with instantly. I think it’s iconic and we are very
grateful for his effort and support.
And ever since Tessa drew
the artwork for Temple we just kept in touch. So when I described
what we were up to in terms of lyrics and mythos she immediately
started sketching of an idea with this figure (Hazmat) that were
summoning this ancient being to destroy the world. So it was her take
on what our music might look like if that makes sense.
What
inspired you to become a musician? Any particular album, band or
life-changing event that told you – Yeah, that's what I want to
do....
I
got into playing the guitar when I was about 16-17 years old. I had
started listening to band such as Nirvana, Rage Against The Machine
and wanted to make some noises of my own. Pretty soon I discovered
Dinosaur Jr and the world of fuzz. From there on it was just a
downward spiral into death and stoner metal. If I were to name some
pivotal albums for me as a musician and a person that would be (in no
particular order): Opeth – Ghost Reveries, Dinosaur Jr – Where
you been, Black Sabbath – Master of Reality.
Will you be touring this record heavily. If so what dates are you performing and what can people expect from the live VOKONIS experience.
We love to play in front of people and have couple of dates in Sweden, Germany and Czech Republic booked. The great thing is that we are playing with a lot of great bands such as Bad Acid, Öken and the mighty Långfinger and Skraeckoedlan going forward. I look forward to it a lot.
We try to bring rawness to our live shows. A reason to come and see us over listening to the record. From the point of us taking the stage you can expect 40 minutes filled with fuzzy mayhem. Here are a list with upcoming shows: 21/5 @ Backstage Varberg 28/5 @ Kulturhuset Freja, Skövde (supporting Skraeckoedlan) 30/5 @ Hijazz, Uppsala (with Bad Acid) 3/6 @ Klubb Orange, Borås (Releaseparty, support Långfinger) 17/6 @ Komsjälsfestivalen, Timmele 8/7 @ Pocco Bar, Hamburg, Germany (with Bad Acid 9/7 @ Chekov Cottbus, Germany (with Bad Acid 12/7 @ As.Music Club Cihellna, Czech Republic (with Bad Acid 13/7 @ Subway to Peter Chemnitz, Germany (with Bad Acid 14/7 @ Arsvitae Café Rodewisch, Germany (Bad Acid) 15/7 @ Kulturhof Lübbenau, Germany (with Bad Acid) 16/7 @ Leipzig. Flower Power (with Bad Acid) 30/9 @ Wizard of Fuzz, Gothenburg
Before
you go, do you have anything to say to your fans.
We
would like to thank everyone who supports us in any way they can. We
want to direct a big thank you to all the people who have supported
us and bought our album. It’s been overwhelming.
Words
by Steve Howe and Simon Ohlsson
Thanks to Simon for talking to us. Olde One Ascending is available to buy digitally now. CD will be released on 25th May whilst the Vinyl will be available to buy from June/July 2016 via Ozium Records.
Release
date: March 31st
2016. Label: Self Released. Format: DD
RITUALS ( – Tracklisting
1.Pain
01:47
2.Retch
02:08
3.Collapse
02:22
4.Night
05:57
Review:
Kavrila
is a newly formed band who have just released their debut EP –
Ritual I. For a band who only formed at the start of 2016 this is a
powerful statement of intent. Fusing Hardcore, Doom, Punk and Sludge
with a Blackened sensibility. Rituals I is one pissed off exercise
in tone and volume.
The
band don't care about fitting into genre conventions as they rewrite
the rules with a measure of confidence you don't see on a debut
release. The riffs are fast-paced, deadly and precise as Kavrila
kick the living shit out of everything that comes into their way.
Imagine a more pissed off version of MANTAR and that's what you get
with Kavrila.
The
EP only lasts 13 minutes but it's one wild ride where the music and
tone of the EP is pitch black through out. The vocals are built on
hardcore punk sensibilities and that means their delivered with anger
and passion through out. Songs: Pain, Retch and Collapse show the
more frantic side of Kavrila where they create impressive riffs
despite the short running time of the songs. Sludge Punk Rock/Metal
fury in it's truest form.
Kavrila
impress the most on the final song – Night, as their allowed more
time to create a more menacing and doomier environment. The riffs
have more weight to them and become more interesting as a result. The
vocals are intense. If Karvila are going to release future material
then I hope they include songs of Night's ilk. As this is where the
band impress the most.
Overall
– Rituals I, is a damn fine EP. Shame it's only on for 13 minutes
but it's still one exciting and twisted wild ride. Awesome stuff.
Release
date: April 08th
2016. Label: Magnetic Eye Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl
Euphoric
– Tracklisting
1.It's
A Sucker's Game, Kid 02:57
2.Emmett
Brown Has Never Met A Scott That Wasn't Great 02:53
3.Benaquyl
02:13
4.Have
I Told You Lately That I Loathe You? 03:48
5.The
Dirtiest Dream Jobs 03:39
6.Bitches
Hate Misogyny 03:35
Band
Members:
Drums
performed by Wade Scianimanico
Vocals,
Guitar, Bass by Billy Myers III
Review:
Orlando
Sludge/Noise/Stoner Rock upstarts – The Glorious Rebellion –
claim that Euphoria is their new album. I want to say first of all I
love this record. Before I start my review I want to get my main
criticism of EUPHORIA out of the way. WHY IS THIS ALBUM TOO FUCKING
SHORT. It's only lasts for 19 minutes. Perhaps a few more songs could
have been included to make the album last a more impressive 25 to 30
minutes.
Anyway
back to the review....
Euphoric
is a wild ride of heavy sludge, stoner and noise rock riffs merged
with a distorted punk driven sound. Lead vocalist and guitarist –
Billy – is pissed off through out the album. The album starts off
loud, fast and heavy. It never skips a beat as the band actually make
you have fun. Being pissed off at the world has never been so damn
fun. Songs such as It's A Sucker Game, Emmett Brown Has Never Met A
Scott That Wasn't Great and The Dirtiest Dream Jobs show you that The
Glorious Rebellion can write great lyrics matched with precise
chainsaw based riffs. It can be very messy and disjointed at times
but I think that's the whole point.
Euphoric
is an album to get you in the mood to party or to unleash your
unwanted demons upon to the world especially if you've had a really
shitty day. The best way to describe the band is if The Melvins and DOWN joined forces to create a filthy
bombastic slice of heavy sludge then this would be the twisted
result.
Wade
does a phenomenal job on drums. His beats are deadly and strangely
hypnotic at times. Billy adds extra weight with his guitars and
pissed off vocals. The production is crisp through out as the band
hardly put a foot wrong. Just when I start to fully lose myself in
this album then it FUCKING ENDS. What the fuck guys. If only you
included a couple of more tracks to end the album with. Oh well,
maybe next time. Euphoric is an album that will appeal to all fans of
heavy rock. Euphoric will make you rebellious and it's even more
glorious as a result.
Words
by Steve Howe
Thanks
to Dewar PR for the promo. Euphoric is available to buy now on
CD/DD/Vinyl from Magnetic Eye Records now.
Release
date: May 25th
2016. Label: Ozium Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl
Olde
One Ascending – Tracklisting
1.Olde
One 08:06
2.The
Serpent's Alive 08:18
3.Acid
Pilgrim 06:54
4.Shroomblade
08:33
5.King
Vokonis Plague 08:51
6.Hazmat
the Ashen Rider 07:43
Band
Members:
Simon
Ohlsson - Guitar, Vocals
Emil
Larsson - Drums
Jonte
Johansson - Bass, Backing Vocals
Review:
It
seems just a few breaths away since I last reviewed another new and
upcoming band risen from the ashes of a molten tomb wherein the
remnants of a great now defunct band once dwelled. This time it’s
Borås, Sweden’s own fuzz doom metal purveyors in Vokonis that like
a weedstruck Phoenix has awoken from a former existence as Creedsmen
Arise. The fire sure burns strong within this newly dawned feathery
beast as Vokonis in all aspects surpass anything previously done by
the Creedsmen.
The
thing that hits you straight in the face upon engaging with King
Vokonis and his army of Olde Ones is a fist of immensely dense guitar
tones, heavy as hell bass lines and slow pounding drums feeling equal
in scale as to be crushed by mountains. Not to mention the vocals
that are deep-bellowed, not overly aggressive, yet suitable for any
battle-march. This is the perfect match for this type of stoner and
doom music as they add just the right amount of energy and tension
balancing out the heavy riffs and rhythms.
However,
what sets this album apart and really expands the gap down to all the
other bands trying to sound Sleep-like while re-enacting dull
dopesmoker interpretations, is the riffs. I mean the RIFFS. They are
the centrepiece of Olde One Ascending, the pivotal vortex everything
circles around. It’s the riffs that Simon and the other guys bring
to sacrifice on this communion that makes this such an enjoyable
listen and so insanely good. Olde One Ascending contains by far the
meanest and at the same time catchiest riffs, I have heard within
this genre this year. Well, does this mean they top outings from
bands such as Spelljammer and Monolord? You damn straight they do,
and they do so while driving them to the floor with 6-inch nails.
What
about guitar solos? Did I forget to mention the solos on this album,
oh man, they're out of this world. Oozing with the vilest fuzz, the
solos on here are almost celestial sounding, like as if Simon had
been possessed by some evil-minded creature determined to execute its
diabolic deeds by the neck of his six-stringer. You’ll get it once
you hear it and a prime example in case is the final 3 minutes of
second track ‘The Serpents Alive’.
What
I really love about this album is the fact that you are never in
doubt that this is indeed a power-trio in the truest essence. This
means that all three members contribute equally to the sonic work
laid out in front of you. So while the guitar is soloing, the bass
takes a leading role managing the rhythm section, which is a killer
(sorry) feature that really drives this point home. The bass comes
lucidly through the soundscapes and gets a voice and role of its own.
It's strongest during the short bass solo midway through the
phenomenal ‘Shroomblade’. This jazzy midsection is more than a
worthy tribute to Black Sabbath and is it a young Geezer Butler I
hear.
It
is neigh impossible to point out one track over the others as all do
a perfect job of channelling your inner rifflord to the outmost
perfection. All 6 songs on here are equal in scope, depth, heaviness,
smokiness and they all bang through hazy, fuzzy, metal-incrusted
soundscapes with conviction traversing battlefields of wars between
ancient kingdoms in lost galaxies on a quest for a legendary sword
forged in a bygone area.
I’m
floored, and it’s hard to stay objective when listening to someone
honing the greats in such a cool and comprehensive way. Vokonis excel
in what they do and could prove to be the torch-bearers confirming
that worshipping the riff and paying homage to past masters never
grow old or out of relevance. It is with peace of mind that I can
greet King Vokonis and welcome him as the new heir to the stoner doom
throne, where he surely will sit alongside the other greats in the
metal realm on judgement day at the dusk of 2016. Stellar job guys!
Now,
I don’t know what Ozium Records are up to next, but picking up the
scabs from former great constellations thus far has proven to be more
than a worthy formula for success. Both Bad Acid and Vokonis rocks on
randomly repeat at my domicile shaking the ground and bringing down
the walls. Whatever is next on the plate at the Malmö based label,
I’m pretty sure it’s bound to be equally interesting and of the
highest calibre.
Words
by Niels Fuzz Bartholdy
Thanks
to Vokonis and Ozium Records for the promo. Olde One Ascending is
available to buy digitally now. CD will be released on 25th May whilst the Vinyl will be available to buy
from June/July 2016 via Ozium Records.
