SAIL - Mannequin (EP Review)

Release date: July 10^th 2020. Label: Self Released. Format: DD

Mannequin – Tracklisting

1.Mannequin

2.Mannequin [Synthwave Remix]

3.Mannequin [Director's Cut]

Members

Vocals/ guitars: Tim Kazer

Vocals/ guitars: Charlie Dowzell

Bass/ synth: Kynan Scott

Drums/ percussion: Tom Coles

Review

SAIL were last featured on the blog back in 2017 when I reviewed their critically acclaimed album Slumbersong. The band did release an excellent EP Starve last year which I never found the time to feature. Though, time to correct that with the release of SAIL’s superb new EP – Mannequin. This EP features 3 versions of the same song but with a very cool twist.

As you have the original version of Mannequin and two different covers that sound quite different to the original version. SAIL play music in the same vein as Torche, Red Fang and Mastodon but perhaps slightly more melodic and way psychedelic in places. The song has quite a gloomy feel which wasn’t as prominent as their previous album as it sounds here. The vocals are quite moody and atmospheric in places and feel more aligned to 90s Alternative Rock than Sludge/Stoner Metal. Though, it’s a great fit and allows SAIL to breathe new creative life into their overall sound.

The two other versions of Mannequin includes a Synthwave Remix and Director’s Cut and these are equally as good as the original version.

The Synthwave version is basically just that. An Electronic based version of the song which has it’s own unique charms and sounds that shouldn’t really work but this is some epic trippy stuff here. Especially with the 80s influence leading the way. The guitars are nowhere to be heard here. As the title suggests, it’s purely Synths and if you ever wondered what a modern Sludge/Stoner Metal band would sound like as an 80s Synthwave band then this is the best possible answer.

The Director’s Cut is the best version on the EP. As it’s on almost twice as long as the original version and the song is more progressive and takes a lot more creative risks. This version is more complex and heavier in all of the right places.

If this is the new direction that SAIL will be heading with future releases then I’m fully on board with this wonderfully original and bold style of music. Overall, Mannequin offers 3 different styles of music for SAIL to impress listeners with and offers a wonderfully heavy sonic experience helped along by fantastic production.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Curtis at Dewar PR for the promo. Mannequin will be available to buy on DD from July 10^th 2020.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Atavist - III: Absolution (Album Review)

Release date: June 19th 2020. Label: Candlelight Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

III: Absolution – Tracklisting

1.Loss 16:30

2.Struggle 14:22

3.Self-Realisation 09:38

4.Absolution 17:42

Members

Chris Naughton

Shane Ryan

Callum Cox

Review

Atavist new album III: Absolution came as a mighty surprise for myself. As I didn’t know that the band had reformed or they were releasing their first new album in almost 13 years. I was a huge fan of these guys back in the day and their highly evolved and progressive sound that had elements of Sludge Metal, Doom Metal, Post Metal and Death Metal that all combined for a deeply unforgiving and punishing sonic based experience.

III: Absolution sees Atavist return with a more world-weary and experimental sound compared to their past works but still capturing what made this band such a force to be reckoned with originally. Atavist play a more progressive style of Death/Doom Metal on this album that reminds me of YOB and Pallbearer in places. The band have added a bleaker and cinematic groove to their music and there’s some fantastic instrumental work throughout the album.

Atavist have written 4 songs for this album and they’re quite long in length ranging from 9 mins and 18 minutes in length. This allows Atavist to explore new things on this record and they play some punishing Death/Doom Metal riffs on the majority of the album. Atavist features Chris Naughton on Winterfylleth fame but this is a very different beast compared to that great band.

The Post-Black Metal atmosphere of the album is perhaps the main strength of this record. As the harsh vocals and guitars are built on that solid foundation that allows III: Absolution to be full of many gloomy moments with impressive songwriting and vocals to match. The album can be considered as on 1 epic song split into individual chapters with the opening song Loss and final song Absolution being the standout parts of the album. Though the other two songs Struggle and Self-Realisation being great songs as well.

I felt emotionally connected more to Loss and Absolution. As they have the heaviest riffs and perhaps the boldest ideas on the album. The Post-Metal sounds are Atavist through and through with the challenging style of music maybe too depressing for some to enjoy at first. The album despite it’s dark lyrical content and bleak sounds does offer it’s fair share of uplifting moments when the more commanding Ambient and Post-Rock vibes take a more commanding lead which left me wanting to hear more.

III: Absolution is a masterclass of Extreme Metal and Atavist may have released their most defining work to date.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Lisa at Hold Tight PR for the promo. III: Absolution is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl via Candlelight Records.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Merlock - that which speaks... (EP Review)

Release date: July 10th 2020. Label: Self Released. Format: Cassette/DD

that which speaks... – Tracklisting

1.idolon

2.prolapse

3.[vessel]

4.condemnation

Members

Lead Guitar & Vocals: Taylor D. Waring

Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Riley D. Moore

Bass: Andrew Backes

Drums: Lucas Wild Barrey

Review

that which speaks… is the debut EP from Psychedelic Sludge/Doom/Stoner Riffsters – Merlock – and this is my first excursion to their trippy and very surreal take on all things Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal. Merlock show a wealth of different creative ideas and sounds on this album that took me quite a few listens to fully admire and appreciate. The album switches from harsh Post-Doom environments to more straight-forward Sludge/Stoner Metal surroundings that make you wonder that certain parts of the album were made by multiple different bands.

The EP is very LOUD and Merlock thrive on that fact whilst adding a trippy Spaced Out or Sludge-Gaze sound that even has traces of classic and true sounding Heavy Metal that helps make the rough sounding parts of the record even more thrilling and authentic.

The EP has 4 tracks with Merlock showing they aren’t afraid to experiment with their music and offering a “Death/Doom” style of vocals on certain parts of the album. Though, there are some truly inspired theatrical and OTT vocals to give “that which speaks...” that something little bit different to offer.

The record can be downright bleak and nasty in places but it’s the huge sounding Psychedelic and Progressive moments where Merlock impressed myself the most. As you begin to explore and understand their music more with some epic riffs being played along the way. The EP is quite raw in places and has a more organic feel compared to other records that I’ve listened to recently.

All of the songs ran between 7 minutes and 8 minutes in length and Merlock have a lot of time to play with to refine and perfect their highly experimental style of Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal, The second half of the EP is perhaps the strongest part of the record with the final two songs of [vessel] and condemnation having the better sounds and ideas on the record. Though, as one epic release, Merlock have released a thrilling and adventurous EP that harks back to the early days of Mastodon with their style of Progressive Sludge based guitars and ideas written for this release.

If this is classed as an EP then I’m truly excited to hear what Merlock can do with a full length album. As no doubt everything will be bigger, bolder and even crazier to what is to be found on “that which speaks...” - Until then, this EP from Merlock is the type of record that the Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal community needs right now.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Leanne at Mettle Media PR for the promo. "that which speaks..." will be available to buy on Cassette/DD from July 10th 2020

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

EMPRESS - Premonition (Album Review)

Release date: July 24^th 2020. Label: Self Released. Format: Cassette/CD/DD

Premonition – Tracklisting

1.A Pale Wanderer

2.Sepulchre

3.Passage

4.Trost

5.Hiraeth

6.Premonition

7.Lion's Blood

Members

Peter Sacco: Guitars/vox

Brenden Gunn: Bass

Chris Doyle: Drums

Review

Premonition is the debut full length album from Canadian Progressive Sludge/Stoner Metallers – EMPRESS – who released their debut EP Reminiscence back in 2018. The band sadly lost bassist Brenden Gunn last year and this album is a fitting tribute to Brenden’s legacy not only for the band but also Brenden’s family and friends.

The album is a more grown-up offering compared to their debut album as they deal with some deeply haunting and emotional themes on the album and it’s quite a dark, rich and varied journey that will surprise people in many ways. The band are perhaps more musically aligned to the earlier sounds of ELDER, Mastodon and Baroness though still standing tall on their own musical endeavours.

Opening song – A Pale Wanderer – offers eight minutes of Post-Doom grooves that branch out into different elements of Sludge Metal, Post-Metal, Psychedelic Rock and Stoner Metal with a YOB-esque influence running deep within the lyrical content. The vocals are some of the best I’ve heard this year with Peter showing a sense of maturity beyond his years with harsh growls, clean vocals and almost ethereal chants that show you EMPRESS are quite a force to be reckoned with. Even so early on with the opening song.

Second song – Sepulchre – was released as single earlier this year and I was lucky enough to premiere the song and showed me how different EMPRESS had become from their acclaimed debut EP. This song is more of a Hard-Edged Progressive Stoner Rock/Metal song with the band showing they know how to write a kick-ass song packed full of violent energy that oozes confidence. The song lasts under 5 minutes but EMPRESS show a real flair of playing a more standard Sludge/Stoner Metal song.

Third song – Passage – is another stylistic change with the band playing a more laid-back style of music with lush psychedelic grooves directing the action before the song changes into a more threatening style of “DOOM” based atmosphere. The progressive guitars are quite familiar in places and I’m reminded of TORCHE but when the harsh vocals kick-in, EMPRESS become EMPRESS again for some epic riffs being played for good measure.

There are 7 songs on offer here and I don’t want to spoil the hidden surprises and emotional depths that EMPRESS have created for the 2^nd half of the album and that’s is where perhaps the album truly shines and stands out from the Post-Metal/Sludge/Stoner Metal crowd. As EMPRESS focus more on lyrical content and allowing the whole flow of the album to build up at a natural pace. There are still fantastic heavy riffs spliced throughout the album but it’s the lyrics and vocals that make this album ultimately work.

The standout songs from the 2^nd half of the album have to be: Hiraeth, Premonition and Lion’s Blood – as this is where everything comes together and pays off big time for the band. Everything sounds fresh and original which is also helped by top-notch production the album holds from start to finish.

There were a few moments on this album that connected with myself emotionally and I was thinking about close friends and family members that I’ve lost over the last few years. So that was an unexpected thing for myself to go through whilst listening to this album.

Premonition is a deeply satisfying and superbly made album that allows it to be an Album Of The Year contender for myself personally and I wouldn’t be surprised if this happens elsewhere for other folks as well.

Do yourself a favour and check this epic and brilliant album out when you get the chance.

You won’t be sorry...

Words by Steve Howe

Premonition will be available to buy on Cassette/CD/DD from July 24th 2020

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp | Linktree

South African Psychedelic Stoner Rockers Ethyl Ether reveal the video for their new single, Under The Milky Way

South African psychedelic stoner rock quartet Ethyl Ether reveal the video for their new single, Under The Milky Way.

Originally released in 1998 by Australian alternative rockers The Church, the bands version is taken from their latest album Chrome Neon Jesus.

The band formed just over 3 years ago, with regular shows across South Africa as well as releasing 2 albums The Pleasure Room and Museum Of Human Error including a live EP Into Chaos.

The band’s latest album, Chrome Neon Jesus sees the end of a two-year labour of love, featuring a tougher sound and psychedelic textures.

Chrome Neon Jesus explores the darker, grittier side of life and reflects their experiences and observations on everyday living.

Watch the video for Under The Milky Way 

“The reason for covering the song was unconscious and unintentional to say the least. One day at rehearsal we all started playing the song and gave it our own blend of secret herb & spice. We tried the song live and people seemed to dig it. So, we recorded it for the new album. Now we have a music video to go along with it which I think is rather thought provoking. I hope The Church enjoy our interpretation of their song.” Comments bassists and Vocalist Pabs. Andrew Charles Paine, vocals and guitar adds, “I heard this song when I was growing up, always moved me and when we played it as a band it just worked... such a great tune.” 

BUY // STREAM Under The Milky Way https://orcd.co/underthemilkyway

Links

Facebook  |  Instagram  |  YouTube

OF WOLVES - Balance (Album Review)

Release date: July 4^th 2020. Label: Trepanation Recordings. Format: Cassette/CD/DD

Balance – Tracklisting

1.MENS REA (IZAGUF)

2.JESUS JIHAD

3.MAKER

4.FLAVOR OF THE WEAK

5.BALANCE

6.CLEAR CUTTING/BLOODSHED/HEART TO HAND

7.KILLING SPREE

8.INSIDE (Steve's Head)

9.DIE, DIE (My Darling)

Members

Steve, Ivan & Eric

Review

OF WOLVES finally release their second full length album with Balance. Almost 7 years after they released their acclaimed debut release – EVOLVE. OF WOLVES forge heavy grooves with a deep social awareness to their music. The band don’t classify themselves as a Political Band but see their songs as being about humanity and empathy rather than politics. However, the band do employ deeply political themes to this album and their music in general.

OF WOLVES play a blend of Sludge Metal, Doom Metal, Stoner Metal, Crust Punk, Hardcore, Psychedelic and Noise Rock. So there is a lot of different manic and vibrant aggressive energy throughout Balance and the music can be quite claustrophobic in places. However, this is never dull but one that sees the band create some of the most challenging album you’ll likely hear this year.

The band are influenced by High On Fire, GOJIRA and The Melvins but OF WOLVES still play their own style of music that pulls no punches especially where Steve’s vocals and edgy lyrics are concerned. The majority of the songs have a stop-start approach with OF WOLVES playing a more scattered/gun-fire style of music. This works amazingly well for the first few excellent songs of: MENS REA (IZAGUF), JESUS HEAD and MAKER – which sees OF WOLVES quite comfortable at making the listener feel quite uncomfortable with the different ideas on these songs.

The Crust Punk vibe allows OF WOLVES to be quite forward thinking with their lyrical content and even lay down fantastic sounding Sludge/Stoner Metal riffs. There is a deeply glorious REBELLIOUS attitude that OF WOLVES just thrive upon and the overall darkness of the album is quite catchy in places. The sound of the album may seem too LO-FI in places but that’s OF WOLVES overall style. What You Hear Is What You Get with the band and they make no apologies for delivering this style of NO HOLDS BARRED music.

Balance becomes a much better album when the band start adding different sounds and effects. They feel like they left their own creative comfort zone on this album especially with the title track. The song is purely an Apocalyptic style of Psychedelic Metal and Post-Punk combining for the albums standout track.

The second half of the album is “Where The Magic Happens” with OF WOLVES creating some of the heaviest and weirdest styles of music on the album. The one-two combination of BALANCE and CLEAR CUTTING/BLOODSHED/HEART TO HAND offers 16 minutes of top-notch aggressive musical weirdness with deeply troubling socially aware lyrics making you think what’s currently happening with the world.

OF WOLVES have even managed to find the time to do a stunning cover of Misfits seminal classic song – DIE DIE, MY DARLING. The song is a cool cover with OF WOLVES making it sound more aggressive and slightly more modern compared to the original.

Balance may take a few listens to fully understand and that’s down to the many deep political themes of the album and perhaps the different styles of music that OF WOLVES play on the record. Though, that doesn’t stop Balance being a deeply emotional and intelligent album that will surprise you in many different ways.

I hope we don’t have to wait for another 7 years for the next OF WOLVES release. As these guys are genuine Rock & Roll Poets and I want to hear more from this truly incredible band.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Trepanation Recordings for the promo. Balance will be available to buy on Cassette/CD/DD via Trepanation Recordings from July 4^th 2020.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Dustern - River Of Years (Album Review) and Video Premiere Of NIGHT WATER

Release date: July 17th 2020. Label: Self Released. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

River Of Years – Tracklisting

1.Falling Red

2.And Then a Season

3.Night Water

4.Vastation

5.Mira (New Shoes)

6.Flood and Light

7.Ripariana

Members

Dan Brownson - bass guitar, Bass VI, upright bass

Derek DeRoche - guitar, Korg M1, Yamaha VSS-30, organ

LiHe Han - vocals, Korg M1, lyrics

Kuranes - lead guitar

Patrick Spain - drums

Review

Psychedelic Doomgaze Rockers – Dustern – are a band that I hadn’t came across before until I heard their upcoming new album River Of Years. Dustern are a band heavily influenced by the sounds of Shoegaze, Doom Metal, Electronica and Psychedelic Rock that all builds up to a highly experimental and emotional sound. Dustern channel the sounds of Tangerine Dream but give it a more Doom Metal/Shoegaze flavour with a dreamy Progressive Rock vibe.

Opening song – Falling Red – starts off promisingly with a Dustern playing a classical style of Doomgaze that soon changes to a more emotional blend of Psych Rock and 80s Gothic Pop sensibilities. Things turn rather drastic when the lush sounding vocals are joined by distorted growls and screams which come out of nowhere. Not exactly Avant-Garde but still a more adventurous style of music that I didn’t expect at all.

Second song – And Then A Season – feels like a moody and more sinister version of My Bloody Valentine with the Doomgaze guitars and fantastic vocals joining forces for a true “Doom” based sound. The atmosphere is quite raw but full of passionate moments that also offer a more 80s theatrical gloomy experience. The heavy guitars venture into standard Psychedelic Doom/Stoner Metal territory but it fully works and Dustern feel in control of their own destiny on this song.

Third song – is perhaps the most emotional and shoegaze track on the entire album and is built upon stunning vocals from LiHe Han, who gives her all on this song. The guitars are superb with Dustern playing a more deliberate slow-to-mid style of music that easily ranks as one of the best songs on the album.

Fourth song – Vastation – starts very slow where not a lot happens for the first few moments apart from cool sounding guitars appearing with a slight Alt-Rock/Americana/Psych Rock twinge to them. The song comes alive more in the second half when the vocals and heavy guitars appear for a more well-rounded and cinematic experience.

The final 3 songs on the album – Mira (New Shoes), Flood And Light and Ripariana offer almost 20 minutes of music and this is where Dustern pull out all the stops playing a spectacular style of Doomgaze and emotionally driven mix of Prog Rock and Psychedelic Rock. The songs move effortlessly from the different genres that Dustern play on this album. The lyrics have a heartfelt soul to them which are brought to life by another wonderful vocal performance from LiHe Han.

River Of Years is most definitely a team effort with each band-member bringing their “A” game to this record. This maybe not the most easy “Doom Metal” album to listen to but it’s always good to hear a band do something different and succeed on all levels. This album is proof of that and Dustern have released an emotionally complex and challenging album that dares to be different and become even better for it.

Words by Steve Howe

The band has just released a music video for the song 'Night Water'

California band Dustern, founded in the Bay Area and featuring members of Mountaineer and Catapult The Dead, are leading up to the July 17 release of their second full-length, “River of Years,” with a video for the song “Night Water.” The video, conceived and put together by members of the band under coronavirus lockdown, showcases a trippy visual minimalism that complements the band’s musical pursuit of atmosphere, beauty, and weirdness.

“River of Years” is the follow-up to 2018’s “Ouden,” which experimented with mixing together elements of doom metal, shoegaze, and a variety of other influences. On the new album, Dustern has taken their eclecticism in a heavier direction, with a thicker overall sound, the addition of virtuosic lead guitarist Kuranes, and vocalist LiHe Han’s alternations between wispy dream pop melodies and beastly, unnerving screams. The album will be released on vinyl, CD, and streaming platforms. It will be available to purchase or stream from their Bandcamp page: https://dustern.bandcamp.com/

Thanks to Dustern for the promo. River Of Years will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl from July 17th 2020

Links:

Website: https://dustern.wordpress.com/
Bandcamp: https://dustern.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dustern/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dusternband/