Archive for stoner metal

Desert Gatan -Mental War

Posted in Review with tags , , , , , , on 2nd June 2022 by Mickelrath

Desert Gatan
Mental War
Stoner Metal, Sludge Metal
Released: 5th April 2022
Self Released

On my global travel through the metal world, it seems I have ended up in the great nation of Switzerland and the band Desert Gatan. I’ve had an opportunity to really dive into their new album Mental War. When I saw that five songs were going to be forty minutes long. I thought to myself that I would be in for a treat. I mean long songs aren’t for everyone. However, I always think that as long as the composition and pacing are fine, then the song is overall good. So I was interested in how this would come across in terms of a full album. Also, I have always appreciated the art of stoner rock and the like of this genre. So let’s see what these Swiss metallers bring to the table.

Opening up the album is the mammoth title track “Mental War”. A powerful commanding track that really sets up what you’re in for. The production is great with the sludgy guitars and heavy bass hitting your ears. It’s everything you could want, the heavy tones the growling vocals and all packaged in this atmospheric, mesmerising record. I love the way the guitars sound on this record. The riffs feel so natural and sound great to the ear. It’s one of those records that just kept me engaged throughout. The spacey out there production and the excellent composition and sound mixing make for a well balanced and interesting record. The album is book-ended with two gargantuan eleven-minute long tracks that show off the versatility, talent and creativity. 

I have to say this is definitely one of the more compelling and artistic albums I’ve had the pleasure of listening to recently. Desert Gatan are a genuine delight to listen to. It’s one of those albums that you can just sit in a dark room and listen to the moody, brooding tones and just enjoy the atmosphere that band present. If you’re not one for dark stoner rock then this might not be something to get you into the genre. However, for veteran listeners of stoner and sludge metal. This album will keep you engaged. It rewards you for the listening experience time and time again. 

8/10

Mick Birchall

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Urne – The Mountain of Gold

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , , , , on 30th June 2018 by Mickelrath

Urne

The Mountain of Gold

Groove metal, stoner metal

Released: 27 July 2018

Self-Released

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It always sucks when a band with so much potential, doesn’t go the distance. Hang The Bastard are a prime example of this. An excellent groove metal band that always brought the extra something to their live performances and it really sucked when they split in 2016. Well hopefully, this will go some way to easing that loss for the fans. As a new band formed by two former members of, Hang The Bastard emerges. Bassist, Joe Nally and guitarist, Angus Neyra have come together once again to make something new and special within the same vein of music, with their new group, Urne. Armed with their new drummer, Rich Wiltshire they’re ready to unleash their new EP – The Mountain of Gold. I’ve had the chance to listen to it prior to its release and I have simply loved what I’m hearing.

The album kicks off with this atmospheric build up to the debut single “Dust Atlas”, which then kicks into a powerful bombastic riff. Already establishing a commanding presence, they manage a great balance between heavy and melodic as Joe’s vocals come in. The music’s production sounds simply phenomenal, with the guitar roaring away, the bass pulsating and the drums sound as sharp as a tack. The riffs are groovy as hell and the whole EP packs one big punch. The bands also add that groove flavour to the riffs to keep the songs fluent and easy to listen to. In all honesty, I like the simplicity of the sound. It’s definitely bare bones metal but it’s really effective.

The only thing that I am not a fan of is the vocal effect that comes in from time to time. It’s I find the echo distraction and makes the production cluttered. However, I think that’s just my personal bias, toward vocal effects. On the other hand, I did like Joe’s screamed vocals. Although it sounds like he is straining himself at times, there’s real emotion to connect with when it comes in. I can’t think of much else that I didn’t like here. Urne really presents a great EP, it has a dynamic sound that keeps you entertained from start to finish.

It’s really good to hear new and fresh music from musicians that have already proven themselves in the arena. The Mountain of Gold is a well made first step into this new venture for the groove metal trio and I’m excited for what comes next.

4/5

Mick Birchall

Check out their new video!

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Corrosion of Conformity – IX

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , , , , on 23rd June 2014 by hammersmashedlauren

Corrosion of Conformity

IX

Released: June 24th, 2014

Stoner/Sludge Metal

Released via Candlelight Records

 

 

With the release of IX, Corrosion of Conformity have delivered another hard hitting album filled with crushing riffs and distinct vocals that are enough to please any old or new school fan. While this kind of metal isn’t my particular favorite, this album kept me interested and wanting more the whole time I was listening to it. The songs vary from super slow, heavy riffs that almost sound doomy to fast finger taps and harsher vocals with a hint of thrash and punk traces throughout.

My particular favorite songs on this album are the faster songs, specifically, Denmark Vesey and The Nectar, since they were the most memorable and the easiest for me to bang my head to. However, I was quite surprised at how much I liked the slower stuff as well.

The only problem I had with this album was with the first song, Brand New Sleep. It was my least favorite only because I felt like it dragged on too long. With it being the first song, I had doubts about how interesting IX was going to be. I gave it a chance, though, and ended up loving the rest of the album. I feel like it’s one of those albums that will eventually grow on me the more that I listen to it.

Overall, I found this to be a great listen. The production and musicianship were both solid on this album and I hope Corrosion of Conformity continue to put out heavier music.

 

4/5

Lauren Gowdy

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Sigiriya – Darkness Died Today

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , , on 11th May 2014 by Paul

Sigiriya
Darkness Died Today
Released April 21st, 2014
Stoner metal
Released via Candlelight Records

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Sigiriya’s new album is called Darkness Died Today, which isn’t a very Heavy Metal sounding title, but don’t be fooled; this is straight up Stoner Metal. The band hail from Wales, not a country particularly known for its contributions to Metal unless you’re a huge fan of Bullet For My Valentine or you think that Budgie are the best thing since powdered milk. Fortunately the Welsh are not ones to let the team down, and when they do strap on some guitars to make some Heavy Metal noise they do it well. Case in point: This album.

On the face of it, you might expect some Pentagram and early Doom influences from this band, judging by their logo. Whilst it’s certainly heavy as hell and full of fuzz, this album only flirts with dark and doomy riffs and mostly chugs along on a well thought out Retro-Rock riff-fest. The style hits the sweet spot between Heavy Metal and Classic Rock, in the classical Stoner Rock tradition.

The band doesn’t sound particularly unique, but I don’t think that is what most Stoner Metal fans are looking for anyway. At 38 minutes in length this record doesn’t overstay its welcome or get too boring, though some of the songs may be a bit droning at times. The band can write generic rock hits but they can also segue into something monumentally heavy every now and then that may surprise the listener. Every time the album threatens to slow down and get tedious, the band pulls another rabbit out of the hat and hits you hard with a great riff that will get your head banging or at least your foot tapping.

Like the bird on the cover, the album soars through a smoky wasteland – a wasteland of cool desert rock riffs and a thick heavy atmosphere. All around a good listen and a solid album. Highly recommended.

3.9/5

Paul Gibbins

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Gypsy Chief Goliath release video for “Got No Soul”‏

Posted in News with tags , , , , , on 4th October 2013 by Pieni

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Canadian stoner metalllers Gypsy Chief Goliath are about to release their second album “New Machines Of The Night” (8th October via Pitch Black Records) and in advance has posted online a video for the track “Got No Soul”:

The CD version is available to order from http://store.pitchblackrecords.com.

https://www.facebook.com/GypsyChiefGoliath

www.pitchblackrecords.com.

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Krakow – Diin

Posted in Review with tags on 11th April 2013 by izaforestspirit

Krakow
Diin
Released 14th February 2012
Stoner Metal/ Doom Metal
Released via Dark Essence Records

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Diin is the second album from the Norwegian stoner metal band Krakow. It is the follow up to their debut ‘Monolith’.

Ok, so before I start, here’s a little revelation: I’m not a massive fan of stoner metal nor am I particularly interested in it. Despite this I decided to keep an open mind and give it a go…

When it comes to Diin, drony and monotonous guitar melodies are the order of the day, at least so it would appear from the first track Hymn to The Winds. The tempo tends to be rather slow and each song has the same psychedelic feel. The vocal style ranges from clean radio rock style to semi-growls. The main of focus seems to be on the bass guitar with progressive tracks such as the lengthy ballad Mound being the supposed focal point of the album. The vocals are depressing, monotonous and eerie.

There’s also hints of doom metal present. For example the slow paced, drone-like guitar patterns on Into The Distant Sky make it quite possibly the creepiest song on here. At its best the music will lull you into a coma-like sleep with tracks like the bass-heavy Omen paving the way to some psychedelic dreams. At its worst, this is make you want to slit your wrists in hope of escaping the agony and bleak atmosphere. The final track Sense of Space is a good example of the latter.

Overall ‘Diin’ hasn’t changed my views on the genre. I’m sure that this would make a fine addition to any stoner/doom metal fan’s collection. Sadly all I got out of it was a headache…

3/5

Iza Raittila

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