JOSIAH - "S/T"
[ CD -
Molten Records ]
Josiah are a new entrant into the riff rock arena, and their self-titled debut album came really close
to making the Roadburn pics. They combine the power and grooves of Grand Funk with classic hardrock riffing. Fat
guitar sounds and a large bass tone ooze plenty of fuzz and tons of reefer madness, mostly channelled
into long form jams.
When the band is cuttin' it loose with their 'Marshall stacks cranked all the way to
cosmic doom' approach -- they are really on to it. They offer great hooks, value for money and
their style is akin to another Britsh heavyweight, Gorilla.
Unfortunately, the songwriting is simplistic, serving only as a vehicle for blasting off into the stratosphere
and this holds the band back from monster status. Still, the album has all earmarks of a great live band
and it propels Josiah into the bands-to-watch category.
walter
KRUX - "S/T"
[ CD -
Mascot Records ]
When I first heard that Leif Edling [bassist - Candlemass/Abstrakt Algebra] enlisted the help of Entombed rhythm
section Peter Stjarnvind [drums] and Jorgen Sandstrom [bass] and Abstrakt Algebra singer Mats Leven, I was
deeply intrigued and interested.
Then I wondered who would play guitar. It turns out that Sandstrom would
have those duties while Edling would play bass and write. The result is a mostly-satisfying blend of "From the
13th Sun"-era Candlemass and with a modern, full-bodied production.
The problem with this album is that while it features a number of textures and densities, it rarely deviates
from it's doom dirge tempo. Sure, this is solid and pleasingly heavy, but ultimately it drags on and on. The
notable exception is the bass solo song "Evel Rifaz" which has the potential to be classic. I think Edling
should hook up with Sunn 0))) on their next record and play in this style.
drew
ERIK LARSON - "THE RESOUNDING"
[ CD -
Small Stone Records ]
Occasionally awesome solo outing from ATP guitarist and former Kilara
drummer Larson. Like a solo album should, it covers lots of turf. Loud,
soft, fast, slow, it's in there. Like a solo album shouldn't, it has a bunch
of seemingly disconnected songs that didn't fit with the regular band. This
makes for a herky jerky hodgepodge of songs and not an album. Still, the
highlights are pretty high.
drew
LAZERWOLFS - "GET MAD"
[ CD -
Fathead Records ]
With this debut album, the power troika Lazerwolfs gives us their raw, stripped down take on blue
collar rock. It's just guitar, bass and drums --and a balls to the wall approach.
The lengthy songs are heavily flavored with groove, and allow ace-guitarist Jimmy Rolle to stretch out, taking
the listener thru all aspects of modern riff rock.
The band doesn't fool anyone with a sound they can't duplicate live either, thus no studio tricks to fix
mistakes. What you hear is what you get when Lazerwolfs cut it loose live, and --man does this band rock!
walter
LOPEZ - "S/T"
[ CD -
Infect Records ]
Mucho million-miles-an-hour riff rock from a band that loves touring the seedy bars of America and drink
for free. Not surprisingly, the entire album is drenched in hard liquor, but nonetheless it's a strong
record in the Zeke mode.
walter
LOW GRAVITY CIRCUS - "DYNASOAR"
[ CD -
Monster Zero Records ]
Low Gravity Circus, formerly known as Adrenaline 42, are crossing the
burning white sands of Germany. Yet another European desert discovered.
What's next?
walter
MANNHAI - "EVIL UNDER THE SUN"
[ CD - Ranch ]
Mannhai a big burly hard rock band from Finland who manage to stay one step
ahead of generic at all times. Riffs come in, seem to be something you've
heard before, but then reveal themselves to be very subtle, clever and
interesting. The vocals are reminiscent of older Spiritual Beggars and are
the only thing that could be called average. The rest of this album is
outstanding and relentless. Good strong songwriting complements the talented
musicianship. Recommended.
drew
MILLIGRAM - "THIS IS CLASS WAR"
[ CD - Traktor7 Records / Small Stone Records ]
Extreme rock and roll that just laughs at the trembling cowardice of the
average pop music fan. This is totally over the top, gorgeously distorted,
righteously pissed and completely fucking awesome.
This carries the same relentless energy of Motorhead or Entombed without sounding anything like
them. It makes you want to scream at the top of your lungs, thrash around
with reckless abandon and set shit on fire. Great record.
drew
MOJO JAZZ MOB - "FREAK OUT & TOUCH HELL"
[ CD - Self Released ]
Although Mojo Jazz Mob are loaded up and ready to go after snorting
canyon-sized amounts of cocaine, their rapid fire rawk 'n roll record "Freak
Out & Touch Hell" won't appeal to the most broadminded heads, coz' nothing
here really startles. You've heard it all before.
walter
THE MONSTROUS BLUES - "COLOURBLIND"
[ CD - High Beam Music ]
After delivering a promising EP a couple of years back, The Monstrous Blues
now rolls out their full length. Unfortunately it doesn't quite deliver on
their promise. It is fairly standard rock and roll fare with fuzzed out
guitars and commercial production. Sounds crisp and clean and tight and
somewhat lifeless.
I definitely don't believe in it and I don't feel the
sweat and conviction that is needed to propel this stuff to the uber-zone.
Still there is something decent here, with tinges of Gang of Four marching
beats and a decent variety of material. Could be a bit of a sleeper.
drew
M-SQUAD - "SMOKE"
[ CD - Primate Media ]
M-Squad are made up of three former members of NYC's mighty Blood Farmers,
and their debut album delivers a total 70's overload. Everything about this
band seems in balance --from the pretty thick grooves, to the drug-tinged
riff rock, to the stoner vibes, to some touches of doom, and the
drum/precussion jam at the end of "Back In Time." There's plenty of
psychedelica on offer here to keep you floating 'til the end of time. Just
stay of drugs, will you please!
walter
NEUROSIS - "A SUN NEVER SETS"
[ DVD - Relapse ]
This DVD accompanies the same-titled CD that was released last year. Anyone who´s been to a Neurosis' show
knows the overwhelming bombardment of apocalyptic images shown on the backdrop. On this DVD Neurosis combine
the new songs with these compelling images. And to be honest, without the band playing in front of it, they are
kind of boring and monotonous.
As an extra you get a whole Tribes Of Neurot album which is nothing more than an audio experiment with those
same songs mentioned, only mixed together. A bit dissappointing.
jurgen
OPETH - "DAMNATION"
[ CD - Music For Nations ]
Opeth probably won't need any introduction. After touring the world several times and releaseing a string
of six highly acclaimed albums one can account them among the 'familiar names' in metal. So the band
has to have a lot of guts to release an album that is way different
than it's predecessors - and "Damnation" almost sounds like we're dealing with another band.
Well, that's not completly true. The musing moods in between their sheering metal-riffs and their love
for seventies psychedelia and early progressive rock are some of the main factors that distinguished them
in the metal world and caused them such popularity all over the world.
On their latest, 'Damnation', all those elements are present again, but Opeth has virtually thrown away
all their metal influences, and it results in a peacefull, melancholic work of art; very retro and yet
very modern.
The production once again was done by Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree fame. He gave the band a very bright
and modern, yet warm and vintage sound.
The music is very symphonic, but don't expect those huge synth-sweeps. There's some rhodes piano and a
beautiful, haunting mellotron, but the orchestration mainly consists of soulful, floating guitar-leads
which gives the sound a very open and intimate character. It doesn't sound pompous at all.
The emotional heart-breaking vocals of Michael Akerfeldt and the emotive song structures give it an almost
singer/songwriter feel. I often get the feeling that this is an ode to their musical
heroes, rather than a statement to the metal-world saying 'there is more to music'. [editor's
note: Actually, Opeth intended this as part of a pair of discs, one that is heavy "Deliverance" and one that
is mellow "Damnation".]
You can hear a lot of Camel and early King Crimson in the sound. It even reminds me a bit of
this other Swedish seventies band Kaipa, but without the folk-influences. There are explosive
guitar-eruptions, quite similair to Radiohead and Steven Wilson's backing-vocals
together with the psychedelic, haunting atmosphere make it sound a bit like Porcupine Tree. But nontheless it
still is very recognisable as Opeth.
matthijs
OX - "MOVEMENTS"
[10" - Kult of Nihilow Records ]
OX is Ken from Sons of Otis long-awaited solo "ambient space drone" side-project. The record is an elegantly
presented 10" disc limited to 300 copies.
In a nutshell, OX does what it says on the tin: it's ambient, a bit
spacey in places and really droney. I firstly listened to this and wondered why the experience only
lasted about 17 minutes instead of the advertised 23. No matter, several listens later and I was
writing my review...
...a few days later, after some musing on the lack of time correlation, it transpired I'd just written a
review based on listening to the record at 45rpm instead of 33rpm.
So, armed with disc and a correctly set turntable, I re-listened to it a few times and decided that
my original review would do since it seems to make no real difference what speed you listen to OX at.
Summing up:
- If you like Earth, Sunn and other drone-athons, you'll probably like this
- If you don't like the above bands, you'll hate this
- If you're on downers, it might make some sense
- If you're not, you'll probably wish you were
Can I recommend it? It's honestly hard to say given that it's 23 minutes of about 6 chord changes. It's not
really about the music, more the vibe. If you dig the vibe this sort of stuff can lead to, you'll dig
the record. Otherwise, it'll sound like Ken tuning up under the influence of serious tranquilisers.
alligator descartes
POD PEOPLE - "DOOM SALOON"
[ CD - Rise Above Records / High Beam Music ]
I had heard a lot of good things about this band -- blazingly positive stuff. I was psyched to finally get a
chance to hear them. It entered rotation in my player the day I got it and has remained in rotation since.
That should clue you in right off the bat about how I feel about "Doom Saloon."
The album starts pounding from the get-go with the Cathedral-esque mid-tempo stomp of "Filling The Void". Right
away The Pod People serve notice that this isn't going to be a lightweight affair. Massively heavy riffs
and infectious grooves intertwined with rough, heavy vocals abound here. I will admit to not being a
huge fan of death metal type vocals in general but PP vocalist, Brad, mixes things up nicely here - alternating
between the death-growl and more conventional singing styles which manages to keep the vocal lines interesting.
"Doom Saloon" is definitely an apt title for the album. It brings to mind bands ranging from Sabbath [naturally] to
Cathedral...and even Candlemass. "Subterranean" being the prime example with its slowwww doomy riffs and mournful
guitars. The album is paced well with a good mix of midtempo, uptempo, and slowwwwwww tracks - they all
have something in common -- a raging intensity that I can't help but be captivated by.
Its hard to really single out specific songs as highlights when the writing and playing is so uniformly good and
solid but I have to point out the awesome instrumental "Ascend To Glamstonia". I dig the whole
build and vibe of it.
Truly the more I spin this CD the more I like it. It has a heaviness and metal side that I think is sadly
under-represented in the "stoner rock" scene as the years have gone on. The bummer is that the band is based in
Australia. Good for Australia, bad for me [selfish bastardo that I am]. This is music that is meant to be heard
in a live setting. I can just imagine getting blasted through the back wall of any venue the band is playing.
Hopefully more and more people will catch on to them and heavy rock fans worldwide will get a chance to see
them. In the meantime at least I have the CD. I highly recommend "DOOM SALOON". I guarantee it will be
one of those CDs that you return to often.
Brian Balich
PUNY HUMAN - "IT'S NOT THE HEAT, IT'S THE HUMANITY"
[ CD - Small Stone Records ]
Puny Human's latest effort shows a considerable growth and maturity over its predecessor, the much
acclaimed "Revenge Is Easy." The band have fused sheer power, massive riffs and varied songwriting to
come up with their own firebrand of rawk.
Produced by J. Yuenger of White Zombie, the songs include elements of punk, 70's rock, indie and
even some math rock --a few tracks sport a Helmet kinda vibe, evident in the fierce, repetitive guitar riffs.
There are many changes of texture, style and pace, but all these elements are well balanced and
flow seamlessly from one part into another, taking the listener on a rampage through downtown New York,
Puny Human's home town.
At times this rather overwhelming album sounds huge, compelling, aggressive. At others it fills your
imagination with images of 70's B-action movies where fists of fury are swung, scores are settled, cars are
wrecked, and the groovy chicks are haning out.
walter
REBREATHER - "NEED ANOTHER SEVEN ASTRONAUTS"
[ CD - Infernal Racket Records ]
Long one of the best kept secrets in heavy riff rock, Ohio's Rebreather
finally release their debut EP. While it comes nowhere near the band's
awe-inspiring live heaviness, it will serve nicely to turn people on to
their sludge/drone/riff/emo sound. Next time, it would be great if they
could capture their intensity better. For now, this is a must have record.
drew
TODD RIGIONE - "V612 PROJECT"
[ CD - Underdogma Records ]
Here we have the unimaginatively titled "V612 Project" by Todd Rigione. He used to be in Liquid Jesus. Liquid
who? I like the Jesus Lizard, but Liquid Jesus means jack to me. So what about the album? Well, I stall, because
it's hard to say what this is. It is a wildly varied album with 21 songs, all featuring guitar prominently
[probably because Mr. Rigione is a guitarist/vocalist].
The album is influenced by the Beatles, Ziggy-era Bowie, early grunge, acoustic blues, Red Hot Chili
Peppers, Lenny Kravitz, Dave Matthews etc. It doesn't really hang together as a whole record, mostly
because of the unfortunate excursions into pop, but it does have some fine moments.
drew
ROTOR - "S/T"
[ CD - Monster Zero Records ]
Germany's Rotor make standard stonerrock. It's not bad, but I
can't think of much good to say about it either.
walter
SHEAVY - "SYNCHRONIZED"
[ CD - Rise Above Records ]
For their third album with Rise Above Records, Newfoundland's Sheavy wanted
to do something different. Instead of recording "Synchronized" in their
hometown, they changed scenery and paired up with producer Mike Butcher
[who has worked on many classic albums like Black Sabbath's "Sabotage" and
Marvin Gaye's "Midnight Love"].
Recorded at La Chappelle studio's in Waimes, Belgium, "Synchronized" sees
Sheavy elevate themselves to a new level of musicianship and songwriting.
Sure, vocalist Steven Hennessey still bears a great voice resemblance to
Ozzy, but he's been run through the ringer enough on that one, it's time to
judge him on his own merits.
"Synchronized" is a mature piece of work and builds heavily on massive
drums, monster riffs, solid grooves and some punk and funky interludes. Add
to that drum loops, pop hooks and even some synthesizers [which works out
well in tracks like "Synchronized" and Ultraglide"], it's a testament to
their consistency that Sheavy has deliverd another winner.
walter
SHEPHERD - "LAMENTS"
[ CD - Exile on Mainstream ]
Doom from the gutters of Berlin. Shepherd sounds like they've spent a lot of time listening to
Pentagram, Trouble, The Obsessed and Saint Vitus to name but a few.
Taking those bands' trademark slow riffs
and ultra heavy songs and mixing it with throat scarring vocals, Shepherd offer up songs that aren't
really original, but are definitely worth checking out if you are a fan of the bands listed above. Pretty
convincing imitation and plenty of doom groove.
walter/drew
SHIFTER - "S/T"
[ CD - High Beam Records ]
This is an interesting release from this group of Aussie's. At times they
come across like a southern fried Motorhead with space jam tendencies. At
other times, they do an almost pop-punk/hard rock thing. Interesting.
drew
SLUT 'EM GO - "THE DISRESPECTFUL BEAT"
[ CD -
Sarah' s Guitar and Repair Shop ]
No way. It just can't be. A completely original and talented band in the
heavy rock scene? Yes. Despite the bad moniker, Slut 'Em Go are enormously
talented as musicians and write highly interesting and entertaining songs.
The female vocals definitely take some getting used to at times, but the
music is intensely interesting and engaging at all points. Seriously, this
doesn't have any parts that feel like filler. Truly inventive changes blend
completely disparate song elements into cohesive songs. So much goodness!
drew
SMOKE - "SMOKE FOLLOWS BEAUTY"
[ CD - Kozmik Records ]
Sometimes, and I know this is going to be hard to believe, we reviewers at Roadburn miss albums. Sometimes, in
amongst the piles of average releases, there lurks a real jewel of a record that just gets overlooked at
the time. This album is one of those rare jewels.
Smoke's overall sound is a sort of groovier Black Sabbath with great catchy melodies underpinned by
heavy riffs and a pretty funky rhythm section. For some odd reason, several tracks on the album
reminded me of a band called 24-7-Spyz [sort of rap-metal]. Not that Smoke sound anything like it, but the
overall vibe is similar.
Vocally, Mark Star sounds a lot like Matt Pike might if he didn't yell all the time. Not perhaps the greatest
vocalist, but his voice suits the music well and doesn't detract at all.
That said, on the other hand, the vocal delivery and melodies reminded me a lot of a NWOBHM band called
Holocaust whose "Small Hours" track was covered by Metallica in the late 80s [check them out if you
get a chance!].
In terms of great tracks, there are several on this record from the rather splendid
instrumental "Mina's Song" to the funky groovefest of "Splitfire" to the Sabbath-heavy "Caveman". There's
not a single dead track on the album that I feel the need to skip over. In itself, that's a pretty strong
recommendation.
This is, without any qualifications, an absolutely superb album.
alligator descartes
SOFA KING KILLER - "LUST CRIME AND HOLINESS "
[ EP - At A Loss Recordings ]
More good stuff from Ohio. Heavy and fuzzy, but not immediately derivative
and boring. The torn-throat vocals carry some tune to set them apart a bit
from the monoton masses of can¹t sing frontmen, but still they end up being
the weak link. Big hairy riffs here, gentle acoustic country there. A good
variety in tempos and dynamics keep this interesting. Almost great.
drew
SOURVEIN - "WILL TO MANGLE"
[ CD - Southern Lord ]
Southern Lord has become synonymous with the heaviest, most crushing doom
metal out there, so it comes as little surprise that one of their latest
release by the aptly named Sourvein is yet another heavy-as-fuck assault.
Featuring former members of 13 and Buzzov'en in their ranks, the band's
Billy Anderson-produced Southern Lord debut is a low-tuned, balls out doom
metal classic.
Word on the streets is that they were slaying audiences across the US
last year when they opened the Electric Wizard / Sons Of Otis tour -
no small feat. This eight song effort confirms the magnitude of the band and
is yet another winner from Southern Lord. All hail the Lord!
sean palmerston
SOUTHERN GUN CULTURE / SUPER HEAVY GOAT ASS - "SPLIT"
[ CD - ArcLight Records ]
This release launches a series of split-CD's on Arc Light Records out of Texas. Southern Gun Culture -also from
Texas is definitely a band to watch. They favor a heavy 70's rock approach, and don't sound like a
lot of bands peddling the same wares. Standout parts are the guitar soloing, the repetitive riffs, and the
hypnotic cuts.
The overall feeling of the songs on offer is a long jam but --without using the tracks as a vehicle
to blaze ahead. It's the songwriting, and the distinctive use of vibe that will put Southern Gun Culture
on the map.
Super Heavy Goat Ass' musical approach is also reminiscent of 70's hard rock. Although the band delivers
some solid grooves, and outstanding guitar pyrotechnics, it doesn't appeal to me. Why? I have heard too
many many bands in the same vein, and unfortunately Super Heavy Goat Ass don't do enough unique things to make
themselves noticeable.
walter
STIRPS - "PANSLEM'S END"
[ CD R - Self Released ]
Punky stoner from Germany. The sloppy vocals definitely work against it, but
some of the riffs are pretty hard hitting. Shows some promise in combining
punk rock and stoner though. We'll see what they do with it.
drew
STOCKHOLM SHOWDOWN - "LAST CALL TO PARADISE"
[ CD - Cccp Red Records ]
Stockholm Showdown were the founding members of Princess Pang as well as members of the Johnny Thunders Band. The
band is currently creating a buzz in the Swedish music press with this debut album. Stockholm Showdown come
from the same musical place as Johnny Thunders, Tom Petty and Guns & Roses. The band really
knows how to kick-start a party, but there's nothing to distinguish it all from the heap
of other bands peddling the trends.
walter
SUNRIDE - "THROUGH THE RED"
[ CD - People Like You ]
Like it's predecessor "The Great Infiltration", Sunride's latest effort "Through The Red" serves up solid riff
rock, heavily flavored with a strong melodic feel and the use of amplification and distortion as
part of the vibe.
There's really nothing new here -- apart from some traces of Entombed and At The Drive In, but the overall
feel of the album sets these Finnish purvyors of heavy, yet catchy rock apart from most of the unexciting
releases on People Like You Records.
walter
TUMMLER - "EARLY MAN"
[ CD - Small Stone Records ]
Big, fuzzy, thick rock. Oh hell, I'll call stonerrock. Not bad, but nothing
really great either. This is a band that was much more at home on Man's Ruin
than on Small Stone. Musically speaking, the vocals really let this one down
as does the riffing. This just doesn't feel like a commitment. More like a
one night stand.
drew
VOODOO SHOCK - "S/T"
[ CD - PsycheDOOMelic Records ]
Voodoo Shock have released what can only be called classic doom. Musically
they call on the influences of the great Hellhound bands like Internal Void,
Saint Vitus, Revelation and Blood Farmers. The recording is strong and
clear, the riffs are heavy and depressed and the mood is dense and dark.
Still, something about this keeps it from being essential. Maybe it's that
it seems to be from another era.
drew
ZEKE - "LIVE AND UNCENSORED"
[ CD - King Bee Records/Dead Teenager ]
Zeke are the embodiment of white trash, high engery
rawk'n roll. Though the band is part of the punk scene, their fucked up
sounds are also largely metal and hardrock based, drawing inluences from
bands like Kiss, Motorhead and even Iron Maiden.
"Live And Uncensored" captures the band's vicious and visceral live show
-predominantly from the Pearl Jam shows the band played in Las vegas in 2000
with no additional production. The sound quallity of some of the older
tracks [recorded by a guy with a Dat-recorder in Denver] is low, but the
energy is f**king relentless.
The album also contains eight hard hittin' studio tracks -the first four
were recorded during the Death Alley Sessions. The second four were produced
by Blind Marky Flechtone.
walter
ZEN - "THE SOUND OF SHIT OF HAPPENING"
[ CD - Muse Entity Records ]
Here's a bit of a surprise, a Swedish band that doesn't sound like Kyuss or the Stooges! Zen turn in
an interesting album of pop with hard rock and psych influences produced by Entombed's Alex Hellid. I recall
enjoying their Froghouse Records 10" from a couple of years ago, and this full-length is
no disappointment.
Excellent musicians with interesting ideas usually make good albums and
this one is no exception. Catchy and intriguing in a way that recalls Mammoth Volume's last couple of
records. Definitely worth a listen.
drew
ZEROCHARISMA - "CHIEF & CAPTAINS"
[ CD - Daredevil Records ]
Zero charisma. That is not a good thing. Not good at all. Charisma is
definitely something you want to have. This cd isn't. Finnish stoners that
sound like they are Swedish. Is there a desert in Finland too?
drew
V/A - "COPENHAGEN SPACEROCK FESTIVAL"
[ CD - Burnt Hippie Recordings ]
Serving as a good taster for the bludgeoning Scandinavian psychedelic and spacerock scene, this seven track
compilation contains exclusive tracks by Dark Sun, Darxtar, Pseudo Sun, Mantric Muse and Gas Giant. If you have
any interest in finding out about the current psyche of the north, this is a good start.
walter
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