Absolute legend of stoner doom and sludge metal, Matt Pike has lifted off with his first solo album entitled Pike vs The Automaton (MNRK Heavy). Being known well for his work in Sleep and High on Fire, Matt takes all of the things he loves from those projects as well as other influences to put together a fantastic psychedelic rock album. Groovy, heavy, and really something for everyone can be found here to be enjoyed.

While the first two tracks off Pike vs The Automaton are stellar tracks, the first song that really came off as psych-rock is ‘Trapped in a Midcave’. The first half of the song is meant to get lost in and just groove. Do not get too comfortable though, as the bridge hits and the intensity rises with some thunderous double bass and, well, maracas! Just when you think you have hit the climax, Pike picks it up yet another notch on a solo meant to melt faces and then wraps it up with the familiar riffage from earlier.

For those who like it heavier and fast, the eloquently titled track, ‘Alien Slut Mum’, is sure to thrill! The psychedelic spice finds its way into this song a little when the solo hits which is a nice reminder of the overall theme. If that was not fast enough, then ‘Acid Test Zone’ will certainly earn some speeding tickets! Hardly over the three-minute mark and never taking a second to breathe, it is impossible to remain stationary while listening. As fast as this song snuck up in the album, it quickly ends in a literal car accident sample.

I honestly cannot say enough good about Matt Pike’s first solo album release as it has everything I have liked of his previous work, but with a twist. Pike vs The Automatons is going to be an album I come back to quite a bit this year especially when crushing beers and bones over the summer in the backyard. Without a doubt, Matt has struck something really good here but will this be a one and done? Regardless, even if it is just for this one time, it was worth it.

 

Buy the album here: https://pikevstheautomaton.com/

8 / 10

TIM LEDIN