Gothenburg might be famous for its renowned death metal scene, but few might have heard of doom metal bands hailing from the said town of At the Gates and In Flames. Say no more, because the doom outfit Monolord return with their new EP It’s All the Same (Relapse Records), shining a light once more on the Gothenburg doom scene!
Psychedelic Doom Metal band Insect Ark are streaming their entire new album today, over at Metal Injection at the link below. The Vanishing releases this Friday, February 28th 2020 via Profound Lore Records. Jam it out now!Continue reading
Ahead of its release on Friday 13th April, Ghost Cult is delighted to team up with eclectic, mesmeric twisted, psychedelic Doom merchants Spider Kitten to première the stream of their new album, Concise & Sinister.Continue reading
While many bands and artists spend their careers within boundaries of a genre, some others like to tread between boundaries and make their own mark. Italian psychedelic doom group, Ufomammut have and continue to do so with their latest album, 8 (Neurot). Forty-five minutes of mind-melting fuzzy bass and guitar riffs over spacey synth is sure to warp your brain. Also to note, the marketing of naming this album 8 while there are exactly eight tracks on the album is simple, yet gratifying.Continue reading
In a time when stoner bands, are ten a penny and often little more than glorified Black Sabbath or Sleep tributes, Heavy Temple offer a masterclass in how to show love for your heroes but keep the music fresh and interesting.Continue reading
As if torn from the comic book origins I obsessed over as a child, Spirit Adrift’s past, like their members identities are shrouded deep in mystery. I didn’t know much about these newly signed to Prosthetic Records purveyors of the finest psychedelic doom we have heard in a long time, going in. But what I can tell you with certainty: with just two songs this band is ready to knock the US doom scene flat on its ass.
Comprised of the cryptically named JK on guitar and vocals, UB on drums, and DD on bass, and ascribing to the ancient philosophy of “Musica Universalis”, the band is as ambitious with songwriting, especially as they are secretive. obviously wishing to just suck you into their tractor beam with only the music, these songs are immense feeling. Behind Beyond clocks in at a nearly 28 minutes combined. Every note, trilled guitar riff, swooping bass glide, or crashing cymbal hit is deliberate, but very loose sounding too. ‘Specter of Ruin’ leads off with a contemplative plucked riff and an almost nautical feel, before the riffs smash your ears apart. JK’s otherworldly singing voice and harmonies are excellent. I actually wonder what the band will do live, since these vocals are crucial to the sound. After a chilled out mid-section it advances to a marching waltz cadence, and some more amazing riffs. The major key and the epic sounding drums are downright sunny and uplifting.
‘Perpetual Passage’ is even more obtuse and eerie. A very somber opening is more in the vein of trad doom influences. JK’s lead playing is the icing on the cake for the entire release. Just close your eyes and soak in the glory. suddenly the band jumps a few more decades ahead flavor-wise, praying to the altar of Matt Pike, the Jehovah of all jammage. Fully formed, the song is as big as the celestial bodies the band references. The end of the track swells and recedes over and over in your head like a mantra.
If this is just the start of what Spirit Adrift is going to offer us, I cannot wait for their full-length to arrive later this year.
8.0/10
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