This EP, released back in February 2017, appears to be the debut release for this US five-piece (although one member is down as providing “Encantations”, the mind boggles) and comprises three tracks of low and slow stoner doom.
“Thrice Wolves” kicks things off nicely, massive low-end, fuzzy riffage, BIG drums and gravelly vocals that sound akin to Scott Kelly from Neurosis if he spent all day drinking whisky. Two-and-a-half minutes for a doom songseems ludicrously brief and so it proves here, just as you settle in to enjoy the ride it’s over and it moves on to the next track.
“Hail Hydra” is that next track and is a sludgy triumph with slight bluesy overtones and plenty of cymbal action. The guitar tone remains blissfully fuzzed out and there’s a brief flash of first-album QOTSA at the midpoint which put a smile on this jaded old hack’s face.
EP closer “Corpse Flower” comprises nearly half the running time of this release and begins in glacially slow fashion with the lyric “ash burns the throat” somehow seeming strikingly appropriate for the harsher vocal delivery on offer, the (female?) backing vocals deserve credit here too. Live this track must bring dust down from the ceiling as it’s a startlingly weighty behemoth.
Overall, an all too brief snapshot from a potentially very interesting band. More is needed and quickly because a full length of this would make for good listening.
8/10 - Review by Dave
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