You like riffs? Think you have heard all of them? Sure, guy. Put on this album and prepare to be taken away to a world where the only thing that exists is riffs, riffs, and more riffs. You get a riff! She gets a riff! He gets a riff! EVERYONE GETS A RIIIIIIFF! Absolutely fantastic album for anyone who loves the guitar and doom laden stoner rock/metal. But it isn’t just about the guitars. The bass slaps, the drums are incredibly solid and clever, and those smokey, stoner vocals are just perfect. Oh did I mention the guitar solos? Total wizardry.
Their bandcamp descriptions says the music is 'expedited into pop size pieces of explosive rock energy.'
So yeah, you're not getting top 40 radio bubblegum pop but what they mean is this mean ass doom album is presented in a shorter format and the songs are all catchy with a flow that is smooth enough to let all the hooks grab you along the way.
The production, and the general presentation of the album, is unique. While most stoner dooms tend to wander into the land of psychedelia, this album doesn't really do that. Sure, it's stoner. I can definitely picture a group of smoker sitting around jamming out to this. But the vibe is more..dreamy and stream of consciousness. From beginning to end, it rides along with supreme confidence and the one goal of rocking your face off.
Much of the songs are much heavier and rumbling than a lot of stoner doom too. Like I said, it is dreamy...but not laid back. This stuff is HEAVY. The opening track, 'The Lake,' is hammering from the get go and a massive wall of sound. The riffs chug along and those grooves cut deep.
'All My Time,' features the vocals riding along with the riffs, adding another layer to a short song that packs more punch than some entire albums. The bass pops between the guitar solo and I challenge you not to bang your head while this jam plays out, especially the rather intense segment after said solo.
'Shelf Black,' is the song that represents what this album is all about. All the elements of the song move along at a seemingly effortless pace, content on the grooves that emanate in waves. It is most heavy yet laid back yet intense yet loose enough to sound, well, fun even.
'Dance To Thrash,' is actually pretty close to thrashy rhythms at many points. Who said doom can't get a bit rowdy? The drums and bass are very impressive on this album, a rhythm section that hits as hard as anything this month.
'Monstrum,' can mean several things....a divine omen for misfortune, a monstrosity in size/character, and even something that evokes fear or wonder. This song? ALL of these things. This is, simply put, a HUGE song. Listening to this with headphones just fills up my entire world, everything a sonic punching bag...and it even has some rough style vocals! A fitting conclusion to the album.
All in all, Auralayer's 'Thousand Petals.' is a stoner doom album made for both people who love the style and those who don't. Regardless of your feelings, this will capture your attention.
No comments:
Post a Comment