STONERHEAD’s brand of stoner doom metal is an absolute blast. The band's second full-length album, "Running High,” is an album that has a ton more energy than most bands of this style. Of course, there are riffs for days as well—just a metric ton of groove is laden across the album like a blanket of hot lead.
A large percentage of my music jamming time takes place in my car. For anyone driving behind me while playing this album, I must have looked possessed because I was non-stop banging to the non-stop riffs from this German band.
What is most impressive about the album is the atmosphere they generate. This band is super confident in their sound and it really can be heard—there is a definite swagger to everything they do and they back it up tenfold.
Phil's and Christian's riffs flow like magma from a volcano and there is no doubt to their ability to play the strings, their fingers weaving their magic. From rock to stoner to doom, their styles offers a varied approach for the genre. Phil's vocals are on point too. The stoner genre isn't well known for vocal prowess but his pipes soar through the air and are quite expressive.
Anna and Igor are an explosive rhythm machine and keep this well oiled machine running while simultaneously compliment the songs and providing ultra intense layers. I'll go over a few of my favorite songs and moments below.
The album opens up with the steady beat of “Someone Please.” The vocal cadence is catchy as hell. The dense riffs are heavy as a plenty but flow smooth as a stream. The lead guitar near the end adds a psychedelic element to the song and it works great especially the ending groove.
“Super Mario” is an album highlight—it does so many wonderful things. The opening is long and even a little atmospheric due to the bass and drums. The smattering Of guitar licks lend the song a hazy, shamanic vibe with the smoky vocals bring it home. I love how the song ebbs and flows between the tribal-like stoner segments and heavier guitar. This is one tripped out and memorable song.
How could I not talking about the final song, “Tweaky Mind?” This beast is nearly 11 minutes long and caps off the album perfectly. Anna's powerful voice is commanding In the beginning. Her approach is expressive and almost sultry But even a little haunting. Near the halfway point Phil and the boys jump in. The tempo is increased but the songs opening atmosphere is retained. The last couple minutes are a psychotic bulldozer that twists the mind even while flattening It.
All in all, “Running High” Displays how powerful this brand of metal/doom/rock can be. The band's love for their style and their instrumental prowess shines through the entire runtime.
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