WyndRider - Revival

WyndRider is a doom metal band from East Tennessee who formed in 2022.  Although I didn’t review it, I did greatly enjoy their self-titled debut album.  Excitement was high when I received this promo especially since I also live in Tennessee (middle) and find it incredibly exciting to have such a great doom band from this state which all too often is only known for country music.  

The band’s sound is definitely rooted in stoner and psychedelic tendencies.  The music is, of course, crushing with thick bass, big riffs, and stalwart drums.  The vocals are absolutely excellent–emotive but with a much needed hazy, smokey, tone. 

The atmosphere and production compliment each other and are incredible–there is a veil of mysterium throughout the album, a certain tinge of the occult that plays well into their blues infused doom worship.  In essence, “Revival” has a huge sound and expansive feel to it but retains a sense of horror and uneasiness, at least to a degree. 

The album opens with “Forked Tongue Revival,” and a smattering of drums kick off the the deep riffs.  These earth moving notes are complimented perfectly by the drums, creating a full sound before the 30 second mark has even passed.  The clean notes keep the theme going while acting as a platform for Chloe’s amazingly effective vocals.  Doom, especially stoner, isn’t always known for its vocal prowess but Chloe fucking brings it.

The mid-section is held up by Joshuwah’s bass while Robbie’s clears a path with an unique and refreshing guitar solo.  The whole process sounds natural and the band doesn’t skip a beat as they go back into the heavier side.  

“Judas,” is an immediate banger.  I love Josh’s drums, this guy definitely knows his craft and how best to approach the songs to act as a foundation yet he knows just how to compliment the rest of the instruments.  The bluesy doomed riffs are slow and pounding yet groovy enough to propel the song forward.  The movements at the 1:49 and 2:37 mark showcase their penchant for throwing unique ideas into the mix, unafraid to use unconventional clean tones to create spacey atmospheres.   

At the 3:38 mark the riffs fade out as the bass and drums take over the show to push a slow crushing groove to a short but sweet mind bending guitar solo.  The song finishes out strongly, the band bringing the riffs and rhythm home. 

Fortunately, the album stays strong until the end with what amounts to the final containing my two favorite songs on the album:  “Remember the Sabbath,” and “The Wheel.” 

“Remember the Sabbath,” and its opening bass tones echo the statements I made about the album’s horror/occult vibe.  I like my doom slow with a build up—this one pulls it out masterfully.  As the seconds pass, more layers build up.  Bass, drums, vocals, and finally guitar all slowly swirl together and create this nasty dirge. This 100% exactly how stoner doom should sound and every band ever needs to be taking notes on this song.  

The mid-section is otherworldly, what with the guitar solo and crushing riffs.  This movement leads into the bass taking over once more as the song returns to rising action near the end.

“The Wheel,” ends the album on the highest high or, considering the tone, perhaps I should say the lowest of the low.  The guitars and vocals meld into one force in the song’s opening moments–very captivating and encompassing.  Some of the darkest and meanest riffs are featured here.  This song is just straight up DOOM and I’m here for it.  

Ultimately as we approach the halfway point of the year, WyndRider and their “Revival” comes in and makes a hell of a statement for the power of the genre in 2024.  As far as this style of doom goes, I’ve heard very little this year that can compete with this.