Look alive kids, it’s time for America’s favorite game: initial impressions. Not going to lie, there was some editorial concern when noticing the album art for Upon Stone’s Dead Mother Moon (Century Media). When presented with an image depicting an armored warrior with broadsword in hand and the full moon lighting him from behind, I had some thoughts. Worst case scenario is this is some Dungeons & Dragons inspired Power Metal nonsense. Best case scenario, it’s very Castlevania by way of airbrushed art on the side of a van.

But who are we kidding? Heavy metal has always had a dorky streak. Most Black Metal artists look like unhappy mimes with pointy guitars. And what’s with all the studs and spikes on those battle jackets? Are we really all that badass if we know our way around a sewing machine? 

Bolt Thrower delivered plenty of classics even if their presentation screamed, ‘we dig Warhammer’. And don’t let Upon Stone’s silent warrior fool you as Dead Mother Moon contains some potent Melodic Death Metal.

The title track wastes no time letting you know that the revered Gothenburg sound of the mid-nineties is the thesis statement here. “Onyx Through the Heart” constantly shifting from blast beat minefields and mid-tempo melodic crunch showcases a band well versed in The Jester Race and Whoracle.

“To Seek and Follow the Call of Lions” initially alludes to At the Gates but the abundance of tremolo picking also suggests Black Metal is also in Upon Stone’s musical DNA. Same can be said for the blast storm that is the final third of “Dusk Sang Fairest”. However, if there’s something that is limiting Upon Stone’s appeal is that Dead Mother Moon’s production is a bit lacking. Totally understandable that they are paying homage to a past decade but there’s no need to settle for an antiquated mix. Also, not quite sure we needed a cover of the Misfits’ “Dig Up Her Bones” as a parting gift. 

Slap on your battle jackets and raise your swords. There’s headbanging to be done.

Buy the album here:
https://centurymedia.bandcamp.com/album/dead-mother-moon

8 / 10
HANS LOPEZ