Innovative to the core, you have to admit that Warning not releasing an album for twenty years is certainly one way of avoiding the dreaded Tricky Third Album Syndrome. As it turns out, though, there was no need to worry anyway, as Rituals Of Shame (Relapse Records), the first studio appearance from the Essex doomsters since 2006, just so happens to be another remarkable masterclass in misery. Continue reading
Having left their Doom Metal roots behind on 2016’s Wider Than The Sky (Radiance), 40 Watt Sun completely doubles down on slowcore with their third full-length album. In fact, Perfect Light (Svart/Cappio Records) might even be a little softer than its predecessor with nary a trace of fuzz or distortion to be found. It often feels more like a slow-motion singer/songwriter record, especially with the Jerry Cantrell-esque twang throughout. I suppose it’s only fitting when you consider that guitarist/vocalist Patrick Walker is the only returning band member, having recruited an entirely different cast of musicians for this effort.