Not even a year on from their last EP, Boston Manor is back with their fourth full-length album, Datura (Sharptone Records). Over the past five years, the band has made a name for themselves by upping the ante with each release. Anticipation is high for Datura to see what the quintet can create next, with news of the band delving deeper into concept albums for the release, this is raised even further.
It’s finally October so let’s get spoopy this month with Kadavar’s For the Dead Travel Fast (Nuclear Blast) while we try to figure out our costumes.Continue reading
October is always a big month. It’s basically a month-long party for me with the greatest holiday in existence, Halloween, and my birthday is only a few days beforehand. In my experience, October is also a great month for new releases from bands that I love. This year, Portland, OR based stoner metal/rock band Red Fang return with their fourth studio release entitled Only Ghosts (Relapse Records). It’s different from their previous releases, but that’s part of what makes this album as entertaining as it is.Continue reading
Giving me a copy of Brimstone Coven’s Black Magic (Metal Blade) is liking giving an alcoholic a free handle. I was in. Let’s cut through the bull, I was digging this album within the first few seconds of listen. It’s got that spooky, fuzzy sound that turns me into a giddy child.
‘Black Magic’ and its bass line get things started on a groovy note, a throw back to the jams of the 60s and 70s when everything seemed to be enveloped in a haze and movement was just a touch slower. I keep playing this song over and over again and just can’t get enough of Andrew D’cagna’s bass playing. Give me, please. Don’t be surprised if you come across me dancing to this in the woods with some friends from beyond the veil.
Songs like ‘Slow Death’ make KISS to mind. They’re higher energy with a little less fuzz and prevent the album from getting monotonous. You also have that classic 70s guitar riffs and even John Williams’ vocals are similar to a slightly more subdued Starchild. It’s like a five minute trip back in time.
The second half of the album or so steers the listener away from the light and back on the road towards Spookyville with ‘The Seers’ and ‘The Plague’. The solo about three minutes in on ‘The Plague’ is spectacular and I am mildly in love with it despite my usual fascination with the bass side of things.
I’m calling it now; Black Magic will be one of my favorite albums of 2016. Give it a listen and discover something beautiful.
7.5/10
ALEIDA LA LLAVE
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