REVIEW: Howling Giant - "Black Hole Space Wizard: Part 2 [EP]

By: Ernesto Aguilar

Album Type: EP

Date Released: 25/08/ 2017

Label: Independent

For such a new outfit, Howling Giant brings sophistication to the lyrical and musical aspects that you might not expect. The result will astonish those fans who have been eagerly awaiting this sequel.

"Black Hole Space Wizard: Part 2" CD//DD track listing:

1. Henry Tate

2. The Pioneer

3. Visions

4. The Forest Speaks

5. Circle of Druids

6. Earth Wizard

The Review:

Nashville, Tenn.'s Howling Giant, a relatively new addition to the stoner rock lexicon, has generated high hopes early. The first EP in this thematic series gained reams of positive reviews. Such coverage was earned fairly. Part One of the story was quite fuzzy, as well as robust, and drew comparisons to Electric Wizard, among other performers.

Yet can "Black Hole Space Wizard: Part 2" draw the same lofty praise as the initial recording?

The concept recordings – it is still a bit unclear if the story will carry on into a third EP, or more than that – tell the tale of humankind's rise and ultimate vanquish through the eyes of a protagonist. Such a heady vision can easily collapse under the weight of presenting that depth of a story with any hope of coherence. Howling Giant indubitably plumbs this mythology, but make it clear the music comes first. Arrangements are dexterous and vocals plaintive when needed, urgent the next. For such a new outfit, Howling Giantbrings sophistication to the lyrical and musical aspects that you might not expect. The result will astonish those fans who have been eagerly awaiting this sequel.

Howling Giant has garnered a lot of support for its sound and been likened to bands like The Sword. Although you can hear many classic-tinged acts in Howling Giant's sound, repeated listens may conjure diverse parallels. The album's opener, "Henry Tate," for example, has a sound and vocal delivery reminiscent of NoMeansNo circa "The Day Everything Became Nothing." Given NoMeansNo's pioneering post-punk bona fides, that comparison is a high compliment, but it gives you a glimpse at how deceptively talented this young band is on the new release.

The new music seems like an impressive leap from Part 1. The washed-out vocals get a much better mix this go around. Drumming here is standout. The storyline, without spoiling anything, is furthermore going to keep you listening, especially if you enjoy a story with your songs. All said, Howling Giantdemonstrates early accolades were deserved.

"Black Hole Space Wizard: Part 2" is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

VIDEO PREMIERE: Howling Giant deliver a brand new cosmic crusher with "The Pioneer"

Howling Giant, a progressive metal band that upped their Bostonian roots and moved out to the weird cosmos of the American South that is Nashville. No twangy guitars here and don’t even begin to think that Howling Giant are “whisky soaked” or “bluesy.” Howling Giant has a sound that is as clear and crisp as it is raw and spacey. They dive deep into the well of progressive rock as well as take off for joy rides into space. They mix these trips with a healthy dose of youthful humor and beer drinking, coming out on the other end sounding like the bastard child of Elder and Red Fang.

Their cleverly titled EP, and second release to date “Black Hole Space Wizard: Part 1,”released in August last year, was the start of a three part series and judging by songs such as “Dirtmouth,” that we premiered the video of here, Howling Giant has the discipline to take their time fleshing out riffs without losing sight of the song, their energy and passion is felt throughout, which is the glue that held that EP together. Less than a year later and Howling Giant are back and August 25, 2017 will see the release of Part 2 of their “Black Hole Space Wizard” trilogy.

So if you are one of the many that wishes Mastodonhad continued in the cosmic, crushing progressive manner of “Crack The Skye” and “Blood Mountain”, and if you’re a fan of Elder, Red Fang, Melvins, Baroness, Rush then Howling Giant is your dream band! Today we’re very excited to debut a brand new new track from their forthcoming release “Black Hole Space Wizard: Part 2”, you can check out “The Pioneer” below.

Band info: Big Cartel || Bandcamp || Facebook || Youtube || Last.FM || Instagram