REVIEW: Witchthroat Serpent - "Striped Dragon" (EP)

By: Richard Maw

Album Type: 7”

Date Released: 16/06/2017

Label: Svart Records

“Striped Dragon” DD//7” track listing:

1). Striped Dragon

2). No Way to Escape

The Review:

Following up debut “Sang - Dragon” with this two track EP is a smart move- riffs pound, organs swirl, vocals wail... business as usual for these French doomers!

A-side “Striped Dragon is a weighty and psychedelic excursion into the realms of Electric Wizard but the band are sleeker and more streamlined. Both tracks come in almost at the six minute mark with lots of overdrive and lots of retro atmosphere.

“No Way To Escape”is just as heavy, but perhaps even more driving in sound. Simply put, if you heard the debut and follow up “Sang-Dragon”then you know what to expect here. Essentially the doom version of Motorhead, I am amazed that the band have not yet written a song called Born Toulouse... but there is still time. This is real fuzzed up doom. Vive Le Serpent!

“Striped Dragon”is available on vinyl here and digitally here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

FFO: Electric Wizard, Windhand, Sleep, Cough

TOP 16 ALBUMS: The Sour 16 Chart for October 2016

By: Aaron Pickford



Alter Bridge

It is that time once again people to cast our minds back, and digest the 16 albums that would become October’s most viewed albums and form the basis for our sacrilegious ‘Sour 16’, the finest and most profane riffs around bundled together into a premium sized sonic soufflé.

You know the drill, each month; you the reader are unwittingly compiling a list of the top 16 records that we featured in October, covering all genres of metal.  Is it not a chart, in which reviewers or contributors extol their opinion about their favourite music.  The ‘Sour 16’ are the records that have been trending the most at Sludgelord Headquarters.

The results are compiled based on page views alone and calibrated into the list below. All reviews can be viewed by clicking the artwork and we have included album streams wherever possible. (Total views since their publication is highlighted in red). 

16). Headless Kross - "Projection I” (377)

 

15). Holy Serpent - "Temples" (404)

All in all, “Temples” is a great record.  Holy Serpent nailed it.  The songs are well crafted, well-structured, the vocals are right on and the music is perfect parts psych, doom, sludge and out right heaviness.  Don’t hesitate, buy “Temples” immediately.

14) Truckfighters - "V" (406)

All in all, a solid offering; a sound that is current; one that rocks effortlessly and one that proves regardless of line-up changes Truckfighters continue to be strong.

13) Zaum – “Eidolon (423)

“What makes Zaum’s music so intoxicating is the sheer density of their sound. Layers of synths, sitars, flutes and who knows what else, build up to create a foundation of all-encompassing drone for the bands epic compositions.  Prepare to be transported to a higher realm.”

12). Various Artists - “Meantime (Redux)” (442)

Meantime (Redux)” is a face-melting reinterpretation of what many consider Helmet’s finest hour, it   pulls off the tricky balance of paying respectful tribute to a classic album while being an excellent listen in its own right. Hopefully it will introduce long-term Helmet fans to some exciting new bands and make any other people with their ears stuck in the underground realise that Helmet were great all along.

11). Charred Wall of the Damned - "Creatures Watching Over The Dead" (460)

Richard Christy & Co have created something special with “Creatures Watching over the Dead.” It needs to be heard and talked about.  This is metal with heart.  Metal with soul.  And most of all?  Metal that’s larger than life.

10). Vermin Womb - "Decline" (541)

Vermin Womb succinctly distill the essence of their sound into one word: “Violence”.  It is a grimly exhilarating ride, but an oppressive racket that is hard to resist.

09). Yawning Man - "Historical Graffiti" (563)

“Historical Graffiti” is a drug that calms the soul of the listener”

08). Obsidian Kingdom – “A Year of No Summer” (578)

 

“This record is well constructed and the instrumentation is very impressive. But for those looking for similar fare to their previous work, they’d best keep looking.”

07). Black Tomb - "Black Tomb" (585)

 

06). Fistula - "The Shape of Doom to Cumm)))" (612)

The Shape of Doom to Cumm)))” is dripping with sardonic hatred for scenesters and fad chasers, scrapping rusty barbed wire across the speakers as if to wound those who listen. They bring the noise, the hate, and will tell you to your face if there’s even a hint at being a douchebag.

 

05). Witchthroat Serpent - "Sang-Dragon" (640)

This is a dominating record and something which the band can be sure will appeal to all kinds of fans of stoner doom and sludge. Witchthroat Serpent have left a deep scar in the genre and it will take a long time to heal with a record so devastatingly heavy.

 

04). Watchtower  - "Concepts of Math: Book One" (781)

The guitars crunch, the vocals bite, and the band chemistry shines through on each song, almost as if they know what each other’s gonna do before they do it. A near perfect record, which for Watchtower, is pretty much par for the course.

03). 40 Watt Sun – “Wider Than The Sky” (827)

Although the record may find itself on the fringes of metal, the empathetic feelings Walkershares over soaring ten minute tracks should cause anyone who has felt anything before to reflect in some meaningful way. “Wider than the Sky” challenges its listeners to reflect for themselves, because after all it’s important to remember where one stands. 40 Watt Sun’s latest record is likely to find itself among the best records released this year.

02). Asteroid - "III" (1716)

 

It is a hugely diverse record and shows the advanced musicianship between the band, blending all kinds of stoner rock and fuzz. This is a band who are firmly on the rise to the top and know exactly how to get there. One of the best releases of 2016 without a doubt.

 

1). Alter Bridge - "The Last Hero" (20494)

If you have any interest in the more commercial end of the rock and metal spectrum i.e. Metallica, Maiden, Soundgarden and so on then this album could be a fine intro to the band. If you are a fan already you will enjoy this one immensely. Alter Bridgeare leading lights in modern rock and may well be the last of a dying breed.

 

A big thank you as always to our amazing writers, your dedication knows no boundaries and for that I am truly grateful.  September’s “Sour 16” features reviews by:  Richard Maw, Theron Moore, Charlie Butler,  Victor Van Ommen, TJ Kliebhan, Jake Wallace, Hunter Young, Kat Hilton, Stiq & Jay Hampshire







ALBUM REVIEW: Witchthroat Serpent - "Sang-Dragon"

By: Jake Wallace

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 30/04/2016

Label: Hellas Records |

Deadlight Entertainment

This is a dominating record and something which the band can be sure will appeal to all kinds of fans of stoner doom and sludge. Witchthroat Serpent have left a deep scar in the genre and it will take a long time to heal with a record so devastatingly heavy.

“Sang-Dragon” CD//DD track listing:

1). Hydra’s Bewitchment

2). A Caw Cries From my Gut

3). Siberian Mist

4). Lady Sally

5). Into the Black Rock

6). Behind Green Eyes

7). Mystical Devotee

The Review:

As the French stoner rock/doom scene steadily grows, Toulouse's Witchthroat Serpent have released their new album 'Sang-Dragon' and it is nothing short of colossal. Interestingly, 'Sang-Dragon'translates as 'Dragon's Blood' and there is plenty of dragon fire wrapped up in these deliciously devastating riff attacks. Many have made the comparison to Electric Wizard and although it is plain to hear, I think these guys are almost worthy of Electric Wizard sounding like THEM. With 7 tracks clocking in at around 40 mins, it is a thoroughly solid display of gargantuan riff-play.  

 The opening track 'Hydra's Bewitchment'is a mellow introduction to the death & destruction that lies ahead. It consists of just over 2 mins of very ominous wah pedal work that grips you in from the get-go and you just know it will be followed by something very powerful... which it is. Track 2, 'A Caw Rises From My Guts',is absolutely soaked in fuzz and the down-tuned guitar work is immensely satisfying. The vocals are probably the reason many people liken the band to Electric Wizard, they are very similar styles but these guys bring much more finesse to their songs. The main riff is extremely catchy and is guaranteed to get stuck within the depths of doom tunes in your brain for at least the rest of the week. Around the 3:40 mark the tempo slows down even more and the weight of the riffs increase. The last minute of the song includes some subtle lead work which sears through the thick walls of low-end rumble, and bends your mind as the track winds to a close. 

'Siberian Mist'is the third track on the album and begins with a filth-laden bass line which provides a canvas for the bluesy guitar licks that follow. This style of fusing both sounds reminds me a lot of London's Orange Goblinand you can see there is a lot of influence from England's premier league of doom heavyweights. There are also parts of this song that remind me of

Gothenburg’s sonic titans Monolord. As the years go by and the number of bands playing this style of music multiply, it should become a lot harder to reinvent the wheel but Witchthroat Serpentknow exactly how to craft such a thing.  

'Lady Sally'begins with a riff that would break the Richter scale. This is probably one of my favourite songs on the album and it's not hard to see why. The huge riffs rumble on like a huge prehistoric beast marching across baron wastelands and the chorus vocals are superbly powerful and catchy. This is most certainly a song that would be mind-blowing to witness live and I will definitely be looking out for these guys touring near me in the near future just to hear this track up close. 

The fifth track on the album 'Into the Black Wood' starts with some more of the wah-doom sound they have going on before exploding into a molten onslaught of heaviness. It is a relentless beast that can't be tamed and then just over halfway through, the tempo blasts up and the sludge takes off into the sky. The sheer number of riffs these guys can produce and deliver is astounding and after a couple listens they become ingrained into your mind. The ending is very powerful as well as they slowly bring the speed down until the headbanging becomes a slow, rhythmic nod as the track closes. 

The penultimate track ‘Behind Green Eyes’is the longest song on the record clocking in at 8:46. It is a behemoth of more solid doom riffs. There are some great vocal harmonies on this track which really add an extra level of depth to the lyrics and create a strangely eerie vibe. The riffs chug along slowly and powerfully and there are some elements of Saint Vitus present throughout. The track breaks down around the 5 min mark and the deep bass line keeps the slow train rolling down the track. The added lead parts are patient and delivered well as a perfect complement to the bass line and the subtle keys in the backdrop.  

The final track ‘Mystical Devotee’ wraps up the album with a powerful, pummeling display of rhythm and riffs. There is no slowing down from the onslaught of power that has been present throughout the entire album. There is a great change just after the 4 min mark and Witchthroat Serpent give birth to yet another dark passage of doom. The whole record is completely steeped in darkness and the mental imagery that goes with the music is completely on the money.  

The cauldron of sludge is overflowing and every ingredient of the potion has been carefully considered. This is a dominating record and something which the band can be sure will appeal to all kinds of fans of stoner doom and sludge. Witchthroat Serpent have left a deep scar in the genre and it will take a long time to heal with a record so devastatingly heavy.  

“Sang Dragon” is available here

Band info:bandcamp || facebook

FFO:  Electric Wizard, Windhand, Sleep, With The Dead