New Spins: 22nd February 2021
This week we have two acts from the polar opposite ends of doom; one depressive, crushing drone, the other catchy, foot-stomping stoner. And sandwiched in between is a three-way split of hard-to-categorise live experimental recordings that bring back something of the excitement of a gig.
Gate To Xibalba - The Light-The Void
Swedish heavy music is most often known for it's energy, exuberance and vitality and not so often for the slow, crawling, meditative tones one associates with drone doom. Gate To Xibalba are in the latter camp though, a new Swedish project producing a minimalist but seductively crushing form or drone metal that aims to slowly suck the life from you. Across it's near hour long run-time, split into three tracks, The Light-The Void is relentlessly depressive with a brooding low timbre that at high volume is eye-wateringly heavy. Xibalba is the Mayan mythological equivalent of hell, so it's an appropriate name for an act whose goal seems to be to open up a portal to the underworld through ferocious sound erosion. The Light-The Void isn't just pure sonic weight though, there are some SunnO))) style riffs, funeral doom esque organs, and subtle hints of melody that give this record a thoughtful depth. It's a terrific record and a reminder of just how brilliant this elemental style of drone doom can be.
Gate To Xibalba on Youtube and Spotify
Fuck Knuckles / Warrior Pope / OrganChrist - Live At The Gryphon
Back in early-December I began New Spins by talking about Grief Riffs Drones, the live collaborative project between members of the three bands names above who are some of the Bristol scene's most exciting heavy experimenters. I enjoyed that record because it took close to being live in room with them, and it's been a long time since I've been able to enjoy live music. The three bands have now gone one step further and released a three-way split of non-stop sets live from The Gryphon, the same venue where Grief Riffs Drones was recorded and also probably Bristol's best small venue for heavy music. It's a wonderfully enthralling listen and another gratifying record that reminds me just why live music is so vital. Whatsmore all the proceeds from the record, released via Boundary Element, are going to help The Gryphon stay in business through the continued UK lockdown, and as this record proves, we need our small independent venues to survive.
Live At The Gryphon on Bandcamp
Fool's Paradise - Confused Mind
Brazilian newcomers Fools Paradise are a band who tread the line perfectly between the heavy doom of Electric Wizard, Windhand and Monolord and the catchy stoner riffs of Sleep, Acid King and Kyuss. Their first single Confused Mind is one of those doom tracks that instantly grabs you with the hooks, but there's definitely more than just good riffs going on here. The vocals are really soulful and powerful, but also have a subtle emotion and just a hint of a gothic vibe to them. The song itself is really well put together and the fuzzy guitar tones and hard hitting drums really make this track come alive. It's an awesome start for Fools Paradise, and I really hope to hear more from them soon.
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