“Ripple
Music is pleased to announce the official release of Talismana, the
long-awaited debut album from one of America’s most exciting and
downright badass psychedelic metal bands, Sweat Lodge.”
Here is
my take on the magnificent album. And boy is it a grower.
Talismana
wastes no time in bringing the energy. The kind of recording that begs you to
want to catch a live show. Opener 'Tramplifier',
not only has an eerie ring to it, but will have your head bobbing within
seconds with a circulating fuzz based riff leading into electrified vocals
summoning forth all fans of Ozzy. 'Bed of
Ashes' keeps the Sabbath buzz alive and brings a bit of funk to the upbeat
bluesy party. Colorful drum blasts encapsulate the Lodge ringing with reverb and
dripping with distortion.
To be
honest I hadn't known of Sweat Lodge until the news of their signing
with Ripple Music early in the year and was curious to see what the label had
sniffed out. Turns out, Talismana
stacks up with the best of the Ripple crew, who have been having a record year,
pun intended. I am sweating with anticipation at news of the debut LP on
limited vinyl releasing on August 7th.
The
album plays through rather quickly, and is just about the perfect length and a
full therapeutic remedy for any situation, much like a sweat lodge. As the
album continues the intensity builds and the rawk begins to roll, gaining
momentum. 'Phoenix Ascent' exemplifies that
statement with an intoxicating energy and hypnotic groove to die for. The title
track 'Talismana', brings the
psychedelic jams to the forefront throughout the middle of the song, weaving
the echoed vocal cries in and out while the bass line smoothly purrs in the
background.
'Boogie Bride', the
longest song on the record, starts out a bit slow while the guitars gently
slice the airwaves in 'Strangle
Hold' fashion.
In fact, I think that is a very apt comparison in that it has the spacey and
groovy guitar lines with trippy vocal tones and killer solo breaks. 'Heavy Head' is indeed heavy and groovy
whistling with spooky intentions followed by powerful fuzz riffs fronted by an
exhilarating vocal sequence. ‘Banshee
Call’ closes the record down much like a cigarette follows kinky sex, soothing,
yet still buzzing with excitement. The Zeppelin-esque croons crawl along to the
beat of a water bong, while the guitars inhale and exhale euphoric riffs of felicity.
By the time the album is over its time to begin again with the repeat button,
or better yet with the flip of the wax and drop of a needle come August 7th.
Keep your eyes out for Sweat Lodge, as they have proven they can hang with the
big dogs of the underground rock and roll. Thoroughly impressed with
Talismana!! Pick up your copy via Ripple Music in August.
-The
Huntsman
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