One of my absolutely favourite bands, Howling Giant, are
back with a new release. After three ground-breaking EPs, this
out-of-this-world trio finally unleash their first full-length, 'The Space
Between Worlds'. And yours truly couldn't be more excited! The big question is
can they transfer what has been created on the EPs to a proper album? Well,
yes, yes and yes! 'The Space Between Worlds' truly cements Howling Giant's
stature as frontrunners and groundbreakers in the world of music today.
Before focusing on the brilliant music at hand, I want to
mention changes that has occurred within the camp prior to this recording. The
band lost bass player Roger Marks resulting in Kevin ”Big Business” Dempsey
playing on three songs before bass player extraordinaire, Sebastian Baltes (son
of Accept’s Peter Baltes), joined the fold. His interaction with founders Tom
Polzine and Zach Wheeler is flawless which helps keeping the band’s flow going
without any interruption. Howling Giant’s “fourth” member Drew Harakal appears
again, much more prominently this time, adding so many layers to the sound with
his organs, piano and synths. And while we’re at it, ASG’s frontman, Jason Shi,
sings in the chorus on ‘Ice
Castle’.
Thematically Howling Giant have stepped away from the ‘Black
Hole Space Wizard’ trilogy on the new album. Well, sort of, I should say. They
have created a new concept where The Huntress travels through the infinite
metaphysical worlds that surrounds us, thanks to the dreams of mankind. Here
she faces the antagonist, The Dream Eater, who aims to destroy the dream world.
Musically, the band evolves the way all great bands does. Small alterations
here and there while retaining their sound is a combination of genius. That
formula challenges the listener while also giving the comfort of a familiar and
well-loved sound. Add the trio’s musical brilliance and you have ‘The Space
Between Worlds’. A perfect example is ‘Ghosts In The Well’. Mainly based around
an acoustic guitar and a piano with layers of vocal harmonies on top of the
band’s outer galaxial sound, it is so breathtaking and beautiful yet different.
And that’s where Howling Giant’s greatness is. They are free, unrestrained and
unafraid of doing what they want.
The band take off from launch pad with the excellent stomper
‘Comet Rider’. No holds barred they move into the dream world all alert and
excited. Here and there they slow down to neck-breaking, crushing segments
before catapulting even further into metaphysical realms. First touchdown comes
in the spaced out and trippy ‘Nomad’. Exploring this new-found dimension the
song is reflective and kind of wondrous at the same time. The bass guitar and
drums keeps the beat just like the pulse of one’s heart with either soaring
airy guitars in the slower parts or razor sharp riffs when the music picks up.
As in ‘Comet Rider’ the organ working in the background adds so much to the
feeling of the song. ‘Ghosts In The Well’ has already been mentioned as is
definitely a “strange” from Howling Giant. But it fits so well in the big
picture. Everything this band does serves a purpose and this wonderful song
epitomizes this. A little bit of early Howling Giant is brought to the fore in
‘The River Guide’. Slightly pondering while searching and looking and then
being awestruck by what you finally get to witness. Musically, it is mellow
with wonderful soundscapes weaving in and out of your consciousness allowing
room to breathe and relax. Amazing, truly amazing! Picking up the pace
slightly, ‘Ice Castle’ is shock full of riffs blended excellently with vocal
harmonies, super tight pounding rhythms (listen to those drums) and a sense of
change, big change, on the horizon. In other words, song builds up to something,
whether good or bad we don’t know yet. Brilliant!
‘Cybermancer And The Doomsday Express’ brings the chaos and
anarchy lyrically. Musically it stays pretty much within the sphere of ‘Ice Castle’,
only sped up a notch, with Beach Boys-esque and punkish back-up singing, an
unholy alliance, I know, but rather fruitful at that. Probably one of the most
straight ahead rock songs on the album but with perfect little tweaks, twists
and turns here and there which keeps the astral feel going wonderfully. Dreamy
and rejuvenating, the spaced out masterpiece ‘Everlight’ is like floating
through amazing unseen before worlds. The band paints stunning images as they
unleash their musical talents in the best possible way. Staying in line
somewhat with its predecessor, ‘The Orb’ has especially the same dreamlike
qualities but with a lot more darker undertones. Maybe it’s the sheer presence
of the orb and the force emanating from it that causes this. Whatever it is, I
love how Howling Giant alter the mood so perfectly to keep this wondrous story
flowing. Abruptly the music ends before a beautiful piano leads the song out.
Great stuff! Last out is the crusher ‘Stone Giant’ and it weaves back and forth
between full frontal attacks, tribal-like approach and floating through
wonderful super novas with some foreboding elements leaving the story open for
future chapters…maybe. Fantastic!
These guys floored me from the moment I first heard them and
they have never disappointed since. ‘The Space Between Worlds’ continues this
with such ease and finesse. As a music lover it is such a joy when you discover
a band early in their career and get to follow them through their growth,
especially when each new release elevates them to levels few other bands can
ever reach. Needless to say, or is it, Howling Giant deserved super stardom
ages ago and ‘The Space Between Worlds’ is another step towards it. Truly
amazing, dear wave riders, truly amazing!
*Band photo courtesy of Casey Moore Photography
-Swedebeast
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