stoner rock / metal
Right, back to Belgium and you know what that means: a glorifying review. I mean, regular Merchants Of Air readers already know that I'm convinced that this is one of the world most talented countries as far as underground music is concerned. I could drop a truckload of Belgian band names now to prove my point but I'm not going to. I'll just focus on this groove blaster from Genk residents Barabbas. Much like their colleagues in Bathsheba and Hemelbestormer, Barabbas proves that Limburg is not necessarily a quiet place. Sometimes, there in the woods of Bokrijk and surroundings, the earth trembles and shakes, caused by thick riffs and pounding drums.
Then again, that shouldn't be surprising. Barabbas consists of members of Sardonis, Rebel Yell, The Grams and Solenoid. They are veterans, massively experienced in creating groovy, immersive metal, which is exactly what they deliver on this album. Influenced by acts like Mastodon, Queens Of The Stone Age, Black Sabbath and Baroness (to name a few), these guys grind, rock and roll as if there is no tomorrow.
The album opens with 'Goldstone' which immediately sets the tone. We're dealing with high energy groove metal here, nothing more, nothing less. The array of riffs, drums, twin guitars and a decent sense of humor will make every stoner rocker drool. 'Sister' and 'Right Where You Want Me' seem to follow the opener's heavy rocking example, but then there is the weird and amusing 'Guy Tells Us How To Make An Omelet' which for more than one reason reminds me of Tool's 'Die Eier Of Satan'. Maybe I'm just hungry.
'I'll Stand Behind You' is arguably my favorite track here, a classic old school hard rock tune that nowadays would make a perfect stoner rock track. In that aspect, I wouldn't be surprised if Barabbas appears on one of the stages on Desertfest in October. I wouldn't mind and I wouldn't be surprised if the quartet delivers a mouthwatering set. Just listen to a track like 'Thorn In My Side' which brings the spirit of Led Zeppelin to today's heavy scene. Heads will bang, crowds will surf, pits will mosh.
In all, this is a highly interesting debut album from a club of ultra experienced gentlemen. There is no denying that. I'm sure we will hear more from these guys in the near future and I'm very curious about their evolution. Today, Barabbas stands for good old fashioned rocking and rolling fun. The future looks bright for Barabbas, who seem to have invented a beautiful time machine which leads us back to the glory days of hard rock. Recommended? I'd be severely disappointed if you thought I wasn't going to recommend this gem...
Serge
Then again, that shouldn't be surprising. Barabbas consists of members of Sardonis, Rebel Yell, The Grams and Solenoid. They are veterans, massively experienced in creating groovy, immersive metal, which is exactly what they deliver on this album. Influenced by acts like Mastodon, Queens Of The Stone Age, Black Sabbath and Baroness (to name a few), these guys grind, rock and roll as if there is no tomorrow.
The album opens with 'Goldstone' which immediately sets the tone. We're dealing with high energy groove metal here, nothing more, nothing less. The array of riffs, drums, twin guitars and a decent sense of humor will make every stoner rocker drool. 'Sister' and 'Right Where You Want Me' seem to follow the opener's heavy rocking example, but then there is the weird and amusing 'Guy Tells Us How To Make An Omelet' which for more than one reason reminds me of Tool's 'Die Eier Of Satan'. Maybe I'm just hungry.
'I'll Stand Behind You' is arguably my favorite track here, a classic old school hard rock tune that nowadays would make a perfect stoner rock track. In that aspect, I wouldn't be surprised if Barabbas appears on one of the stages on Desertfest in October. I wouldn't mind and I wouldn't be surprised if the quartet delivers a mouthwatering set. Just listen to a track like 'Thorn In My Side' which brings the spirit of Led Zeppelin to today's heavy scene. Heads will bang, crowds will surf, pits will mosh.
In all, this is a highly interesting debut album from a club of ultra experienced gentlemen. There is no denying that. I'm sure we will hear more from these guys in the near future and I'm very curious about their evolution. Today, Barabbas stands for good old fashioned rocking and rolling fun. The future looks bright for Barabbas, who seem to have invented a beautiful time machine which leads us back to the glory days of hard rock. Recommended? I'd be severely disappointed if you thought I wasn't going to recommend this gem...
Serge
