rituals. I admit, it's a bit gross but reading intestins has been a tradition in many cultures and
religions throughout the entire history of mankind. And maybe they were right, think about it. Tiny mutations in animal bowels could be early symptoms of environmental changes. It was very well possible that shamans, voodoo priests and druids used these observations to predict what was about to come and act on what they saw.
Well, it looks like my mind is wandering off again. It often does that and is had been doing that for decades. Don't worry, I'm perfectly fine. I'm just enjoying this superb album by French stoner
rockers Abrahma while I indulge myself in their mystic themes. Actually, if you're a stoner rock fan, or if you like the old grunge gods like Soundgarden or Alice In Chains, you should to. This is probably one of the most mature heavy rock albums in years, sounding both complex and brisk.
There are ten tracks on this album, each representing a hynpotic ritual where voices spawn from deep within the high priest, or whatever you like to name the performer. The music is loaded with fuzzy riffs and psychedelic passages. This is almost an historic overview from Led Zeppelin over the previously mentioned bands to Monster Magnet. Evolving ever further away from the loud stoner rock scene, these Frenchmen have mastered the art of rock into a new wave of classic rock.
Mentioning Monster Magnet wasn't really a coincidence. Ed Mundell plays guitar solos on “A Shepherd’s Grief”. Another guest appearance is Vincent Dupuy, who plays saxophone on "Omens Pt. 2". Thomas Bellier (Blaak Heat Shujaa, Spindrift) was resonsible for the production. This might give a clue about the overall sound, a clue that should make many rockers run to their local record stores and get a hold on this epic album.
'Kapal Kriya' absolutely is my favourite track, almost hypnotic and intensly psychedelic. However,
Abrahma doesn't shun tempo. 'Square The Cirle' is a very powerful rocker, combining a vintage sound with modern alternative rock elements. The album continuously varies and alternates and never goes wrong. Here and there some minor country influences are present as if the ghost of Johnny Cash made a guest appearance as well.
In all, after a few listens I think this album will go right into my 'rock & metal masterpieces' shelf, next to some Pink Floyd, Sleep, Godspeed! You Black Emperor and Black Sabbath releases. Abrahma will fit right in with some of these classics with their perfect combination of powerful rock
and a complex and mature sound. Stunning piece of music...
Serge