Friday, April 13, 2018

Atomic Vulture - Stone of the Fifth Sun



     Belgian Space Rockers, Atomic Vulture are suiting up for the May 18th release of their new Extended Play, Stone of the Fifth Sun and it's a good'n! Clocking in at just shy of 23 minutes, these five slabs of space-truckin' goodness are being dropped upon us by German start up label, Jackalope Music. 
     This trio of musicians has perfected their sound over the course of two EPs and a full length since their inception. Laying low since their 2014 LP, Into Orbit and replacing original bass player, Jelle Galle with Kris Hoornaert have certainly not slowed down the spacecraft that is Atomic Vulture. It's difficult to come across truly engaging and original instrumental rock music these days, but AV have made it not only easy, but downright enjoyable! So let's dive right into this chunk of galactic gold!
     Opening up the album, we've got Jaguar which starts with an opening swell into a single phased guitar riff. This breaks way to a stellar mid-paced rocker with a meteor shower of stoner riffs setting the stage for what will turn out to be a hell of a ride.
     Next up is my personal favorite track, Wind. With a run time of almost 7 minutes, this song literally feels like you're barreling through an asteroid belt of fuzzed out bass accented by meaty riffs and pounding drums. Breaking down only for a few moments into what can only be described as an opiate influenced guitar solo (i.e. the second half of Metallica's Orion). Drummer Jens Van Hollebeke ending on a military-style roll is bittersweet. It sounds great, but I know the song is coming to an end. 
     At this point on the record, the boys bring in guest vocalist, Hank Vanhee from Belgium stoner kings, Cowboys & Aliens for Rain. This song is a straight-up ripper! No brakes, gas until the tank is dry, rock & roll. With a chorus reminiscent of Chris Cornell during the Bad Motorfinger days of Soundgarden, AV couldn't have picked a better guest vocalist for this track. Good job, guys!
     The fourth tune on Stone of the Fifth Sun is Water, which is aptly titled considering the dripping wet guitar tone that opens this one up. Weaving back and forth between reverb drenched clean tones and a grooved out fuzzy stoner jam, I was digging this track straight out the gate. When it comes to creating atmosphere, Guitarist Pascal David and company not only hit the mark, but they hit it hard!
     Rounding out the EP is the fifth and final track, Earthquake. This song starts off with some strong drum and bass and bridges into a tight spacey blues rock mid-section. Just when you think it's all winding down,  the song breaks into a group of riffs that could've been lifted directly from Tony Iommi's riff vault... and it's fucking sweet. 
     Props go out to Jackalope Music for hooking me up with the promo for this one. Stone of the Fifth Sun is available for pre-order on their website right now. You'd be fucking up if you miss out on this one. In the meantime, you can rock out to the first single, Jaguar through the spotify player below. Enjoy!

-Rybo




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