Thursday 26 June 2014

Heterodox - Elixir Of Lethe - Album Review

Elixir of Lethe cover art

Album Type: Album
Date Released: June 27th 2014
Label: Self Released

Elixir Of Lethe - track listing:

1.Elixir of Lethe 07:28
2.Qualm 12:15
3.Imageless 04:41
4.Amorphous 07:56
5.Ascent 13:41

Bio

Heterodox are a gritty blend of heavy tones. Specializing in Heavy Doom-Groovin' tunes. 3-piece band from Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.

Band Members

Luke Burns - Guitar, Vocals
Floyd Pepper - Bass, Vocals
Jared Green - Drums

Review:

Heterodox is a band from New Zealand. Their debut album – Elixir of Lethe – is a very hard album to describe. Parts Doom and Stoner Metal mixed with a heavy progressive rock vibe holding everything together.

Elixir of Lethe is one of those albums that you will enjoy from the very first listen as Heterodox have delivered a stunning debut album packed full of different ideas to entertain you with. The album does have a slight Tool influence especially with the vocals are concerned.

First track – Elixir Of Lethe – start weaving their psychedelic magic onto an unsuspecting audience as the band add different elements of Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal at different stages of their music. The song starts very heavy before slowing down to a soothing hard rock riff with storming lead vocals from Luke come into play. The instrumental work features some beautifully played heavy riffs towards the end of the track.

Heterodox 2nd song – Qualm - is probably my fave track on the album as it where the album fully comes to life with the band laying down more riffs that are impressive that once again crosses between Progressive Rock, Stoner/Doom Metal. The dual vocals of Floyd & Luke add a sinister touch near the middle of this epic 12-minute track. The band even adds some 80’s Hard Rock/Heavy Metal guitar shredding to change the mood and atmosphere once again. However, it works as Qualm ventures from one mood to the next. It may put some listeners off when first listening to the album but give it time as these sonic riffsters write intelligent music you need time to experience the full effect.

Third track – Imageless – is a more straight up Hard Rock/Prog Rock track with the band using TOOL inspired riffs. It’s the album’s most accessible track as it has a superb sing-along chrous to sing you heart out to. Though do not worry people – the Psych Doom/Stoner Metal riffs are still there waiting to be discovered.

Maybe Heterodox can be called a Progressive Stoner Metal band as they embrace that style of music for the last two songs – Amorphous and Ascent, which takes up the final 20 minutes of this epic album. The band once again blend Doom, Stoner Metal and Prog Rock for a non-stop onslaught of superb riffs that still make this band very hard to categorize. Maybe I should stop worrying about what genre they fall under and celebrate the fact Heterodox have dared to do something different within the Doom/Stoner Metal scene. You need to hear this album for yourselves as you are missing something truly special here.

Elixir of Lethe is a must-have album. Do not let this album pass you by. An incredible debut album.

Thanks to the band for sending me a promo to review. Elixir of Lethe will be available to buy on CD/DD on BandCamp from 27th June.

Check the Band from Links Below


Written by Steve Howe