Album Type:
EP
Date Released:
July 15th
2014
Label:
Midnite Collective
Ancient Altar
– S/T - track listing:
1.Tidal 05:33
2.Ek Balam 08:49
3.Feed 03:39
4.Pulled Out 08:03
Bio
Hailing
from Los Angeles, the land of the unrelenting sun, Ancient Altar
bring an arcane philosophy and a stripped down approach to their
bristling and brutal brand of heavy rock. Formed in late 2013, the
band features bassist Scott Carlson and guitar player Barry Kavener
splitting vocal duties, along with guitar player Jesse Boldt and
drummer Tom Oz, who together have birthed a slow burning doom/sludge
combo.
Band Members
Scott: Bass/Vocals
Barry: Guitar/Vocals
Jesse: Guitar
Tom: Drums
Review:
Ancient
Altar's début release is an heavy mix of Sludge, Doom, Hard Rock,
Stoner Metal all held together with a thick crusted Post-Metal groove
to awaken your senses to. It may only last 27 mins or so but it more
than makes it up with some heavy as fuck pounding gigantic riffs to
crush your senses to.
Opening
track – Tidal – comes on like an out of control tidal wave with
Ancient Altar showing their intent to the world. A hazy screeching
noise effect comes in with the dual vocals of pitch black death based
shrieks and a Scott Kelly inspired voice over gives this track extra
weight in the creepy steaks. Ancient Altar don't fuck about with
moods. They are bleak and desolate through out this EP. Ancient Altar
even add touches of Blues Rock here and there to give their overall
sound a rough as hell exterior.
2nd
track – Ek Balam – one of two epic 8 minute tracks is where the
band show their true potential. As they slowly build the atmosphere
with creaking Post-Metal vibes before adding different noises as time
slowly passes by. Ancient Altar bring their self imposed Stripped
Back approach to the forefront and it's one gloomy dark experience
which is more Doomgaze than Shoegaze. The instrumental work is
intense as it slowly takes over your sub-conscience before unleashing
a torrent of violent noises that will leave you an emotional wreck!!!
3rd
track – Final – is a more straight forward Crust/Sludge/Hard
Rock/Stoner Metal song that feels it was transported from the 70s and
given a modern day makeover. Especially with the vocals as it has a
sinister feel to them. Ever wondered what Death Metal growls would
sound like if it was matched with 70s Hard Rock. Then here is the
answer folks. One of the albums stand-out tracks. If you're into
Church Of Misery then this song will speak volumes to you.
Last
but by no means least is the sublime 8 minute epic – Pulled Out.
Slow-paced guitar riffs start this nightmarish journey before the
band lay down some of the heaviest riffs on the EP for you to consume
your troubled soul with. A thrilling end to an brilliant release.
Ancient
Altar are being tipped for great things and on this form who are we
to argue. Ancient Altar are on the verge of greatness. These guys
will be one of the most talked about bands in the years to come.
Watch these guys soar!!!
Thanks
to Cat Jones at Southern Cross PR and Ancient Altar for sending me a
promo to review.
Ancient
Altar – S/T – is now available to buy from Midnite Collective
now.
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Written by Steve Howe
