Album Type:
Album
Date Released:
August 18th
2014
Label:
FABA / Deepdive Records
Arch Stanton -
track listing:
1. Fifty Seven
2. Fifty Six
3. Fifty Three
4. Fifty Four
5. Fifty Five
6. Twenty Three
7. Fifty Eight
8. Fifty Nine
Band Members
Will Mecum
Rob Halkett
Evan Devine
Review:
One
of Stoner Metal’s legendary bands returns with their new album –
Arch Stanton. It sees Karma To Burn at a crossroads at their career.
Where do they go from here as they have pretty much ruled the
Instrumental Stoner Metal scene since they reformed back in 2009.
This is their 3rd album since then and 6th overall.
There
have been a few casualties along the way with Lead Guitarist – Will
– being the only member left from the classic K2B line-up . As
drummer Rob Oswald quit music altogether back in 2012. Bassist Rich
Mullins left the band last year. Therefore, Will is the only member
left from this bands rich musical legacy. Can Karma To Burn live upto
past glories with their new album or will it burn too quickly as with
their last album V.
Arch
Stanton is their best album in years as it more than matches the
output of their earlier classic albums. The album positions Karma To
Burn as the King of the instrumental stoner metal bands. They still
can show the young pretenders to their throne a trick or two. First
track – Fifty-Seven – features a faster paced vibe with the old
magic still there with elements of classic K2B swagger for everyone
to hear. It is a superb track to open the album with as it proves
that K2B know how to write a truly passionate riff to get your pulse
racing.
The
album is heavily influenced by Sergio Leone classic – The Good, The
Bad and The Ugly. As Arch Stanton is the name on grave where the
buried treasure is hidden. Look at the awesome album cover designed by Alexander von Wieding who designed the album covers for previous K2B releases such as Appalachian
Incantation and V.
The album plays out like a lost soundtrack
to that classic western. It has its fair share of thrills and spills
that can match any classic on-screen gunfight. This is classic K2B
territory with the bands legendary style of fast-paced stoner metal
riffs sounding fresher as they have ever been. Tracks such as
Fifty-Six, Fifty-Three and Twenty-Three show that that K2B have a
more stripped back approach. It is a lot more direct with the band
are not afraid unleashing some of the heaviest riffs of their career.
Will is on fire through out as his guitar work is impressive as ever. Will has excellent support from Evan on drums and Rob on bass.
My fave ever K2B track is 20 and it still remains a fan favourite to this day. Though that may soon change with the epic last track on the album – Fifty Nine – which is a track where the band have mixed soundclips from The Good, The Bad and The Ugly with their trademark Stoner Metal riffs for one thrilling ride that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
My fave ever K2B track is 20 and it still remains a fan favourite to this day. Though that may soon change with the epic last track on the album – Fifty Nine – which is a track where the band have mixed soundclips from The Good, The Bad and The Ugly with their trademark Stoner Metal riffs for one thrilling ride that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Arch
Stanton is a thrilling and explosive ride. It firmly puts Karma To
Burn at the forefront of Instrumental Stoner Rock. On this form, no
one comes even close. Be prepared to be blown away.
Thanks
to James at Prescription PR for sending me a promo to review. Arch
Stanton will be available to buy from FABA / Deepdive Records from
August 18th 2014.
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Written
by Steve Howe
