Album
Type : Full Length
Date
Released : 8/4/2014
Label :
Self Release
‘Dark
Fortunes’, track listing:
1).
Possession 05:19
2).
Esta Noche 05:25
3).
Soma 03:51
4).
Dark Fortunes 05:20
5).
Spread Thin 04:29
6).
Archaic Passage 05:44
Bio :
Psych-infused,
melodic doom metallers Satyress formed in the brutal Portland
winter of 2012. Within a realm known for its lack of sun and tall timber,
inhabitants form chants in response to misted dark clouds. Together, the spawn
of LSD&D and a singer known as the Dead Bird of Night Dreams set in motion
a trial which would test the vocal range and maternal power of the four-headed
Chimara to the utmost. Through witchery ritual and carnal riffs Satyress conjures
up the force of rock's potent spirit.
This tetrad
now features drummer Yorck Franken, bassist, Alex Fast guitarist Billy
Nitetooth, and lead singer Jamie LaRose. The unearthly craft of their rituals
has yielded the band's first offering: Dark Fortunes
The album was recorded
and mixed at Opal Studios in Portland, Oregon with Kevin Hahn in the summer of
2013, with mastering manifested at Audioseige with Brad Boatright. The eldritch
cover artwork and layout come courtesy of artist Calvin Cushman and Jason
Roberts.
The Band :
Alex Fast | Bass
Yorck Franken | Drums
Billy Nitetooth | Guitars
Jamie LaRose | Vocals
Review :
A ‘Satyr’ is
a man goat hybrid, therefore a ‘Satyress’ from what I can gather is the female
version, and the chosen band name for newcomers to the fast becoming overcrowded
doom/stoner/psychedelic scene Satyress. Independently releasing their debut
album ‘Dark Fortunes’, their quintessential Sabbath soaked riffs and catchy
hooks have secured them credible attention and a promising future.
Led by female vocalist Jamie LaRose, Satyress
demonstrate just like (to name a few) Witch Mountain and Windhand, how the
genre can massively benefit from a female vocalist. There’s something about
harsh crushing guitar riffs played alongside a bold mesmerizing female vocal
that creates such a desirable fusion.
The
Witch Mountain comparison is unavoidable, both also hailing from Portland Oregon,
however Satyress manage to stand out amongst the female fronted doom paradigm.
‘Dark Fortunes’ reinforced a valuable lesson and
that is the importance of a second listen. Almost cast aside until a second
time round revelation presented itself, when my uncertainty over the vocals
diminished and the catchy chorus’ shone through. Opening track Possession is an enchanting affair,
drenched in occult lyrical themes which pervade the entire album. Punchy
distorted riffs and an emphatic chorus collide to make an album highlight
contender, along with next track Esta
Noche which oozes seduction with blues infused doom riffs and enthralling
vocal hooks. Soma and Dark Fortunes perpetuate the occult
theme and hypnotic psychedelia, all underpinned by LaRose’s distinctive vocal
capabilities.
Staying true to the doom/stoner formula throughout,
‘Dark Fortunes’ isn’t anything ground breaking, nevertheless Satyress emerge
triumphant with a solid debut release, demonstrating undoubted promise for
their future endeavours. Dark, mysterious, spellbinding, this album leaves you
no choice but to succumb to their hypnotic charm.
Words
by : Heather Blewett
You can get it here
