Monday 15 September 2014

The Proselyte - Our Vessel's In Need EP (Review)

Our Vessel's In Need cover art
Album Type: EP
Date Released: 19th August 2014
Label: Gypsyblood Records

Our Vessel's In Need - track listing:

1.End Regions 03:49
2.Log Computer 03:45
3.Existential Risk 04:34
4.Irish Goodbye 03:48
5.A Stubborn Hem 06:22

Bio

With three full tours, an LP and a 7" all conquered in the last 18 months, this trio show no signs of slowing down. They have material released on Teenage Disco Bloodbath(Ramming Speed, Engineer, Finisher) and Intense Human Victories. They recently completed a five song EP and are currently shopping it around and planning a big fall run.

Members

Alec T. Rodriguez - Vox/Drums
Bradford J. Macomber - Bass/Circuitry
Nicholas G. Wolf - Vox/Guitars

Review:

The Proselyte first came to my attention back in 2011 when they released their superb debut album – Sunshine. A stunning mix of Sludge, Stoner, Doom and Hardcore vibes. It won some minor acclaim within the Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal community.

Fast forward 3 years and The Proselyte are back with their new EP – Our Vessel's In Need – and it's a major step-up from their debut album. I was expecting something good but what I experienced was something entirely different. The Proselyte have taken everything that was good from their debut album and turned it on it's head. This is a more lean action packed affair with the emphasis on rhythm and groove.

The Proselyte take the Sludge/Stoner Rock riffs of Red Fang & Sandrider and matched them with the thunderous vibes of early Mastodon with the speed and ferocity of Motorhead. This EP may only last 22 minutes but what it lacks in length it more than makes up with stunning riffs that will have you begging for more.

Opening track – End Regions – has a sublime Progressive Sludge/Stoner Rock vibe running through it's veins whilst a powerful dual vocal attack from Alec and Nicholas gives this song a pissed off psychedelic edge to it. Oh yeah I am digging this a great deal.

The Proselyte change tactics for 2nd track – Log Computer – by going for a more Baroness feel though still sounding so damn fresh and original. The riffs are played at a more frantic pace with hazy psychedelic rock being the main order of business once again. One of the EP's stand-out tracks that exhibits the full dynamic vocal range of the two demented vocalists.

The Proselyte unleash hell on earth for the next song – Existential Risk – and it's great to see that the band add elements of Hardcore to the mix. This is perfect moshpit material as it's packed full of violent energy to unleash your entire body to.

4th track – Irish Goodbye – carries on the earlier songs vibes though with a distinct pop-sludge edge coming to the front though with intense vocals being added for a menacing playful mood. The vocals may sound a bit over-produced here at times but it's still a thrilling experience to listen to.

Last but by no means least is the EP's stand-out track – A Stubborn Hem – a sludge/post-rock/post-metal/drone based hybrid that soon gets under your skin with powerful psychedelic riffs and dream-like Josh Homme inspired vocals. Embrace this song for all it's worth as The Proselyte will leave you in a hypnotic state. A great way to end this excellent EP.

Thanks to Kim at Catharsis PR for sending us a promo to review. Our Vessel's In Need is available to buy on DD/Vinyl from BandCamp now and Vinyl from Gypsyblood Records.

Check the Band from Links Below


Written by Steve Howe