ALBUM REVIEW: Barren Womb, "Lizard Lounge"

By: Peter Morsellino


Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 22/05/2020
Label: Loyal Blood Records

 

“Lizard Lounge” CD//DD//LP track listing:


1). Cemetary Slopestyle
2). Karma As A Tour Manager
3). Hairy Palm
4). Crop Circle Jerk
5). Smokes, Let G
6). Molten Pig
7). Nerve Salad
8). Be Kind, Have Fun And Try Not To Die
9). Hydroponic Youth
10). You Do The Meth
 

The Review: 
 

Some albums just do better played at maximum volume, and boy howdy is this one of those albums.  Norwegian duo Barren Womb unleash a noisy assault upon the world with “Lizard Lounge”, an album that mixes noise rock with hardcore attitude and some good old fashioned rock and roll good times.  
 

Barren Womb make the most of their two man format with a tight sound that fills in the space nicely.  Bass junkies such as myself will be pleasantly surprised that the album feels very complete, with an extremely rich and full texture that leaves very little to be desired. Driving beats and well used guitar stylings are put together perfectly to craft a rock solid sound. 
 

On an album ripe with dessert rockers and fuzzed out proto grunge romps, the funky ass guitar riffs rein supreme.  Lending a wonderful lightness to the album, these are riffs that are undeniably fun, and will keep you dancing for the entirety of Lizard Lounge's thirty seven minute time span. 
 

“Be Kind, Have Fun, and Try Not to Die” is a shining example of a track that maintains the band's harder edge nose rock sound while being undeniably hook filled, with a gooey sing-along center.  This song is a hit, through and through. 
 

Barren Womb proves the theory that modern metal bands can be fun and catchy without needing to throw away the filthy grit to get there. “Lizard's Lounge” is an amazing take on the noise rock genre that is worthy of a spot in even the pickiest of fan's collections. 
 

“Lizard Lounge” is available HERE
 

Band info: Official || facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Timeworn, "Leave the Soul for Now"

By: Peter Morsellino

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 06/12/2020

Label: Loyal Blood Records

“Leave the Soul for Now” track listing:

1). Sky Castles

2). Count the Crosses

3). Oblivion Seekers

4). Hellwater

5). Paradise Crown

6). Visceral Reality

7). The Fallen King

8). Vagrant Heart

The Review:

Norway's Timeworn return with a banger of a third album. “Leave the Soul for Now” is the culmination of the five year journey that Timeworm has taken us on since their first effort.  This is an emotional, visceral work; leaving very little to be desired. Whatever your favorite albums of 2019 may have been, I hope you wrote your list in pencil, because this one will be squeezing its way in.

Timeworn's sound is an interesting blend of influences. Mixing the aggression of Trivium's earlier works with the melodies of modern In Flames, and the briefest of hints of their homeland's black metal heritage shining through at times. “Leave the Soul for Now” is an auditory delight, with a complex, layered, yet very easily accessible sound. Seriously, these guys should he getting play on every modern rock station the world over.

The standout for me is midpoint “Hellwater”. An out of nowhere Alice in Chains style romp. Complete with acoustic guitars, haunting vocal harmonies and a blazing solo to tie the bow together with some sludgy riffing sneaking its way in there just to keep you on your toes. This one will bury itself deep within you, and you'll be humming it for days to come. . It is truly an incredible specimen.

Vocals shine particularly on “Leave the Soul for Now”, delivering sharp barks, melodic singing, and moaning wails over the album's fifty five minutes plus.  Guitars crunch and grind the way they are supposed to, while singing and weeping when needed. The rhythm section is tight as can be, but not settling to service the songs alone.  Together all parts form a cohesive, aggressive while beautiful attack. The emotion conveyed by this band seeps into your soul. When it’s finished, prepare to need a second play pretty quick, because you will miss it desperately.

Timeworn deliver the goods here expertly. With an album full of surprises, the biggest one must be that I've never heard of these guys before.  This thing crushes. It should be everywhere. Spread the word. Scream it from the windows.

“Leave the Soul for Now” by Timeworn.  Don't forget it. You will hear it again. 

“Leave the Soul for Now” is available HERE

Band info: facebook || bandcamp