REVIEW: Mosara, "Mosara Demo 2019"

By: Randall Platt

Album Type: Demo

Date Released: 29/11/2019

Label: Independent

“Mosara Demo 2019” DD track listing:

1). “I Cain”

2). “Clay and Iron”

The Review:

Phoenix, Arizona also known as the Valley of the Sun, is a strange metropolis area located in the upper edge of the Sonoran Desert.  It's not too rare for temperatures to reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit and anyone living in such an area will tell you, that kind of heat can fill a person with a certain type of anger.       From listening to Mosara’s recently released demo, it's easy to see that they are no stranger to such angst. 

First forming in 2005 by guitarist/vocalist Tony Gallegos, Mosara started out as a straightforward doom band.  The first incarnation of the band eventually dissolved with members going on to form bands such as Enirva, Collapsian and TwinGiant.  Luckily for us, in the summer of 2018, Gallegos and guitarist, Nikos Mixas joined forces with drummer, John Quinn and bassist, Kristoffer Reynolds to re-form Mosara and bring some good old fashion doom metal to the south-west area.The bands two song demo, released in November of 2019, is a great insight into what we can expect from Mosara in the future.  

Some people might be put off by the word “demo” but the recording and engineering far exceeds what one might consider “demo quality”. A feed backing guitar and Gallegos' guttural vocals bring us into the sludgy goodness entitled “I Cain”.  The best way to describe this song is to think about Black Tusk and Lord Mantis having a one night stand, someone not pulling out and nine months later Mosara's “I Cain” is born.  I mean this in the most flattering way possible.

Next up, is the five in half minute banger “Clay and Iron”.  This track starts off with an impending doom kind of riff and once the drums kick in, it only intensifies this feeling.  When Gallegos' vocals start, it sounds like he is in actual agony, which is a sound I always enjoy. These painful screams add a great nuance to the overall sound of the song.  The chorus has a groovy Sabbath type guitar that takes presence and really gets the head moving.  The breakdown reminds me of an Aztec warrior riding into battle, spear in hand, ready to conquer any who gets in his way.  This is followed by a melodic and creamy guitar solo with leads us to the last verses of “Clay and Iron”  

Do yourself a favor and take eight minutes out of your day to check out Mosara's demo.  You won't be disappointed.  

“Demo” is available now

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

ALBUM STREAM & REVIEW: Twingiant - "Blood Feud"

By: Ernesto Aguilar

Album Type: Full length

Date Released: 13/10/2017

Label: Argonauta Records

"Twingiant seems like it is out to represent an immortal hard rock sound that will always be loved. It's a great sound, and one that has floated Twingiant from underground favorite to emerging powerhouse."

“Blood Feud” CD//DD Track listing

1). Throttled

2). Poison Control Party Line

3). Ride The Gun

4). Re-fossilized

5). Shadow of Southern Mountain

6). Formerly Known As

7). Last Man Standing

8). Kaishakunin

The Review:

These moments, every band is a something-something-something. Is this a marketing thing, or entirely accurate? There's blackgaze-sludge, symphonic-death-doom, hardcore-atmospheric-drone, something-but-wait-something-else. You get the picture. Three out of ten times, there's some truth to it. The rest? Well, it's often left up to interpretation. Very charitable interpretation.

The beautiful thing, if you're Phoenix's Twingiant, is that when you have a fun and a refreshing sound you do not need a shit ton of hyphens

Since the band formed in 2010, Twingiant has seemed to pick a lane and stayed in it. Their stoner rock is cut from that classic 1970s cloth you may know well. The big sound of Mountain, the multilayered compositions of Black Sabbath, and down the line. More than a few have noticed bits of sludge metal here, but to categorize them as a sludge metal act feels inadequate. Twingiant seems like it is out to represent an immortal hard rock sound that will always be loved. It's a great sound, and one that has floated Twingiant from underground favorite to emerging powerhouse.

Their new release, "Blood Feud," comes after a string of critically hailed recordings. 2014's "Devil Down" (whose artwork was a not-so-subtle nod to Van Halen's “Diver Down”) and 2013's "Sin Nombre" both made Twingiant's reputation. There was a bit of grumbling that the last album wasn't as strong as its debut, or perhaps a tad too refined. If you were in that crowd, "Blood Feud" may be just the red meat you wanted.

There are many things to like on Twingiant's newest. "Poison Control Party Line" sees the double guitar assault of Tony Gallegos and Nikos Mixas that figures prominently throughout the album. It tends to be most resonant on this cut, but you hear its maturation on a song like "Re-fossilized." There's a subtle rhythm guitar element to it that quickly clears the way for the raucous almost full instrumental jam (vocals kick in more than four minutes in). You might be able to close your eyes and think this is what it sounded like as everyone lit up in the middle of Foghat show around 1974. Yeah, that sort of thing.

A few listens in and you come to value Jeff Ramon on drums. His playing on "Shadow of South Mountain" is without compare. Clean, rapid-fire and meets the challenge of Jarrod Le Blanc's hearty vocals across "Blood Feud." Ramon also takes on the steady build of "Last Man Standing" with aplomb. A good drummer can really make the other instruments blend together, and Ramon bridges guitars and bass into a seductive package in an all-around sharp performance.

As with any heavy rock group, though, Twingiant prospers with LeBlanc up front. Although it can't be said that LeBlanc has the greatest range as a singer, he is skilled at using what he has to the fullest extent. A song like "Ride the Gun" comes at you with a familiar sounding chord progression and chorus, but LeBlanc draws it out to something more unique with his signature snarl. He's also smart about stepping back and letting the music set the mood, as he does in "Throttled," where vocals don't go until a full minute in. And the pace Twingiant go for with "Blood Feud" is faster and more aggressive than even before. Thus, LeBlanc demonstrates a good intuition about what he's doing in a muscular appearance.

"Blood Feud" may not please all metal fans. However, there is a lot to like about what Twingiant are doing, especially for lovers of the classic power chords and wall of sound.

“Blood Feud” is available to preorder/buy here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

“Because Eleven is one louder”: Nikos Mixas (guitarist for Twingiant) choose his top 5 stoner picks

Phoenix, Arizona's loud and heavy, groove and growl band Twingiant, a recent addition to the Argonauta Records roster, formed in the spring of 2010 and since their inception, have refined its sound from their stoner/sludge rock template to incorporate 70’s rock based elements melded with a modern underground twist. Having released two independent LP’s “Mass Driver” & “Devil Down” in addition to an EP “Sin Nombre”, it was on the back of 2014’s “Devil Down” that the band began generate quite a buzz.

In May of 2015, Twingiant released their first video for the song “Tiger Lily” and in October of the same year, Twingiant successfully toured the Midwest United States in support of “Devil Down”.  They’ve also played Southwest Terror Fest twice in addition to Denver Doomfest.  In July of 2016, Twingiant would re-enter the studio and record a two-song demo that showcases the band’s commitment to crafting their unique sound.  With plans to record an EP in the near future, today we have invited guitarist Nikos Mixas to head up a new feature we have called, “Because eleven is one louder”

Every so often we will invite our favourite band’s to choose their top 5 albums according to the genre their own band is known for.  Today it is stoner rock and here is Nikos from Twingiant to fill you in on the details. 

“The mighty Sludgelord asked me to list my top 5 stoner metal albums of all time and I feel honored to do so…but…I’ll preface my list choices by stating that I’m relatively new to the stoner metal party, and by new I mean I only started really digging into the genre about 10 years ago.  There’s not a Black Sabbath album included on my list, so what??? Fucking sue me or call me a poser if you don’t like it, I could care less. 


Music appreciation is a personal choice and I picked bands and albums that have either shaped or made an impression on me at some point.  I cut my teeth during the 80’s thrash and death metal scene and this may come as a shocker, but I absolutely love black metal the most out of all the genres of metal.  So without further adieu…here are my top 5 stoner metal albums.”    

1). Electric Wizard – “We Live” 

I almost picked “Dopethrone” because, well, it’s still the pinnacle of all EW’s albums. But because I’m a go against the grain type of guy, I picked “We Live”.  “We Live” is more of a haunting and moody album to me.  The whole album screams satanic ceremony and orgy fun time and I dig that shit. 

2). Melvins – “Lysol”

Melvins are heavy, this album is heavier.  It’s sorely underrated and for those that have heard it, regard it as a jewel in their catalog.   There’s a ton of KISS influence in there and the back story on it is amazing.  Read about it on Wikipedia…

3). Goatsnake – “Black Age Blues”

How dare I pick an album that isn’t regarded as a classic!  Well, maybe because they only have three full-lengths and I think this is their best effort by far.  The fucking tones on this thing are amazing and the riffage puts them on a plateau by themselves.  Pete Stahl is one of the best vocalists in metal hands down and he plays a mean harmonica to go with it.  

4). Fu Manchu – “Go For It…Live!”

Let me start by stating Fu Manchu > Kyuss.  Orange County is cooler than the Palm Desert any day of the week.  All joking aside, I picked this album because it pretty much is a “best of” album and the live recording really captures the essence of the SoCal stoner metal/desert rock vibe.



5). Danava – “Hemisphere of Shadows”

These guys rip musically and this album is their thesis.  Riff upon riff, single note runs all over the place and great balance via the rhythm section.  If I get asked what stoner metal sounds like, I always refer them to this album.  Twingiant has had the privilege of opening for them before and I’ve seen them about a half-dozen times live.  They are the real deal, check them out!

Twingiant’s latest release is available here and for more info on the band check out the link below. 

Band info: facebook

Twingiant - Devil Down (Album Review)

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 2/12/2014

Label: Self Release/Medusa Crush Recordings

‘Devil Down’ DD/Tape track listing:

01. "Old Hag"
02. "Dead To Rights"
03. "Daisy Cutter"
04. "Through The Motions"
05. "Tiger Lily"
06. "Under A Blood Moon"
07. "Devil Down"

Bio:

Twingiant is a Phoenix, Arizona based loud and heavy band that formed in the spring of 2010. Since its inception, the band has refined its sound from a conceptual stoner rock template to 70’s rock-based guitars meets modern sludge metal. The band consists of Jarrod Le Blanc (Vocals/Bass), Tony Gallegos (Guitars), Nikos Mixas (Guitars) and Jeff Ramon (Drums).
 

To date, they have released a full-length LP (Mass Driver) and a 4-song EP (Sin Nombre) and will release their 2nd full-length entitled Devil Down in December of 2014. Both Mass Driver and Sin Nombre received excellent reviews from numerous blogs and fans alike. Twingiant has played numerous shows locally and out of state both headlining and in support of larger acts to include but not limited to, Windhand, Pallbearer, Metal Church, Satan’s Satyrs and even Guttermouth. Twingiant recently played Southwest Terror Fest III which included such acts as Neurosis, Sunn0))), Goatsnake and -(16)-.  

Twingiant has plans to tour in the fall and record material for a split EP in 2015

Twingiant is:

Jarrod Le Blanc | Vocals, Bass

Tony Gallegos | Guitars

Nikos Mixas | Guitars

Jeff Ramon | Drums

Review:

Fall has hit and winter is on its tail. The naked trees reach high into the sky like the thick November mist, the smoke from the Devil’s cigarette, weaves its way through the bare branches of the trees. The skies are overcast and hanging so low you think you can touch them. The heaviness of the darkest days of the year begin to take their toll. The ground starts to rumble like a beating heart; thu-thump, thu-thump. As the rumbling gets louder a figure slowly appears out from the fog. This might have been what they were talking about on the news. Take cover, Twingiant has come to town.

Twingiant opens their new album, “Devil Down,” with a dark trudge of ominous foreboding. “Old Hag” is a slow, psychedelic groove that is drenched in watery reverb. As the song builds, the lava lamps are traded in for black candles and the tie-dye for black robes. All other things that celebrate peace and love get crushed to dust once Jarrod starts growling “baby, maybe I’m crazy, only time will tell” on the album’s second cut, “Dead to Rights.” The tone and theme have been set; there’s a heavy darkness abound and you’re being plagued by paranoia.

Up next is “Daisy Cutter,” the band’s lead off single that The Sludgelord streamed here a few weeks ago. This is where Twingiant takes a page out of Red Fang’s book and finds the perfect balance between heavy as fuck and catchy as hell. They do it again on “Tiger Lily,” but because this song is peppered with twin guitars, a wah guitar solo, and a growl summoned from the depths of hell, there’s more at play. There’s a tip of the hat to classic metal, a high five with the Palm Desert, and sharing a bong hit with Kalas. The album’s intensity is palpable but even the wicked need a moment to rest. Twingiant employ slide and acoustic guitars on the track “Under a Blood”, painting a picture of a sunset over the Arizona desert.

Though Twingiant's “Devil Down” is a heavy record, it is a varied platter. The instrumentals are like flickers of light that make an otherwise dark forest pitch black and impossible to see through. That’s exactly what’s happened here as “Under a Blood Moon” is followed by the album’s title track to close things down. The heaviness of “Devil Down’s” mid-tempo march carries like a casket on the shoulders of a pallbearer. Jarrod growls “black heart, red sky” over and over like a mantra before handing things over to an instrumental outro.

Twingiant’s new album “Devil Down” is a moody affair, pairing heavy darkness with light glimmers of hope. With their keen sense of melody and the smart use of calmer instrumentals, the heavy moments on the album get even heavier. Twingiant’s song writing is on par amongst their peers but the way they create and play with atmosphere sticks out.

They may be heavy for the sake of being heavy at times, but it is how they go about this that has drawn me to this album.

Words by: Victor van Ommen

You can pick up for DD Bandcamp for Dec 2 and a cassette release will follow via Medusa Crush Records on Feb 7 2015

For more information:

Website
Bandcamp
Facebook
 

The Sludgelord Presents: Twingiant - 'Daisy Cutter' (Official Track Stream) & New Album Details

Those of you unfamiliar with Twingiant are in for a treat, because this 4 - piece from Phoenix, Arizona play loud and heavy sludge.  Formed in the spring of 2010, since their inception, the band has refined its sound from a conceptual stoner rock template, reinventing themselves with 70’s rock-based guitars meets modern sludge metal. The band consists of Jarrod Le Blanc (Vocals/Bass), Tony Gallegos (Guitars), Nikos Mixas (Guitars) and Jeff Ramon (Drums).
 

To date Twingiant have released a full-length LP (Mass Driver), which The Sludgelord described as '....Spacey, Cosmic and undeniably heavy and groovy at the same time.’ and a 4-song EP (Sin Nombre).  The 2^nd December of 2014, will see Twingiant issuing their 2nd full-length entitled ‘Devil Down’.  Initially released on digital only, the new record will see a release on CD and LP in the New Year, at a date still to be confirmed.  ‘Devil Down’ was engineered and mastered by Ryan Butler (Landmine Marathon) at Arcane Digital Recording.

The band had the following to say about the new album:

"We’ll be releasing our 2nd, full-length album entitled, Devil Down, by the end of the year.  We’re really happy with how it’s coming along and it’s been nothing short of awesome working with Ryan Butler (Landmine Marathon) of Arcane Digital Recording.  Since Tony (guitars) joined the band last summer, our sound evolved as you would expect.  We have more of a 70s/Southern Rock feel now and it’s really evident on Devil Down more so than when we were flirting with that sound on the Sin Nombre EP.  The vocals are probably the most noticeable change from the prior two releases.  You can actually understand 75% of what Jarrod is saying and there are more of them now.  Devil Down still has all the elements that you would expect from Twingiant, but you can definitely tell that we’ve matured and found our stride.  We can’t wait to release it."

With only a few weeks to wait until ‘Devil Down’s official release, The Sludgelord has teamed up with Dewar PR to present the first exclusive taste of this brilliant new record with an official stream of the track, ‘Daisy Cutter’.  I hope you dig this band as much as we do.  Keep your eyes open for future updates.  In the meantime, enjoy the track, check out their music on Bandcamp, head over to their facebook and most of all, tell your friends and give this band the attention they deserve.

For more information

Website
Bandcamp
Facebook