Atlanta’s Doom Metal upstarts LungBurner have landed firmly within the Metal scene as one of the newest modern bands carrying the torch of the blueprint that Black Sabbath created over 40 years ago. In particular, Sabbath’s first three albums are all over the project’s debut two-track single “The Rift.”
A digital only release, it wets the appetite of every doom metal fan and the excitement for what comes next. One of the highlights of the release is definitely its production. It is obvious that LungBurner reaching for a retro feel and are heavily influenced by Rodger Bain and his early Black Sabbath productions. One of the issues with bands going for this type of sound is that usually the bass is mixed too loud and dominates the material. In this case, the bass is audible but it still gives way for the guitar and drums. The guitar has enough gain, it’s powerful and greasy—just as it should be.
The songwriting is as strong; there is plenty here to celebrate. Both the title track and “Weasel Phillips” are heavy, pounding numbers. They are powerful, rock oriented songs driven by thick riff mastery. “Weasel Phillips” in particular is a step above in terms of its sophistication, fitting in crunchy guitars with quite a few unsettling spots.
“The Rift” is an excellent introductory release from the Atlanta metallers. My hope is that the next releases will embrace more of different styles such as folk rock and progressive rock. This is a record worth giving a try for everyone who enjoys organic heavy metal / hard rock sound, and I am sure that there are people who still appreciate this over hyper-tight computerised albums.
This is a record worth giving a try for everyone who enjoys organic heavy metal / hard rock sound, and I am sure that there are people who still appreciate this over hyper-tight computerised albums.
