MOTHERSLOTH

Moon Omen – CD // DD

Argonauta Records – Released March 3, 2017

Reviewed by Ric “Suisyko” Dorr

Formed in 2008, based out of Madrid Spain, this is the third release from MOTHERSLOTH and first released through Italian label Argonauta Records. They described themselves as doom/stoner/sludge metal, but there is a precision to the songs offered here that these tags become useless and unnecessary. Sure, lots of open chords, ultra-distorted bass lines and pounding hammers of doom on each drum head in proximity, but that tech-prowess again belies that there are no limits to what these three are able to create. Listing members as Oscar / drums, Moline / bass guitar and Daniel / vox and guitars, they started playing gigs live in 2010 before their first release in 2012 “Hazy Blur Of Life”, followed up in 2014 with “Moribund Star” and endless shows and appearances followed. Tons of positive reviews and comments filled the air with everyone that witnessed these guys in action and this released has been greatly anticipated since.

‘Shadow Witch’ hits hard from the first second with all the punch you could expect and then at exactly 40 seconds in, we are greeted with softer, clean notes and Daniel in a whisper voice speaking of “nothingness”, and then the dark-heavy looms right back in as the opener lets us know trying to label them is a waste as so many genre’s swirl effortlessly together to be all and none specific at the same time. ‘Once Human’ sweeps directly out of the signal-chirp at the end and lumbers forward, maintaining that staggered pacing that allows Oscar to show his chops from beginning to end and Moline flows in perfect symmetry, keeping the deep and dark bottom end pummeling in presence.

“Lost souls wander the dark and desolate forest…” is how ‘The Firemill’ enters the room and “bloodlust” is the tone of this seven minute plus crusher that has Daniel’s soaring vocal hitting heights he had not ventured to with a clarity that shows growth in the lapse of time since the last release. The haunting tones of the solo section towards the end echo, the feel of the song is the perfect ‘cherry on top’ for this track.

‘Doomsday Cyborg’ is the one that the hardcore stoner/sludge junkies will gravitate towards with it’s 2/4 core time sig and enough feedback loops hand fed in ‘sugar-cubes’ of phase shifted delight to cause a flashback… or three, all the way to the slow fade out. ‘Wish For Dawn’ begins with a slower back beat and a cleaner guitar progression as a not-distorted bass line allows for the power chords to rip through and set up Daniel’s vocal perfectly. Another searing solo section during the last half will melt your face off and leave you wanting it to go on and on… and on. The harmonic fade out at the end then gives a chill across your flesh.

Title track, and personal favorite from this one, ‘Moon Omen’ begins with the sounds of the forest, complete with an echoing whisper traversing the wind blowing from all directions, and then the body is set by a lone guitar screaming in lucid softness. At 3:20, the sky breaks as the fury hits hard with all three members for thirty seconds; back to ethereal guitar progression, alone once more… until joined by the richest lingering notes that force eyes and ears up high to see the glory eminating forth. Moline gets to take the last portion of the song as he steps forth with the body and melody as Oscar busts out some jazz fills that make this section even better than it could have been as Daniel’s 6-string mastery shines as the edge of the final second.

Front to back, the most cohesive collection put forth from this band yet, well worth the wait and another must-have for 2017.  Get it like, yesterday, SEE & support them if you get the chance and keep it LOUD!!