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This
is a killer mini CD of only 3 songs. Contrary to what is usually
the case I wish this first release by this Nashville foursome
was longer. Much longer. This is doom of the mightiest fabric;
devastating, heartfelt, well-played, melodic and with a female
singer to kill for. Usually the good thing about doom goes to
the musicians’ benefit, because between each striking of a chord
the lethargic pace of the music allows them to take a bite of
sandwich, zip up their pants or even better, toke up. Totem
remain busy though, with every chunky chord filling the room
with their downtuned sound and enchanting melodies the band is
crafting some of the most entertaining doom metal of ages.
Opening cut “Kagemni” moves at
sluggish pace but has a simple soloing –and sometimes
psychedelic- guitar breaking and entering every time vocalist
Jex Thoth gives us an unneeded break from her mighty cosmic
pipes. It does sound like one of those graphic photos of a
starry sky and some sort of ancient stone temple, Stonehenge is
too tiny and insignificant, think Macchu Picchu instead. “Luna
Moth Speaks” sounds almost like a fried-brained folk band, with
a break in melody one third into it, the song goes from folksy
and preachy into classic doom metal territory, with vocalist
Thoth predicating to the masses and the music concocting a
lethal potion, that’s both deadly and addictive. It’s a nice
balance that Totem has found, heaviness and this old school
feeling that seems to come and belong to sheepish towns, small
town mindness, and esoteric interests. The closing track also
deserves a stand-up ovation, like its predecessors showcases the
band’s strengths; melody, heaviness, and a developed sense of
musicianship. If this EP is rightful evidence of what we can
expect from this band, then we better get ready. Excellent
Swedish doom label I Hate should be issuing a full-length very
soon. Pay very close attention or you might miss the next work
of this band.
MySpace
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