Swedish band STONEWALL NOISE ORCHESTRA have been around since 2004 or thereabouts, making their debut as recording artists in 2005 with follow-ups appearing in 2008 and 2010 respectively, making a name for themselves as a stoner rock/metal band. “Salvation” is their fourth full length production, and was released by Swedish label Transubstans Records in February 2013.
I’ll have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised by this album. I enjoyed the previous outing from this Swedish band quite a lot admittedly, but it’s been some time since I’ve encountered music of this particular kind that I’ve enjoyed as much as this one. “Salvation” indeed.
Soundgarden is a name that kept popping into my head throughout this 10 track affair. Smooth, elegant and energetic displays of hammering riffs, riff eruptions and riff cascades, occasional dips into slower paced and gentler territories using grimier, dirty toned down riffs to enhance moods and atmosphere like on Monsoon Song, a creation that also sports some guitar details I’d swear I’ve otherwise only encountered in post rock territories. Playful, simplistic 70’s party rock riffs AC/DC style appear now and then as a nice contrast to the compact and driving riff constructions, and in a one-off highly impressive display we’re treated to a slide guitar solo backed by dark, frantic riffs on Good Ol’ Black Magic. Another one off is the blatant psychedelic touch on The Surgeon and The Virgin, the opening notes of this one taking me straight back to certain select cuts from Soundgarden’s Badmotorfinger. In a good way I might add. Occasional doom-laden nods in the direction of old masters Black Sabbath have a natural place within this context too, as well as brief flirtations with the lighter toned, spirited territories of bands such as Queens of the Stone Age. But for me at least Soungarden remains my strongest association.
Tension and attention are maintained quite nicely by clever use of power riffs and melodic overlays, and with a tight, driving bass guitar, a drummer who knows when flamboyant rolls will elevate the total experience and a powerful, melodic vocalist all elements combine into a neat, tight and highly enjoyable album that kicks ass from the get go, a truly enjoyable romp throughout.
If you enjoy metal, don’t mind the variety of it people wants to place within the stoner compartment and in general find tight, energetic escapades to be to your liking, Stonewall Noise Orchestra’s “Salvation” should be an album of interest. And as I experience this production, those who have a taste for the likes of Soundgarden should get tons of enjoyment out of this one.
My rating: 94/100
