This is the second album from Mothersloth, a Spanish stoner/doom metal band.
Has it really been almost three years since Mothersloth’s stellar debut album Moribund Star? Apparently so. Time moves fast, but at least we now have a new release from this talented band.
Whereas Moribund Star was a mostly instrumental release, Moon Omen very much has vocals in a front of house capacity. These vocals are very well-performed and fit in well with the music, which is still as rich and as textured as we enjoyed on their debut album.
Slow and heavy, but with plenty of introspection and lighter parts, the music on Moon Omen is the type of doom metal that looks forward as much as it does take from the past. Taking the strongest parts of classic/traditional doom and adding in elements of stoner rock, grunge and post-metal, Mothersloth continue to push music that’s as impressively realised as it is conceived. Mothersloth know what they want to achieve and have the skills and tools to do so.
Some of the riffs are inspired on this album. They have some which really stick out and smack you in the face, but they’re at their best when they’re weaving deep emotions into the guitars in ways that are not always brazen. The feelings they evoke seem to sneak up on you, and before you know it you’re captivated by the well-shaped distortion that they send in your direction.
The album has a very nice sound too. It’s warm and organic, with plenty of colour. The recording helps bring out the nuances and subtleties in the band’s music, while also lending the more blatant and heavier sections the power they need to flatten you.
Mothersloth sound stronger and healthier than ever on Moon Omen. The addition of the vocals has only added to the band’s delivery, and Moon Omen is a triumph.
Highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 