Heavy / Doom Metal traditionalists SPIRIT ADRIFT are back with their 4th album. Following their astounding opus “Divided By Darkness” will certainly be a challenge. Out via Century Media Records and 20 Buck Spin on October 16th.
Stunning guitars cascade with melody to begin, elevating with crashing cymbals into a mystically charged and blistering solo over gorgeous chord progressions. Packing a punch with huge grooves, the opening track falls back into the magnificent sway of powerful vocals and classic riffs with pounded drums that one would hope for from this band. There is still that massive 80s sense of anthemic musicianship and songwriting that could easily have Spirit Adrift headlining a stadium of fans singing along but with enough grit they could just as easily play some sleazy back alley bar, giving them a really unique charm. It appears Spirit Adrift are back on top form and as if they didn’t sound old school enough, the subtle synths on this record will deliver you to the 80s in true DeLorean style.
Continuing through otherworldly and resplendent pieces, the songs have such a smooth transition that it is very easy to become lost in this album as it flows rapidly through memorable tracks that bang with fearsome grooving riffs, monolithic melodic diversity and powerful verses and choruses. All of this is punctuated by very 70s drum work that only accentuates the catchiness of the music. With a dauntingly large sounding production, this is a huge step up in technicality for these American old schoolers who honour the dynamics of bands like Black Sabbath while giving us something totally new and unquestionably exciting. There is a feeling of urgency in the sombre sections that take flight into monstrously chilling and unfathomably impactful choruses with grace and style.
Chugging forth, this unstoppable slab of Heavy Metal will only leave one uncertainty, which track is going to be most stuck in your head. After “Harmony Of The Spheres” didn’t quite hit me right when it was initially released, hearing the full context of this record gives it an important place alongside first-time hitters like the opener “Ride Into The Light” which is immediately demanding of adoration. Perhaps this album has a more complex direction than the previous couple, making it a bit less easy to get at first, but sticking with it makes it all the more rewarding. Closing with an over 10 minute piece was certainly a bold choice, one that seems more like an Iron Maiden move than that of a relatively new band, but do not be concerned, Spirit Adrift deliver a crushing end to this formidable opus that demands respect.
I will get my main negative point out the way early, for me “Divided By Darkness” still sits as the bands best record for me. That aside and not hugely pertinent anyway, this new effort is a soaring and seething record that offers a string of catchy and hard-hitting songs with tons of nuance, intricate songwriting and brilliant delivery that spares no power. If you already like Spirit Adrift, you will adore this new chapter from the band. If you are not familiar, stick on the record and see what the fuss is about for yourself. Either way, this is definitely a killer release that deserves blasting from your record players on the highest volumes you can muster. -8/10
Discover more from NATTSKOG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Great review, although as far as it besting there last outing? I think the production on this one along with catchier tunes makes this there best yet!! IMHO.