Moonless - Calling All Demons

Here is another doom album that is sure to be a favourite of mine by years end. Denmark's Moonless debut album 'Calling All Demons' is one that oozes all that stoner goodness that I like so much and is a fine alternative when wanting to put down your Blood Farmers or Church Of Misery albums down for just a few moments.

This album wasn't easy to take in at first due to Kenni Holmstad Petersen's vocals. At first I wasn't a fan of his raw and throaty voice, but they have grown on me now which is always a good sign cause I dig them very much. I like that extra raw edge that it gives this album. The way he holds his notes too and you can hear the scratchy tone in them. Reminds me a lot of Church Of Misery the way they are delivered. I also like how each word his clear and distinct, great energy behind each word. Cool stuff.

The riffs don't quite crush, but that is made up for with a real raw psychedelic edge. Wicked melodies, sweet hooks and licks help make those swaying and bouncing riffs all the more enjoyable and keep a decent variable flow throughout. Sure, a Sabbath vibe but without the darkness. Much more in line with Church Of Misery but less crush. I imagine this floating in the background as you enjoy a barbecue in the summer sun. The strings are rusty from the sweat dripping off them.

The tempos don't really change much but that doesn't matter because the songs are really catchy and so good. 'The Bastard In Me' is the only one that really gallops and is punchy the whole way through but the rest are much slower, swaying but always remain hard hitting. There is not a bad song here either as they all rock and all have some of those 'moments' and at just under 40 minutes and six songs, it is quite fitting.

Last week I called Conan's debut 'that' doom album that came out this year that you and your mates talk about. Well add 'Calling All Demons' to that list except this is 'that' stoner/doom album you will be talking about, just like we did about 'Houses Of The Unholy' in 2009. Wicked!

Ikil