Doom darlings Horse Head just released a new EP featuring four tracks of rocking, rolling tunes. They are known for their sludgy roots and raw, unpolished sound in a time when doom is becoming more electronic and blackened, and this album is definitely in keeping with their signature sound. However, when compared to some of their contemporaries, this record sounds a bit dated, and fails to fully impress.
Horse Head's sound leans a bit too hard on the southern rock side of things. They are good at that sound, but while they're comparable to well-respected southern sludge bands like Sourvein, they don't quite fall into the same category as contemporary bands like YOB, and there's a definite disconnect between the experimentation that a lot of doom bands are branching out into and what Horsehead appear to be capable of — or at least what they are interested in.
While most of the tracks on this EP, especially the second song, "Red-Eyed Angel," are solid, they lack a certain amount of creativity, and don't stand out as exceptional or new. Those already familiar with this band or like a more southern-tinged sound might really enjoy this record, but for those who like their doom a little darker and heavier, this may be one to pass on.
(Independent)Horse Head's sound leans a bit too hard on the southern rock side of things. They are good at that sound, but while they're comparable to well-respected southern sludge bands like Sourvein, they don't quite fall into the same category as contemporary bands like YOB, and there's a definite disconnect between the experimentation that a lot of doom bands are branching out into and what Horsehead appear to be capable of — or at least what they are interested in.
While most of the tracks on this EP, especially the second song, "Red-Eyed Angel," are solid, they lack a certain amount of creativity, and don't stand out as exceptional or new. Those already familiar with this band or like a more southern-tinged sound might really enjoy this record, but for those who like their doom a little darker and heavier, this may be one to pass on.