review

The pandemic years brought the three musicians behind Acid Rooster health problems not to be sneezed at, which repeatedly delayed the production of their second album. Ultimately, the trio from Leipzig recorded all the basic tracks on just one weekend in May 2022 – a maximum of three takes per song – and carried out the overdbus in the following months, spread over different locations. The result is pleasantly anything but fragmented: „Flowers & Dead Souls“ dares more than ever into fascinating psychedelic-herbal shallows.

Six songs, no vocals, but a skilful play with soundscapes and expectations – that’s exactly what you expected and hoped for from Acid Rooster. Already the “Sounds Of Illusion”, which flirts with the ideas of the Kraut pioneers, makes it clear at the beginning of the record that everything stays the same in the best sense of the word. Almost unnoticed, the track pulls you into a maelstrom, as shaky as it is determined. The final melodic opening following a good five minutes brings sweat beads of enthusiasm to the forehead. In fact, the guitar is allowed to sing, indulges in ever new loops and finally collapses in the effect-laden reverberation.

There are many magical moments on this second album, but the final “Heaven Scent” towers over everyone and everything. Almost eleven minutes of playing time would be worth a headline in itself, but ultimately what Acid Rooster make of it is a reason for enthusiasm. You take your time, a lot of time, and even cautiously feel your way forward. Warm textures with iridescent finishes spread out in a decidedly leisurely manner, opening arms to the sky and striving for a better tomorrow. This emotional climax gets under your skin. “Schattenspiel” seems almost oppressive and harsh in comparison, especially in its first few minutes. Above all, the special drive of the rhythm section wants to be emphasized here.

It’s all vain following this energetic performance from an album, with or without the sunshine. The constant flow of this second album alone knows how to inspire, but Acid Rooster ‘can’ do a lot more. Within a very short time, they create engaging sound worlds with their seemingly spontaneous arrangements, from which one can hardly break away, let alone want to. “Flowers & Dead Souls” pitches its tents in the psych-herb border area and fascinates with almost enviable precision. In this form, the trio remains beyond any doubt – an essential album by subtle sound designers.

Rating: 8/10

Available from: 08/25/2023
Available through: Tonzonen Records (Soulfood Music)

Facebook: www.facebook.com/acidrooster

Tags: acid rooster, flowers & dead souls, krautrock, psychedelic rock, review, space rock

Category: Magazin, Reviews

Actually, five friends from Stockholm and Gothenburg just wanted to pass the time during the first lockdown. It turned out to be one of the most interesting new old school death metal bands in recent history. Behind Grand Cadaver present and former musicians from such illustrious bands as Dark Tranquillity, The Grifted, The Halo Effect, Tiamat, Katatonia and Novarupta. Originally they wanted to leave it at a small EP, but now they have already ended up with their second album. „Deities Of Deathlike Sleep“ grabs courageously and roughly, without frills and without gimmicks.

Already the harbinger “Serrated Jaws” made it impressively clear that Grand Cadaver have lost absolutely nothing in terms of quality and intensity. Mikael Stanne seems grumpier than ever at the front line, the overall slowed down tempo plays with Death Doom sounds without completely committing to them. Angry stomping, apocalyptic remnants of melody and a constantly ominous mood evoke the end of all days. “The Forever Doom” carries the heaviness in the title, but literally explodes from the starting blocks. High tempo, fatalistic riffs, casual sawing in the middle, then back to full blast – sometimes it can be so simple.

Brutal bangers and tough monoliths alternate in further episodes. “True Necrogeny” definitely belongs to the second category and conjures up all the evil in the world. Again, the tiniest of melodic borrowings can be discerned, but they emphasize the seething anger in slow motion – manic and fascinating. “The Wishful Dead” also seems heavy and oppressive at first, but then picks up some speed. The short, extremely precise sprints along with increasingly escalating guitars are damn good, let hearing and seeing pass by.

It can be so simple sometimes, Grand Cadavers know that all too well. Nothing on their second album is glossed over or even smoothed out in any way, but simply destroys. The straightest ideas are often the best, as is repeatedly shown on “Deities Of Deathlike Sleep”. The direct approach, the crushing heaviness, the hellish sprints, the compact yet always entertaining songwriting – everything you would expect from good Death Metal is at the start here. Grand Cadaver successfully continue their series of strong old-school releases with the next blow in the neck.

Rating: 8/10

Available from: 08/25/2023
Available through: Majestic Mountain Records / Sound Pollution (Rough Trade)

Website: grandcadaver.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/grandcadaver

Tags: death metal, deities of deathlike sleep, grand cadaver, old school death metal, review

Category: Magazin, Reviews