As many of the reviews we’re putting out this month will indicate, December frequently becomes a month where new music is ignored. There is a twofold reason for this. First, music journalists become laser-focused on end of the year wrap up posts. There’s an unfortunately good reason for that since…
It’s been two years since we last spoke about Timeworn. Their last release, Venomous High, lived up to its name. It was a heavy, progressive stoner album that called forth the unavoidable Mastodon comparisons. But unlike many of the bands operating within this saturated genre, Timeworn made sure to live…
While I hate to write a review for a band in context with other bands, it would be difficult not to mention our current sludgy overlords of Mastodon and Baroness with Horseburner. It’s interesting to see how a previous generation of metal darlings has a strong influence on rising musicians.…
It’s always a tricky thing when an established group puts out a new record. You don’t want to get your hopes up necessarily, but you’re just really looking forward to hearing it. Especially if that artist is one of your favorites. You don’t want to project on them but it’s…
Something is a-buzzing within the progressive stoner community. We’re barely past the half way mark and the number of great albums released in the genre is steadily increasing. In light of such a process, the definitions of the genre are being challenged, as is only natural; in times of such rapid expansion is when sub-genres are born. From the slower, smoke-drenched Boss Keloid, through the more progressive oriented Illudium, right up to the all together hectic Tardive Dyskinesia, progressive stoner metal is beginning to splinter. However, just as important to this process is a clearly defined center, an essence from which the rest of these experimenters can draw. Where should one look for such a center? How do you even define it?
Luckily, the work of the righteous is often done by others and Lady Luck has mercifully rid us of our conundrum. Through the ways of the inbox, we have been presented with Family’s Future History and within it, we have found our center. The album contains everything that progressive stoner metal is doing today and does so in a lucid, well thought out and delivered manner. However, it never strays too far from the basic trappings of the definition. That’s what makes it so perfect for our needs. It represents a snapshot of a movement, a frozen moment that is immediately understandable to anyone versed in the ideas and sounds of the emerging mode.
