Desert Storm – Death Rattle
Desert Storm – Death Rattle
APF Records
Release date: 31/03/2023
Running time: 48:00
Review by Alun Jones
9.9/10
Make no mistake: a new album from Oxford riff titans Desert Storm should be marked on your calendar with gleeful anticipation. Three years ago, when I reviewed their release du jour “Omens” for the mighty Ever Metal, I proclaimed that here was a home-grown band who could really step up to national consciousness. I threw my horned Viking helmet in the ring then, and I’m standing by that statement now.
If you want dirty, big, caveman stoner rock then you’ll find it on lead bruiser ‘Master of None’. If you crave sludge-ridden creations that still have groove in full force, it’s here on ‘Druid’s Heath’ and ‘Insomniac’. Thudding, slow paced doom? You’ll need to hear ‘Self Deprecation’. Most importantly, if you want heavy music that’s progressive, daring and unafraid to explore whatever sonic vistas can be conjured, you’ll find that too – and plenty of it.
What impresses most of all with “Death Rattle” is how much further Desert Storm are willing to go to really push the boundaries. Every song is intricately crafted with multiple sections and features for different instruments and sounds. The molten fury is tempered with instrumental passages that are – well, beautiful. ‘Bad Trip’ is the best, but by no means only example: warm, mellow passages that build to shattering crescendos.
I’ve never given a ten out of ten review ever for Ever Metal, because I’m a miserable old bastard. I still haven’t been quite that generous, but “Death Rattle” almost persuaded me to go to the max. It’s really that fucking good. The musicianship, the creativity, the execution: all are brilliantly awe-inspiring. And it gets better with each listen!
“Death Rattle” has been created by Desert Storm, and released by APF Records. Listen to it, live with it, explore it. One of the best albums of the year, no doubt.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Master of None
02. Cheyne Stocking
03. Bad Trip
04. Melatone
05. Salt of the Earth
06. Druid’s Heath
07. Insomniac
08. Self Deprecation
09. New Dawn
LINE-UP:
Matt Ryan – Vocals
Chris White – Guitars
Ryan Cole – Guitars
Chris Benoist – Bass
Elliot Cole – Drums
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Alun Jones and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
