Mushroom Beard – Mushroom Beard
Mushroom Beard – Mushroom Beard
Pale Wizard Records
Release date: 30/10/26
Review by Alun Jones
9/10
Journey with me, faithful ones, as we explore the story of the druid, Mushroom Beard. A mystical tale set in enchanted forests, of a magical entity named for the colourful mushrooms that grew in his beard, and his quest through dense woodlands and mountain peaks following his vision of the Shroom Elephant.
Well, we might as well start things off with a recap of the concept, right? This fantastical back story has been concocted by the band Mushroom Beard for their debut album, released by Pale Wizard, and if I tell you we’re in Psychedelic Stoner Rock territory you probably won’t be surprised.
Whether you dig the fanciful yarn behind it or not, this is a fine chunk of monolithic Hard Rock from a trio of wizards from Stoke-on-Trent. The band, consisting of Stig Chell (guitar, vocals), Gareth Harding (bass) and Norbert Hussey (drums) can skilfully conjure a mythical soundscape of colossal riffs and beguiling melody.
There’s a melodic piano led intro on ‘March of the Shroom Elephant’ which quickly evolves into a gargantuan riff that drips with otherworldly force. ‘Elden Beard’ is ten minutes that encapsulates the druid’s esoteric explorations. It’s music to get lost in, as the bass rolls and the drums march, all while the guitar weaves its magic.
Dan Flitcroft of Platinum Al-approved band Sergeant Thunderhoof adds vocals to the full-on, fuzzed out and rambunctious ‘Speech of the Leaf and Beard’, and it sounds like they had a bloody good time creating it. Throughout the album, it’s a head down, rumbling groove-fest that revels in the heavy and sparkles with some really remarkable sorcery. The production is superb, keep your sonic receptors open and just listen to all the sounds seeping through.
Despite the fact that my own beard is a bit crap, and I hate mushrooms (except for Chicken and Mushrrom Pot Noddles, obviously), I’ve been bewitched by Mushroom Beard’s album from the start. Heavy, powerful, memorable – I certainly approve and I want more! On vinyl, preferably.
And I didn’t even throw in the joke about Mushroom Beard being a bunch of “fun guys”! Not that I’ve met them. What’s that? I’ve just ruined the review? Ah well. This album is great, buy it!
TRACKLISTING:
01.March of the Shroom Elephant
02.Elden Beard
03.Bringer
04.Speech of Leaf and Beard
05.Fungal Haze
06. Khala-Shai
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.
