Wednesday, June 25, 2014

CD REVIEW: BENEATH A DYING SUN by THALAMUS




BENEATH A DYING SUN by Thalamus
(Grooveyard Records)

'Beneath A Dying Sun' the thunderous debut release from Sweden based rockers Thalamus. Kjell Bergendahl - Guitar, Vocals, Mats Gesar - Guitar, Peter Johansson - Bass, Magnus karlsson - Drums and Joakhim Åslund - Hammond organ and keys. The first thing that struck me right away about, 'Beneath A Dying Sun' was the fantastic groove throughout that never at any point becames tiresome. Too many times hard rock/stoner bands simply re-hash repetitive riffing, but on this release, the riffage served up between, Kjell Bergendahl and Mats Gesar is spot on. Sumptuous time changes and riff chopping/changing that simply floors you as a listener, making you guess the next direction they will take makes this a display of refined and ultimately skilful playing. There are plenty of straight up hard rock songs, such as the energetic "By The River", which acts as a perfect kick-start. The next two tracks "Unravelled" and "Poor Man's Brain" are once again simplistic in approach but executed with such energy and power, the chorus to "Firefly" is extremely catchy, and the commanding vocal delivery from Kjell Bergendahl on "We're Gonna Die Someday" is sure to get your adrenaline going. Mention should also go to the fine closer `Falling" the darkest song on the album with a fine bleak quality that ends a superb album with a fine sophisticated bluesy edge. As old school heavy rock albums go, it really doesn't get much better than this. If you're a fan of bands like Firebird, Winery Dogs, Graveyard and Scorpion Child (not to mention Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and Uriah Heep), you really need to check out Thalamus and 'Beneath A Dying Sun', is as good a place as any to start. A thunderous debut release that demands your attention. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine


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