Celestial Season
Sonic Orb

THE REVIEW

The Dutch band Celestial Season is truly unique. They started with gothic-doom sounds with their first two albums, but drastically changed their sound with this fantastic 4-track EP from 1995.

“Sonic Orb” not only features the classic warm groove created by the bass and guitar typical of stoner bands but also other interesting elements that make it hard to match in terms of originality in the stoner and related fields. In particular, the presence of unusual vocals stands out. These have a strong emo influence in the more melodic parts but simultaneously possess the grit and fury that John Garcia had when he was still playing with Kyuss. The second distinctive feature is the use of violins in the songs, both when the music is dark or deeply relaxed and in the more acidic parts, supported by psychedelic and groovy guitar riffs.

The group, besides having the ability to weave wonderful melodies interspersed with great passages of raw psychedelic stoner, also develops sonic digressions that reveal their evident past as a doom gothic band. The violins, along with the bass and guitar lines, embroider sad and truly evocative melodies, like in the finale of the last song, “King Lizard.” With this band, I don't think there are any half measures—you will either love them or hate them, but they certainly won't leave you indifferent. Give them at least a listen. They Deserve It.