Earthride
Taming Of The Demons

Raw, tough, filthy. These are Earthride, a vile creation whose parents are Dave Sherman (formerly of Spirit Caravan and Wretched) and Eric Little (formerly of Internal Void).

Death, drugs, difficulties: these are the themes tackled by the American band (Maryland), presented through a derivative yet effective fusion of heavy, doom, and stoner. Inevitably, there are nods to Saint Vitus and Black Sabbath, although Earthride proves to be much more aggressive and heavier than the two mentioned "monsters."

"Taming of the Demons" (2002) is the first album produced by the band, following a self-titled EP in 2000. A record that contains "acid" doom and thus entirely distances itself from existential doom. The abrasive energy of the opener "Valium 10", with its lurching rhythm, almost 70s hard rock, confirms it. Then Sherman's voice explodes, hoarse and worn: his timbre is the unhealthy union of Lemmy, Wino Weinrich, and Matt Pike. A sewer of gracelessness. These are the essential characteristics of an album that contains "niche" music which, despite referencing more well-known groups, has not received broad critical or fan acclaim. Yet the CD is listenable without any significant dips in tone but also without any particularly exciting tracks: it sails along a good level of old-school doom, and "Under a Black Cloud" and "Deception" are the two best-executed examples.

Without a doubt, "Taming of the Demons" is an album that will please fans of the genre, also because Earthride does not take themselves too seriously and their doom is free of the now-prevalent complications. That said, it is still worth highlighting their closeness to those who have excelled in this genre and in particular to Saint Vitus, but also to Spirit Caravan (after all, it couldn't be otherwise). In short, 40 minutes of good old seasoned doom (I'd also add smelly), but with a flavor all too indebted to others. Three and a half stars rounded down to three...

1. "Valium 10" (6:00)
2. "For Mere Remains" (6:12)
3. "Train Wreck" (3:28)
4. "Under A Black Cloud" (5:01)
5. "Deception" (5:47)
6. "Mr. Green" (6:12)
7. "Taming Of The Demons" (8:19)