El Thule
Green Magic

THE REVIEW

Talking about El Thule and this new album is somewhat difficult for me. Not only because I have built a beautiful friendship with the three guys from Bergamo over the years, stemming from a love for rock in its broadest sense, but because "Green Magic," the follow-up to their debut "No Guts, No Glory" (2004), is a work I've seen come to life, blossom through jam sessions after jam sessions during concerts around Italy and abroad, where the three musicians shared the stage with bands like Orange Goblin, Zeke, Colour Haze, and High on Fire.

Recorded, produced, and mixed between Italy and Sweden by Niklas "Mr.Dango" Kallgren, guitarist of Truckfighters, the album distinctly distances itself from the debut, which was certainly more raw and visceral, showcasing a great musical growth and leaning towards a more abrasive, devastating yet psychedelic and rich in post-stoner suggestions sound. Eight compositions that overflow in their ample hour of music where there's truly much to enjoy; the trail of riffs abundantly imprinted in the almost eight minutes of "Adam Bomb", the metal mysticism of the violent "Shaman" placed at the opening, the total abandonment to Kyuss-inspired stoner of "Bud Orange", the perfect single that excites even non-enthusiasts of the genre live, a "Black Mamba" full of fuzz energy, the instrumental "La Muela del Diablo," illegitimate child of Electric Wizard in the grip of cosmic visions leading up to the ending entrusted to a ghostly and explosive "Lunar V".

An album that also boasts illustrious collaborations such as Pippo de Palma, guitarist of Alix, Tommi Holappa of Dozer, Gabriele Ferreri of Fiub, and Paolo Tofani, former guitarist of the legendary Area. Recommended even if you don't habitually follow the genre and don't hang out with these crazy guys fascinated by rock. Of whatever origin it may be.