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In Ukraine it's cold, but the warm stench of stoner has arrived there too. The Stoned Jesus have embraced it to produce two albums in the span of three years: first "First Communion" in 2010 and then this "Seven Thunders Roar", released in March 2012 under the aegis of Moon Records.
Little is known about this Ukrainian trio, beyond the names of its members: Igor on vocals and guitar, Sid on bass, and Vadim on drums. Little is known about what has happened in their past career, but it is interesting to focus on their latest effort: "Seven Thunders Roar" is an album with multiple inclinations, presenting us with a combo capable of mixing different styles and influences, without leaving out a personal taste for melody. But a fundamental element needs to be clarified: when it comes to stoner rock for Stoned Jesus, it is certainly not the Kyuss or Orange Goblin one should think of. It is a much more psychedelic-leaning stoner, reminiscent of the Teutonic Colour Haze, but also connects to local excellences, as in the very long "I'm The Mountain", which brings to mind compatriots Drudkh's "Songs Of Grief And Solitude": dusty acoustic guitar notes evoke the desolate and icy landscapes of the most ancestral and rural Ukraine.
The three musicians, however, manage to jump from one genre to another, like the subdued and psychedelia-immersed stoner of the opener "Bright Like The Morning", enhanced by an essential and perfect chorus. Another characteristic deviation is in "Electric Mistress", an unexpected marriage between Black Sabbath and Reverend Bizarre, with a surge of black and oppressive doom in the second part of the song. "Indian" is instead the most sustainable track of the batch and doesn't stand out for particular surges, while the conclusive "Stormy Monday" reconnects to a "basement" psychedelic stoner with the "vintage" flavor of times gone by.
STR is clearly a "niche" record, a CD for a few and that expresses a genre certainly not in vogue, but it's often from works like this that unexpected surprises arise. We are not talking about a record that will shake the foundations of the genre nor an album capable of reviving a way of making music that maybe died with "Welcome To Sky Valley," but the platter in question certainly deserves a listen. Just as these three cold Ukrainians from the forests deserve attention.
1. "Bright Like The Morning" (8:45)
2. "Electric Mistress" (9:23)
3. "Indian" (5:02)
4. "I'm The Mountain" (16:05)
5. "Stormy Monday" (8:43)
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