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Rating: Consumed to the point of exhaustion, that smelly gem "Seven Thunders Roar", the expectations for the new "The Harvest" were high, perhaps too high. After all, the Ukrainian trio had accustomed us well. "First Communion" was a raw debut album but hinted at talent, while the subsequent STR was a real surprise, making them a "cult" band in Eastern Europe from the start.
That something had changed could be sensed from the single "Here Come the Robots", released in April 2014. A more "irreverent" rhythm, reduced length, and an overall downsized heaviness. Not that Stoned Jesus suddenly started making pop, but the piece was totally different from what our guys had produced in the two previous CDs. A similar story for "Wound", which possesses the same characteristics. Usual combination of stoner and doom, but with a "dried-up" formula devoid of the psychedelic digressions that so characterized "Seven Thunders Roar". When Igor and friends set their minds on darkening everything, out comes "Rituals of the Sun" with the typical abrasiveness of stoner and an atmosphere that solidifies towards classic "epic doom" territories. The vocals of Igor Sidorenko do the rest.
"The Harvest" totally lacks the seminal and "garbage-like" breath that characterized the first two episodes from the Ukrainians. Even when the combo seems to return to the rocky lengthiness typical of the genre ("Silkworm Confessions" and "Black Church"), the sensation is of a candle that survives wearily so as not to extinguish. The songwriting dwindles into a continuous effusion of never truly inspired riffs and, above all, there is no trace of the psychedelic inspiration.
The third chapter of the stoner novel written by Stoned Jesus struggles to take off. A clear step back from what came before. It would be enough to say that inspiration is missing, but perhaps there's also a touch of affectation, a heavy sin in a niche genre. An unexpected stop that raises some doubts about one of the most interesting realities the stoner/doom scene has produced in recent years. A weak album that is saved by the skin of its teeth.
1. "Here Come The Robots" (3:19)
2. "Wound" (3:15)
3. "Rituals Of The Sun" (7:03)
4. "YFS" (5:13)
5. "Silkworm Confessions" (9:11)
6. "Black Church" (14:42)
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By Hellring
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.
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.
