Saturday 27 May 2017

Dö - Astral:Death/Birth (EP Review)


Release date: May 26th 2017. Label: Self Released. Format: CD/DD

Astral: Death/Birth – Tracklisting

1.Astral Death 07:46
2.Astral Birth 12:16

Members:

Big Dog (guitar)
Joe E. Deliverance (drums & vox)
Deaf Hank (bass & lead vox)

Review

Firstly I have to apologize to Dö for not reviewing their excellent debut album – Tuho – which was released last year. Sometimes I miss albums when they're originally released and that was one of those times. I'm not making the same mistake with Dö superb new EP – Astral: Death/Birth. A twenty minute two song EP which is packed with delicious dark stoner/sludge/doom riffs.

With these guys being from Finland, you can expect heavy riffs from the start. Opening track – Astral Death – is an ugly sounding track at times with Deaf Hank's vocals providing a nightmarish feel. Dö's sound has a slight punk based vibe and the sound can be very raw at times but it allows the band to merge different sounds for quite an unsettling feel. Deaf Hank's vocals veer from clean based growls to almost death/harsh vocals.

Second track – Astral Birth – is a more upbeat track with the band returning to their earlier spaced out sounds. A different contrast to the opening track and this is perhaps the standout track on the EP. Dö play slow-paced riffs with moments of ambient noises interacting with the Doom/Stoner riffs being played in the background. Dö feel they were influenced by BONG at times as this track has an Ambient Doom feel to it. Though the band return to the EP's heavier sludge/doom metal roots as the once upbeat vibe is obliterated to kingdom come with pissed off vocals and riffs.

Truth be told I wanted the band to keep on playing their more psychedelic stoner based sound as it was a cool contrast to the opening track. The EP leaves you slightly depressed and wanting more at the same time. Astral: Death/Birth is another winning release from Dö and long-time fans of the band will find much to enjoy here.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe