Tuesday 23 August 2016

Beelzefuzz - The Righteous Bloom (Album Review)


Release date: August 15th 2016. Label: Restricted Release/The Church Within. Format: CD/DD

The Righteous Bloom – Tracklisting

01 Nazriff
02 The Soulless
03 Hardluck Melody
04 Rat Poison Parfait
05 Eternal Waltz
06 Within Trance
07 Nebulous
08 The Righteous Bloom
09 Sanctum & Solace
10 Dying On The Vine
11 Peace Mind

Band Members:

Dana Ortt - Lead vocals/guitar
Darin McCloskey - drums
Greg Diener - Lead guitar/vocals
Bert Hall - Bass guitar

Review:

Greetings all,

I got to check out the new album from Maryland Doom rockers Beelzefuzz! On top of having a great moniker, the band has a great Fuzzy, Doomed out Rock sound. This is the bands 2nd album, and first since reforming a couple of years back. I am reminded more of 70's era rock in listening to these guys. The first image in my head was actually Dio era Sabbath. Although, I am an Ozzy guy, the sound is great. There is even a bit of NWOBHM in the dual guitar attack that pops up from time to time. But you can't deny the obvious Doom influence these guys hold. Seeing as to how they are from the same general stomping grounds as Doom titans Pentagram and the mighty Wino.

Every song is solid, and the album as a whole is a great listening experience. Along with the great guitar work, there are bits of organ and background singers that wreak of the 70's vibe. If I had one minor complaint, it is that the production on this record is almost too clean, the music tends to drop kind of low in the mix. I tend to like my guitars loud and sound raw, but this is one man's opinion and is in no way, shape, or form a knock against this fine piece of music. Beelzefuzz is technical tight and it definitely shows on this record. But I think the centerpiece of the record is the vocals. The singer wails and croons like Dio in his prime, conjuring tales of doomy redemption. Worth the price of admission alone.

The record itself is a journey worth taking, beginning to end. Although. if you are looking for stand out tracks. The second track, The Soulless, is a rocking piece of music, and a great driving song. The song Nebulous, is a bit of off tempo metal thump, and Dying on the Vine leads into a strong close.

If you dig Pentagram, Dio, The Sword, or the like you will dig Beelzefuzz. Check 'em out. You will dig them and the Righteous Bloom is a Rockin Blast worth repeated spins!

Words by Todd Stealey

Thanks to Paula at Abstract Distribution and Jan at Sure Shot Worx for the promos. The Righteous Bloom is available to buy from Restricted Release and The Church Within on CD/DD now.