Orange Goblin

Organge Goblin hail from the UK and have been around since 1995. They have their roots in stoner metal, but have evolved over time, incorporating aspects from other influences and styles, including '70s hard rock, doom metal and even punk sensibilities. They've maintained a very steady line-up, with only one major change ― guitarist Pete O'Malley left the band in 2004 to focus on visual art and was replaced by Joe Hoare. For the most part, Orange Goblin have had the opportunity to grow and evolve together, and that's reflected in the effortless chemistry they display. A Eulogy for the Damned had somewhat inauspicious beginnings: when Orange Goblin originally signed to Candlelight in 2008, the album was expected in the fall of 2009. Recording was postponed multiple times and at one point it looked doubtful that the album would be recorded at all, but though it was a protracted and difficult birth, A Eulogy for the Damned has arrived. The question is: was it worth the wait? A release with almost no subtlety, A Eulogy for the Damned barrels ahead with rollicking grooviness right from the opening notes. The wet, whiskey-soaked vocals make Ben Ward sound like he's been gargling with thumbtacks and gasoline. There's an unsteady, bar brawl quality to the riffs, as though they're drunkenly stumbling over each other while throwing aural haymakers. "Death of Aquarius" is a standout track, with a stomping, snarling tone hinting towards a nastier edge. The energy is spot on, like a fight that ends with combatants buying each other a round, all bloody grins and missing teeth. Straightforward and simple, A Eulogy for the Damned isn't a work of great musical genius, but is refreshing in its bravado and simplicity.