Alchemist
- Austral Alien (Relapse)
Chris Barnes www.hellridemusic.com
These crafty Aussies are always up to something. They're
impossible to pigeonhole from album to album, and I think
they like to keep that way. I admit, they scared the hell
out of me... the intro into first track "First Contact"
sounds just like Priest's "Turbo Lover". Frightening.
This is quite a record... erm... project. I mean it's
epic in expanse, lyrically and musically. I'm not sure
if this is a true blue concept album, but it sure could
be. From the title, one would expect lyrical fare about
Aliens. That's true - and the lyrics could apply to either
our own sordid history on this planet as well as the history
of another Sci-Fi world. Man meets planet, man fucks planet
up. Lot's of dire warnings here that actually jar you
from your insular world and make you think hard about
the bigger picture. Could the inspiration be what's happening
to the band's native Australia? The pollution of the awesome
Great Barrier Reef or Australia's standing as the world
leader in deforestation? It could be and it sure seem
like it. Regardless, A+ on the lyrical material. Interesting
and forthright, without being preachy. I hate preachy.
Musically Alchemist are definitely on their own program
and that'srefreshing for this reviewer. I hear elements
of Voivod, Cult of Luna, Neurosis and a whole lotta space
rock. Yes, space rock. Alchemist are candidates for the
astral rock crown once held by Hawkwind. If you're thingis
Mr. Quimby's Beard <http://www.hellridemusic.com/bands/m/mrquimbysbeard_interview.shtml>,
SubArachnoid Space or their ilk, there is no reason not
to give Austral Alien a place among your record collection...
OK, it's heavier and I've never in my life heard Dave
Brock scream anything, but there is definitely a space
rock vibe here. A audible spatial feeling with the synth
and keyboard spiraling amongst a dense wall of guitars.Regardless
of your feelings on the band or this record, there is
oneundeniable truth.... the Alchemist sound is unique
and original. Not a bad thing among the cookie-cutter
metal clutter currently making the rounds.
Chris Barnes
www.hellridemusic.com
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