Alchemist Spiritech Shock
Luke Anisimoff - Loudmouth Volume 1 Issue 5 September 97

Alchemist are the most original, innovative and adventurous band in Australia, and ‘Spiritech’ pushes that reputation to dizzying new heights. More fluid than previous releases, with faultless timing, Middle eastern eccentricities and the ability to harness differing layers of surreal atmosphere and psychedelically enhanced emotions through sounds both traditional and left of field, Spiritech is an expansive dreamscape whose boundaries comprise an ever widening concentric circle around the poles of imagination and reality. A self-assured sound that points to the future while respecting the past. Unashamedly heavy while boldly treating ears to a progressive vibe, the cosmos may be an infinite expanse of anti-matter but Canberra finest have managed to distil it’s very essence and shrink wrap it into an album of esoteric escapism that should open many a red eye to their unique brand of sonic impressionism and inspired lunacy. If strait up metal is a paper aeroplane, then these guys are the space shuttle. Taking off, exploring other worlds and bringing back samples from places we can only dream about. It’s a powerful trip, focusing on different levels of reality. It’s sit-down-and-listen, thought provoking music, taking one left after another until you meet your mirror image at a celestial bus stop in Kashmir. And it’s the best shake your fucking head metal album I’ve heard since Ozzy was on the piss. Anyone for a bit of sitar?

Luke Anisimoff