Amon Acid haven’t been around that long. Starting life as a duo in 2018, founding members Briony Charvas and Sarantis Charvas have enlisted John Sutcliffe to create a power trio in the truest sense. “Cosmogony” finds the band continuing to explore the sonic realms of psychedelic doom. Hailing from Leeds and with influences that incorporate Hawkwind and Electric Wizard, their latest offering hints at being a potent brew.
“Parallel Realm” with Eastern sounds sitting above a gritty riff that has exotic written all over it sets out their stall. A monotone vocal weaves it’s way through meaty chords that just keep getting heavier…seriously heavier. Luscious and rich, elements of space rock and psychedelia waft around this totally absorbing track. Not simply Hawkwind meets Electric Wizard, this is so much more. Spacious and rich, they have more in common with Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard. A more traditional stoner sound comes in on “Hyperion” and its’ elephantine riff displaying shades of Kyuss mixed with Dopethrone. Indeed, tracks like “Demolition Wave” keep their feet firmly plated in this warm and fuzzy territory but the overarching vibe lies on those Eastern tinged soundscapes.
The album’s true strengths lie in the epic and atmospheric explorations of cuts like “Death On The Altar” and “Nag Hamandi”. Equally mysterious and hypnotic, there’s a sci-if film soundtrack quality that is completely immersive. Personal highlight track, “Mandragoras” feels like the band’s “Kashmir”. The psyche-prog introduction bleeds into an expansive, pummelling riff. Swathes of electronica create a sense of lift and space, most notably of the 11-minute closing epic “The Purifier”. Dense chords reminiscent of Electric Wizard give it a swampiness over plodding drums. Combined with robotic sounding vocals there is an unreal quality adding to an already mesmerising vortex of aural delights.
“Cosmogony” in an impressive slab of trippy, psychedelic doom. Huge at times, there’s also a sense of motion and spaciousness that give it some serious weight. The band push the boundaries far enough to keep the album fresh all the way through. This is my first experience with them and it definitely won’t be the last. Well worth a listen.
(7.5/10 Johnny Zed)
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