Chicago is the city that birthed electric blues but a group of young lads by the name of High Priest seem to have sought their inspirations from a different source who took those blues roots into far more ominous and heavier territory. Taking stylings from the mighty Black Sabbath and latter day disciples Electric Wizard, the band have dropped their debut long player “Invocation”.
Those influences are immediate. The title track brings this album to life with a massive, inspired riff. Rolling drums from Dan Polak lift this into a Black Sabbath worshipping blast of heavy metal. The production is spacious and rich; the feeling of lift is irresistible and the sense of a journey being undertaken lays a solid foundation for what is to follow. Indeed, “Divinity” has a central riff that leans on “Children Of The Grave” and has a Sabbath meets Hawkwind vibe as fuzzed-up, psychedelic effects swirl around. The sense of being in the heavens with a sci-fi slant provide the requisite atmospherics that are beautifully reflected in the album’s artwork.
A broad, expansive riff is a highlight on “Cosmic Key”. Justin Valentino’s vocals, while not having a huge range have a pleasing, hypnotic quality that weaves through these tracks rather than sitting atop them. What is also noticeable is the uniformity that is building. Each track compliments the next without veering too far from their mission statement. The mysticism of “Universe” is countered by a deeper, more sinister tone on “Conjure” which moves back to an Electric Wizard, ceremonial sounding blast. The driving, neck-warming finish gives way to the smokiness of closing number “Heaven” that is a slow build before fading into an old fashioned, chugging Sabbath “Vol 4” era worship-the-riff moment. Guitarists Pete Grossman and John Regan work in tandem to create pure heavy metal heaven.
With just two EP’s to their name previously, High Priest have crafted a mature, rich debut on “Invocation” that is full of warmth and atmosphere. Far more than the oft used stoner/doom tag, this is a fine homage to the broader, old heavy metal name and their inspirations. One can only hope to hear more from this young band. For fans of the style, buy the ticket and take the ride…
(7/10 Johnny Zed)
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