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Texan psychedelic riff slingers WARLUNG are back with fifth album, The Poison Touch. Following up on 2022’s hook laden opus Vultures Paradise, the new album looks to continue the blend of classic rock, modern metal and phantasmagoria atmosphere, having dialled in a heavy blues foundation with a hefty dose of stoner and occult-driven influence thrown in for good measure. Once again, the four-piece delve into the realm of catchy melodies and doom inspired riffs to create their new album and invite all to join them on the journey.
Crashing dissonance heralds the start of the album before a whirlwind riff charges through and Digital Smoke takes off. WARLUNG are pulling no punches with the introduction to album five. Urgent and punchy from the first chord to the last, Digital Smoke packs in all of the elements of stoner, occult driven rock that the quartet have come to develop. The dynamics shift perfectly to counter the driving rhythms helping to generate the insistent pace.
From this point on, the band open up the groove-infused meanderings and offer a guiding light into the psychedelic soundscape they create. White Light Seeker oozes a slick blues laced feel. A self-assured swagger encapsulates their foundation sound of classic rock fused with a modern heavier twist. The vocals soar through the mix and provide added power to the already infectious melody. It’s a prime example of how WARLUNG are capable of crafting a track that layers and builds, weaving multiple elements in a kaleidoscopic range as well as producing a straight forward heavy hitter with the previous track.
While The Poison Touch is not a departure from previous record Vultures Paradise in terms of sonic themes or structure, they’ve certainly not rested on their laurels. WARLUNG have continued to develop and hone their already abundant talent and sharpened the edges rather than push boundaries. They’re adept at generating a slow burning, intensely moody number laced with emotion and stoner motifs. Spell Speaker ensnares the audio sense with its swirling rhythms and beguiling melodies and the guitars are given freedom to wail expressively, whereas the wonderfully titled Rat Bastard harkens back to that early 70s style of chugging riffs and head down no-nonsense rhythmic drive. It’s a track that comes out swinging right from the off and doesn’t relent until the final feedback-soaked chord settles.
Proving themselves to be masters of the mesmeric groove journey, WARLUNG have continued to move from strength to strength, offering an engaging and powerful path towards an occult-laden energy. On the surface, the quartet deliver straight up hard rock, full of swagger and grit. However, with tracks such as Holy Guide and The Sleeping Prophet, one only needs to scratch the surface to discover the many beguiling layers that the band employ. There’s an ineffable spark running throughout the driving riffs and captivating melodies. The Poison Touch is eight tracks of unforgettable power that will leave the listener wanting more and returning time and again to this distilled essence of stoner occult rock.
Rating: 7/10
The Poison Touch is set for release February 14th via Heavy Psych Sounds
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The post ALBUM REVIEW: The Poison Touch – Warlung appeared first on Distorted Sound Magazine.
