August 2020: Top Picks - Master Charger, Pelugion, Sound of Origin

We're now two-thirds into the year. With the end of summer comes a hint or two at the return of (regulated and socially distanced) live music. Things don't quite feel back to normal, but the world undoubtedly keeps turning.

August was one of the strongest months we've had all year for underground music releases. It was difficult to only pick three as usual this time round!

Master Charger - Origin of the Lugubrious (stoner metal) - Stoned Rocka Recordings

Master Charger's third album is their heaviest and most consistent yet. From the instrumental title track crackling in with an analogue hiss to the last, fading seconds of Earthbound Hellbound, this is nothing less than an absolute statement from the Mansfield metallers. With distinctly catchy choruses and riffs, mixed in with ten tons of aggression, Master Charger avoid sounding like every other band in the genre by, yes, worshipping Sabbathy doom and gloom (of course), but also utilising influences from classic rock to extreme metal. Some moments really groove and hark back to the bluesy, early 70s guitar sound, whereas others really knock you for six - whether slow and heavy or through pummelling aggression. It's refreshing to see a stoner band step away from the slightly one-dimensional approach that the scene can feel saturated by. It's hard to pick a favourite, but Earthbound Hellbound is just an irresistible headbanger from start to finish. For the rest of the tracks, Who the Hell Are You? spits bile and rage, Blood & Sand shows a distinct ambitiousness in their songwriting, and the anthemic Embers of the Sun gets you humming along to the chorus before you realise it. The drumming is particularly excellent throughout the whole record, although all members play their part extremely well. Master Charger are clearly going far, if this album's anything to go off - a career highlight for the Satanic Blues Rumble.

Read my full review here

Pelugion - 2 (heavy rock/grunge/doom) - independent

Pelugion's second EP is a huge step up from their first, with more memorable songs, harder hitting melodies and a massive overall sound. This EP is, for the most part, characterised by big, fat, dirty chunky filthy riffs - what more could you ask for, really? It has a distinctly grungy vibe, although Pelugion do this without just seeming like a 90s throwback, aided by the modern production, impressive drum chops and unmistakable vocals, which come across like Staley and Cornell's English lovechild. Somehow, '2' has a nostalgic feel yet sounds fresh as a warm loaf of bread from your favourite bakery. Pelugion have an air of Sabbathy doom, as well, especially on Amen. Most songs are quite dark, with the notable exception of the euphoric Calling that rounds everything off. This is a good example of how Pelugion use the classic grunge balancing formula, with plenty of light and dark, quiet and loud, brooding and fun. Other examples can be found within the music itself, such as the exceptional Severed, which builds up fantastically over four short minutes. With its tasteful soloing and harmonised vocals, it really stands out on the EP. Heaviest riff? Probably Sun Feeder. That's undoubtedly how you introduce a new release. Overall, a fantastic effort from the trio.

Read my MMH Radio review here

Sound of Origin - The All Seeing Eye (stoner metal) - APF Records

Anything APF puts out is always worth a listen, and 'The All Seeing Eye' is no different. It's a trippy, fuzzy stoner record at its core, but with some grimy, sludgy elements as well, the odd moment of 90s worship and hints of progressive rock. It takes you on a journey, with soaring highs and devastating lows, all led by an outstanding vocal performance. As listeners we enjoy Joel Bulsara's full vocal range, from great highs in Into the Vile, throat singing on Morning Bird, low, bluesy John Garcia-esque vocals in Dim Carcosa and well-juxtaposed Alice in Chains-style singing and earth-shattering roars over Lockjaw. This is not to detract from the efforts of the rest of the band. 'The All Seeing Eye' is a safe haven for lovers of guitar riffage, with the irresistible repeating guitar licks on Morning Bird and Stoned Messiah Blues coming to mind. Sound of Origin avoid sounding generic by mixing up the riffs, too, such as on Voices Left Behind, which has a chuggy groove that feels unexpected but not out of place. The album is noticeably well-structured, starting slow and heavy on Not Dead Yet (which is testament to just what you can do with three notes) to lull you into their sphere, and then wrapping up on the somewhat uplifting Tempest Dunes as if to release you back into the real world. Its 50-minute runtime is ideal, as it satisfies your appetite for riffs without the record ever feeling as if it is outstaying its welcome. I can't recommend this album enough, to be honest - well worth a listen for metal fans of all persuasions!

Read Jack's full review here

MN