Album Review

Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard/Slomatics – “Totems” [Split] [Album Review]

Courtesy of Black Bow Records,Totems is a collaborative split between two of the UK’s hottest doom stalwarts – Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard and Slomatics – and it is pure listening pleasure for riff-maniacs everywhere.

Published

7 years ago

03/29/2018

Mathieu Sankeralli

Article Views: 841

Ahh, sonic disciples rejoice; here we have two of the heaviest acts the UK has to offer, and one of the heaviest splits you can lay your hands on from 2018. Recorded by Chris Fielding, released by Black Bow Records, and mastered by James Plotkin, this is a full-on pummel of doom and stoner metal heaven. Honestly, the necessity of getting this release is apparent upon hearing the opening minutes of MWWB’s “The Master and His Emissary”, as it lays out the tone of the other tracks to come.

For anyone familiar with either act, the sheer doom crush is beautifully offset by the vocals; even more this time around. Jess’ heavenly trills for “The Master and His Emissary” and “Eagduru” are perfect in letting the tracks breathe as much as they bury it with immense fuzzy goodness. Likewise, Slomatics contributions are some of the strongest of their stuff to date; not to belittle their previous output by any means! Marty (drums, vocals) comes through clear and strong, especially for “Ancient Architects”, my new personal fave. Though the equally magical “Masters Descent” is currently worming its way towards top pick.

The sprawling stoner metal of MWWB’s “The Master and His Emissary”.

With this wonderful album, both parties insist it’s a true collaborative effort between peers and colleagues, and they easily show that not all split efforts have to be slap and paste projects. In fact, the whole experience has been positive enough to warrant numerous mentions of a hopeful second effort to be in the wings for the future. With such an overwhelming response to their trial offering, one can imagine stone altars and countryside obelisks being erected to Totems in eager anticipation of that day. Disciples of the riff, do NOT lapse in owning this or prepare to be duly sassed!

Totems Track Listing:

01. The Master And His Emissary (Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard)
02 . Eagduru (Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard)
03. Ancient Architects (Slomatics)
04. Silver Ships Into The Future (Slomatics)
05. Masters Descent (Slomatics)

Run Time: 42:47
Release date: March 29, 2018
Record Label: Black Bow Records

The glorious and operatic “Masters Descent” by Slomatics.