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An elaborate psychedelic doom trip
Abyssal Trip is the second album of Swedish doom trio Spelljammer from Stockholm, Sweden. They are currently signed to RidingEasy Records, who released this killer album today! Six years have passed since their debut full-length Ancient of Days hit the streets.
Spelljammer is:
- Niklas Olsson – Vocals, Bass
- Robert Sörling – Guitar
- Jonathan Rimsbo – Drums
Releases
- 2010 Inches from the Sun (EP)
- 2012 Vol. II (EP)
- 2015 Ancient of Days
- 2021 Abyssal Trip
How’s The Sound?
The new album Abyssal Trip is oozing psychedelic doom out of its six tracks – you find hypnotic riffs, heavy bass lines as well as heavy drums, and wonderful melodies interwoven with pretty progressive parts. Spiced up with a lot of fuzz, distortion, and feedback, it’s a welcome sonic onslaught on your ears!
The album starts with Bellwether, a slow and heavy doom piece, which is a very moody buildup to Lake – which certainly ups the pace and pummels the listener with heavy riffage and drags them on a voyage into psychedelic realms. Among the Holy surprises with ethereal vocals, Sabbathy licks, and a more uplifting vibe. The title track and centerpiece Abyssal Trip is the longest track on this album (over ten minutes). It starts with a longer movie sample about a blood sacrifice into which the guitar fades in with the defining riff. It’s slow and heavy and certainly cannot deny the Electric Wizard-influences and it ends with a bluesy outro. Next up is Peregrine, a short acoustic instrumental interlude which helps to catch one’s breath. It leads to the conclusion of this heavy trip, Silent Rift. Another long heavy hitter with hypnotic riffs. After nearly 45 minutes the sonic journey comes to an end.
The production is excellent and the mastering of the album was done by Esben Willems (Studio Berserk) of Monolord fame.
For me at least, Abyssal Trip is already one of the best doom albums of the year.
Why is this album worth listening to?
- Heavy, fuzzy riffs!
- If you like your sound to be Phrygian.
- Sweden has one of the best music scenes in the world.
In what situation should you listen to this album?
Most certainly while being in lockdown to let at least your mind go free. Otherwise any time, any location will be great.
Anything particular to note?
As a RPG nerd, I am wondering if the band played AD&D’s Spelljammer-campaign some couple of years ago.
Favorite Track
Abyssal Trip
For Fans Of
Slomatics, Monolord, Electric Wizard, Domkraft, Cities of Mars
Atmosphere Levels
If you don't know what those "Levels" mean, please visit this page.
Fat Level
Purple Haze Level
Temperature Level
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