BEASTWARS
Beastwars
[Universal]
One of the best ever names in rock n' roll and the incredible artwork all over the untitled debut from Beastwars made me very excited about subjecting my stereo to this album. New Zealand's fast growing stoner/sludge rock scene has thrown up some very good bands and at least one great album (take a bow, Arc Of Ascent), and this was recorded with Dale Cotton (HDU, Dimmer, Die! Die! Die!) and mastered by John Golden (Melvins, Sonic Youth, Faith No More), two huge names in music of this size. So why does the album sound so tame? Arguably they've all the elements in place (gruff vocals, loud guitars, grunty bass, slow drums) and I guess it's difficult to break new ground in stoner rock, but they never get out of second gear. I'm sure live they're a terrifying prospect, but this sounds more like a Pokemon fistfight than a Beastwar.
2 and 1/2 stars from 5
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