STONEGARD
Arrows
Candlelight USA
8.5/10
Now for a fresh perspective from Stonegard, a group which incorporates blasting and thrash overtones into stoner rock formulas. What’s best is, they make it work. So all this talk that constantly circulates about there being no original bands out there today is turned to rubbish with a few burly power chords, a handful of smoke-filled hazy vocal melodies and a set filled with varied rhythmic fluctuations.
Singer Torgrim Torve has a very distinctive voice, with a touch of southern drawl and a pinch of Danzig blues for good measure. In fact, had Kyuss frontman John Garcia been smitten with that wolfish Danzig howl, the result would be quite similar to Torve’s presence as a vocalist. The Stonegard voice is especially convincing on cuts like “At Arms Length,” where he issues a weed demon croon and the southern rock-tinged “Resistance.”
One of the most interesting things about this Norwegian quartet is they refuse to adhere to formulas. Instead, they display diversity without imitation – always a hallmark of a great group. “The White Shaded Lie” bleeds thrash but speaks the language of stoner rock, while the title-track offers crunch and fury without going completely over the top. A weighty verse gives way to an intense chorus. Pay attention to the dynamic structure of the arrangement on this particular tune. Stonegard sure as hell knows what they’re doing. Displaying an affinity for tension building and overall dramatics, their execution during such cuts is highly formidable to say the least.
I’d much rather hear a band such as this hit the radio than listen to another overplayed Metallica track or another dull attempt at saving face from Audioslave. It’s bands like Stonegard that, given proper support and direction, will pave the way for the next wave of rock we’ll all be sick of in twenty years. Bring it on, baby – we’re ready for the new shit.
Written By: Obee Spicoli
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