DESERT STORM
“SENTINELS”
Album Review By Lloyd Parkinson
10/10
2018 has started extremely strong with Metal releases being churned out by bands across the globe. However, there is an anomaly that is about to be unleashed on us all. 2018, marks the almighty return of the UK’s “Sludge Metal” behemoths “Desert Storm”. “Sentinels” is the band’s follow up to their previous album “Omniscient” and is due for release on 16th March via APF Records. Recorded at Flesh and Bone Studios in Hackney by Jamie Dodd and polished by Steve Watkins of Wood Studios, “Sentinels” is a mammoth of an album. This is a 10 track collective of monumental proportion characterised by a mountainous motion of pummeling sound. The primary force of Desert Storm’s musical creativity has always been the adjacent relationship between the independent band members. The band have been a collective for over ten years now and their passion and dedication just doesn’t seem to be slowing down. If anything, their momentum is accelerating at a phenomenal pace and “Sentinels” is proof of exactly that. This album pushes the band’s boundaries in terms of musical style and ability and adopts a slightly different sound in relation to their past release. However, do not let this put you off of listening to this album. The band have grasped a more progressive and introspective notion with both the musical composition and lyrical subject matter.
“Sentinels” detonates into motion with the first track “Journey’s End”. If a band could defy their sound and inform their listeners of what’s in store for the rest of an album then this is exactly the way to execute it. “Journeys End” is a collective of battering riffs complemented by the intensive insanity of Matt Ryan’s vocal onslaught. There’s one thing that “Desert Storm” do perfectly and that is writing music that diversifies their soundwave of tightly composed guitar solos, impeccable riffs and compelling subject matter. Typically, we have all heard of the saying “This is the beginning of the end” but this track in fact sends warning signals that this is “The End of a New Beginning” for Desert Storm’s career trajectory. The second track “Too Far Gone” formally does back this up and but technically bases its lyrical topics around binge drinking which is totally fine for a band like “Desert Storm” to talk about. “It’s the paradox of hard liquor being both the cause and the remedy of the sickness. Self-destruction and punishment of the body. It’s inspired by the tragic tales of Bon Scott and John Bonham along with fictional characters Ben Sanderson of leaving Las Vegas and to a lesser extent, Jim Lahey of Trailer Park Boys. It’s a miserable outcome as our song begins with alcoholism and ends in death,” states vocalist Matt Ryan.
The third track “The Brawl” really showcases Matt Ryan’s vocal ability and range. What I particularly love about this track is that it proves that “Desert Storm’s groove filled riffs and brilliantly crafted guitar tones perfectly match the vocalist’s style. The following track “Kingdom of Horn” is definitely my favourite track on “Sentinels” and confirms that “Desert Storm” really do mean it on this album. The track begins with an eerie vibe of musical atmosphere and tranquil vocals that creates a mysterious cloud of sound. However, this soon changes with heavy drums and some of the heaviest bass tones on the entire album. The track then transforms into an aesthetically crafted and epic war of pure “Sludge Metal” perfection. The sixth track “Drifter” is also a standout on this album as it showcases the bands ability to produce a groove filled southern rock style track that is sure to get them heads banging. Another great thing with this track is that it proves that Desert Storm can really diversify their musical creativity on one album.
After a decade of producing music, Desert Storm are yet to produce a poor album for their fans. However, with this album you really get a feel that the band’s musical venture is about to propel them into the International Metal scene. On their past albums you could easily relate their music to some “Desert Rock and “Stoner” bands from the USA but with “Sentinels” they have created a beast that offers something a lot more darker and atmospheric. Overall, the production on this album is superlative and has been stimulatingly structured in a way that gives it a dynamic character. The band have really established their sound with this album and as a result have risen up and won the game. The riffs on this album sound bigger, heavier and more aggressive than anything the band have written before and the provocative vocal styles unleashed throughout makes it their most powerful album to date. “Sentinels” is a remarkably enjoyable and entirely scintillating album that I am sure will see Desert Storm’s career trajectory accelerate within the “Sludge Metal” community.
To complement the album’s release, the band have been vigorously on the road around mainland Europe to promote their latest offering. Make sure you don’t miss Desert Storm at the following UK dates later on this year:
07.07.18 | United Kingdom | Bradford | Underground
28.07.18 | United Kingdom | Bournemouth | The Anvil
04.08.18 | United Kingdom | Abingdon | Abingdon Town F.C
25.08.18 | United Kingdom | Bolton | Alma Inn
29.09.18 | United Kingdom | Sheffield | o2 Academy
BAND LINE-UP
Matt Ryan – Vocals
Chris White – Guitar
Ryan Cole – Guitar
Elliot Cole – Drums
Chris Benoist – Bass
TRACKLIST
Journey’s End
Too Far Gone
The Brawl
Kingdom Of Horns
Gearhead
Drifter
The Extrovert
Convulsion
Capsized
Outro
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