Iron Kind/Voodoo Shock--split 7"
Game Two/pscheDOOMelic 2003
Most doom mongers need only take a look at the line up of this split 7", Iron Kind and Voodoo Shock, to know its probably going to be great. Still, you're always at least faced with the question of how great, in these cicumstances. With this particular slab, the answer is it's everything you'd expect and then some.
Iron Kind kicks things off with their half of the split, "Lord Of Evil." This cut showcases the massive growth of the band since their demo. Iron Kind still owe the biggest debt of gratitude for their sound to Pentagram. However, while Conan continues to do the best approximation known to man of Bobby Liebling's voice, his performance is much more confident here than on previous Iron Kind outings. Also, while the guitar solo is duelling in the same way found on many Pentagram albums, the guitar sound itself is much more powerful. Tuned down to the absolute depths, this guitar tone gives "Lord Of Evil" the quality of having the same kind of power found on Cathedral's Ethereal Mirror, just sludgier. All in all, this cut is one of the best, most exciting doom metal songs to come down the pike in quite some time, proving the second installment of Iron Kind was worth the wait.
Closing out the split is Voodoo Shock with another of their golden Black Sabbath inspired doom metal gems, "Cordial Vicinity." This cut is so top-shelf, it could've easily been included on their brilliant debut album. The riffs are great and understated to the point you can't understand why more people aren't able to pull this stuff off. There is a nice injection of brief harmony guitar in the chorus and bridge sections which blesses the track with a sophisticated air. The vocals have a decidedly Ozzy-esque slant to them and it suits everything perfectly. Masterful stuff, to say the least.
This 7" is, in fact, the no-brainer, must-have score it appears to be at first glance. Iron Kind and Voodoo Shock are most certainly worthy descendents of the bands who influenced them most. No need to think twice about picking this one up--just go for it.
Score this CD directly from GAME TWO
|
