ALBUM REVIEW: Night Parade Of One Hundred Demons – Earthless

San Diego trio EARTHLESS return with their new album Night Parade Of One Hundred Demons, and despite the fact that it only contains three tracks, those three are so vast and spiralling through so many twists and turns that it feels like there are many more.

Throughout the album’s epic and expansive tracks, EARTHLESS (as they are wont to do), take their listeners on a journey through their music. There is not one moment of filler in its duration and the listener is kept utterly captivated throughout. First up is Night Parade Of One Hundred Demons (Part 1), a track which contains a constant heavy groove and some truly killer guitar solos throughout. When that groove combines with some truly galloping riffs it really does sound like something special. The psychedelic vibes and influences that EARTHLESS have really shine here and it comes on like a vibrant jam session with a hell of a lot of heart and soul. It sounds as if the band are having the time of their lives just kicking out the jams. As the song reaches its urgent crescendo, you will feel that the journey has only just begun.

Night Parade Of One Hundred Demons (Part 2) follows and sees EARTHLESS taking on a slower pace initially, especially after that frenetic opener, with a hypnotic tribal drumbeat which continues throughout the track’s duration. Along with the slower pace is a more focused and thoughtful groove with more of a glacial and minimal ambience that still manages to sound massive. There is even a feeling of loss bearing over it, which certainly adds to the atmosphere being created. Night Parade Of One Hundred Demons (Part 2) showcases another side to the music of EARTHLESS and it is another huge and massively intriguing piece of music. The pace does pick up towards the end of the track and the results morph into something that is more akin to Part 1, but it works so well with its highly impressive guitar work and groove and definitely personifies the scope that EARTHLESS display with their music.

Night Parade Of One Hundred Demons concludes with Death To The Red Sun, which is a fine third act and finish to this trilogy of vast songs with its lurching groove and SABBATH-esque vibe. It starts with Electric Funeral-style riffs before transcending into the kind of psychedelic jam that has been showcased throughout while remaining resolutely fresh, leaving listeners to marvel once again at the supreme musicianship on show here.

This is as epic a listening experience as you can get and each time you listen you will discover new things to focus on, such is the vast nature of the music on show here. The most impressive thing however is how, despite each track being huge in length, it just flies by and keeps you enthralled constantly. Night Parade Of One Hundred Demons is an album that EARTHLESS should rightly be proud of, so turn it up loud and enjoy the immense and glorious nature of this music.

Rating: 8/10

Night Parade Of One Hundred Demons is set for release on January 28th via Nuclear Blast Records.

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