ALBUM REVIEW: Third Stone From The Sun – Huanastone

Stoner grunge band HUANASTONE are back with another album with the word “stone” in the title. Okay, for real, it’s their second album and there better be some dirty riffage to live up to this name. Despite the hype, this band’s sound still leaves a lot to be desired, and more work needs to be done to set them apart from the rest of the pack.

This album is a fun addition to the ever-growing pile of stoner rock which comes into being today. Taking a more measured approach than their previous album of longer, fewer songs, Third Stone From the Sun kicks off with Viva Los Muertos, which is instrumentally interesting but makes use of some very questionable lyrics. 

Undisputed champion of the record is lead single Bad Blood, which perfectly balances this band’s gentle approach in the vocals with some truly gritty and face-melting riffs. The live recording that this band employs really comes into play here, with a sound that is both intimate and airy, leaving the impression of space and of confidence in owning it. The balance of ethereal and graceful vocals with bluesy riffs is carried off to perfection.

The title track here is (possibly?) taken from the Hendrix song of the same name, and holds up as an epic centrepiece of the album. The softer vocals really sound at home here, and it strays more into grunge territory with strong ALICE IN CHAINS influences. Speaking of influences, Carnivore leans heavily into the ALL THEM WITCHES vibes so strongly that it’s basically Marriage of the Coyote Woman part two – not that that’s a bad thing. A slow, lilting feel which builds up and gets more intense is a structure which really suits this band. 

Third Stone From The Sun is a very top heavy album, however, and the two-parter Oliver leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to the full track dropping in in part two. She’s Always is a pretty weak song and by that part of the album, the band’s sound is starting to morph into so many of the other bands which came before this one. It’s a shame, since the opening to this album is really very strong, but it’s sadly not sustained throughout, and sounds pretty tired by the end. 

Rating: 6/10

Third Stone From The Sun is out now via Argonauta Records.

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