ALBUM REVIEW: Age of Mycology – Moonstone
Up and coming doom quartet MOONSTONE have been making waves in their native Polish underground scene since 2019. With the release of their eponymous debut, people were quick to identify the expressive sound of the band. Taking the main cues of doom and stoner metal with a big guitar sound, thunderous bass and punishing drums. MOONSTONE also incorporate elements of punk aggression and more progressive moments to generate a potent atmosphere. With several albums now under their collective belt and having explored emotive themes and continuing to blend other metal elements into their style. Age of Mycology represents an exciting instalment for a band set on continuing to evolve the doom palette.
If doom could be described as having a swinging groove. MOONSTONE have harnessed this concept on Age of Mycology. Confidently kicking in the door with A New Dawn, a rumbling, funk infused bassline steals the show as it elevates the groove of the drums. Yet the guitars offer a darker doom tinge heightening the overall atmosphere. It’s a potent and engaging opener and sees the four-piece on excellent creative form.
An album that engages and entertains from start to finish. It’s easy to pick up influences from some of doom metals biggest hitters. Vocal stylings of pioneers like CANDLEMASS bleed through on tracks like A Crooked One and This Barren Place. Combine this with well executed deliberate guitar riffs and the band are celebrating the archetype foundations of the doom genre with great skill. They’ve cultivated a majesty to their soundscape that demands attention. The vocals may sit a little low in the mix at times and are possibly overpowered by the catchy hooks and riffs on offer. However, this does serve a purpose in building the void like soundscape.
While they undoubtedly nail the basics and execute them to a high level. Where MOONSTONE truly excel is when they have fun and stretch the genre boundaries. Look no further than the highly infectious, four to the floor groove drenched Disco Inferno. Not to be confused as a cover. An original track that propels doom onto the dance floor and showcases not only the wonderful talent that the band possess, but also the scope that can be encompassed by what many have seen as a genre that reveals in monotony.
For an erstwhile fan of the doom genre MOONSTONE represent an exciting prospect. Not content with sitting on tried and tested creative methods, the young four-piece appear eager to push on, generating a truly enthralling sonic style. Age of Mycology is obviously a culmination of what they’ve created so far and the progress from previous albums is clear. It’s establishing a clear identity for them, firstly as part of the doom metal community. Secondly as a band that will appeal to many other metal fans. The blends of styles and expression will leave a memorable mark.
Rating: 7/10
Age of Mycology is set for release November 6th via Interstellar Smoke Records.
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