ALBUM REVIEW: Cosmic Ritual Supertrip – Black Rainbows

Any band who names their album Cosmic Ritual Supertrip had better make sure they deliver. Luckily for us, these Italian stoner rockers know exactly what they’re doing, making this eighth album of theirs an absolute schooling in cosmic stoner grooves. BLACK RAINBOWS were never ones to do things by half. They have barely stopped to rest since their 2007 debut, Twilight in the Desert, and, a couple of line up changes later, they are back with another quintessential album in the world of cosmic stoner riffage. Beginning with a sound clip which warns us, “if you see this big bird, it’s a sign that you’re gonna die – real soon,” At Midnight You Cry kicks off this record by immediately melting your face off. We have lift off. Universal Phase is a great, chugging riff which shows the band in full stride – this is a band whose sound makes the most sense at half speed, with a slow, monolithic groove. The sound clips continue, painting the picture of an Earth being invaded by extraterrestrials and other space exploration, drug induced or otherwise.

Great Design proves this band can be slow and emotional when they want to be. A mere two minutes, this song acts as the perfect palate cleanser (although still fuzzy and cosmic as anything) before launching us back into the world of riffs with Master Rocket Power Blast, an album standout. Radio 666 is a fun song, but starts off significantly weaker in the melody used in the verses and punk-influenced rhythms which don’t always sit right with the band’s sound. It manages to salvage it all with the change in pace at the chorus, with some soaring vocal lines and a killer hook. The solo on Hypnotized by the Solenoid is yet another album standout, in all of Fiori’s fuzzy, shredding glory.

These guys are the undisputed kings of Italian stoner rock, and eight albums in, they carry a swagger that means that they really do know it. Nowhere shows off this swagger and confidence more than lead single, Isolation, made up as much by its moments of stillness in between beats as it is by the unrelenting fuzzy riffs throughout. Changes in tempo and rhythm, as well as the introduction of backing vocals during the hooks mean that BLACK RAINBOWS continue to push themselves above and beyond their previous releases. Everything is new, exciting and experimental yet remains the absolute blueprint for heavy psychedelic stoner rock the world over.

Whilst Cosmic Ritual Supertrip may not deal with anything much deeper than getting wrecked and tripping out, if you need an album to make you screw up your face and headbang, look no further. Another masterclass on stoner rock from BLACK RAINBOWS.

Rating: 7/10

Cosmic Ritual Supertrip is set for release May 22nd via Heavy Psych Sounds. 

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