ALBUM REVIEW: Novis Orbis Terrarum Ordinis – Year Of The Goat

YEAR OF THE GOAT have had themselves a reputation for bringing in brilliantly accurate, classic 60’s and 70’s psychedelic rock for a while now. Having taken their time to craft their latest album, Novis Orbis Terrarum Ordinis, their third record, it’s obvious that YEAR OF THE GOAT bathe in their creative output like they were born to it.

A momentous opening burst forward in intro track Subortus; rich and towering, a single note ringing in before the nostalgic twang of the guitars chime in. The bass growls low and the overall sense of magical menace is palpable. Vocals too are wavering, deep and wailing paint themselves across the swell of the music, in a haze of decadent guitar solos. We’re in YEAR OF THE GOAT territory through and through here.

Acedia is yet another fun number, playing around with very country inspired gallops, and a tone that hits right into the classic rock heart of the seventies. The guitars and bright and entertaining, and it’s joyously easy to lose yourself in it. Similarly, Luxuria pushes their neo-psychedelic feel to a funkier place, the overall movement is surprisingly catchy, and constantly upbeat. It’s a big, confident track that benefits from the haze of the symbols, and the constant emergence of high choral voices. Brilliant fun.

Ira simmers down to a calm melody, a single guitar chiming out, before it’s joined by a singing, expressive lead line that has a kind of beautiful emotion we haven’t come across yet on Novis Orbis Terrarum Ordinis. The vocals are also more tempered, before breaking lose in the chorus. It’s a longer track, so really gives itself the time to build up. As times moves along, the urgency and power rise and becomes a momentous creature.

Superbia places itself as the go to psychedelic rock track from this album, no question. From it’s aggressive start to it’s finish, it is pure, relentless energy. This is such a bright spark of what a 60’s and 70’s sound can be still, in the hands of those who are capable and inspired. So many layers of vocals and instruments hit you like a wall of sound, it’s impervious might is undeniable. This is one for any fan of the band, and a sure hit for any newcomers. Hot on the heels of Superbia, and not to be outdone, Gula wah wah’s itself into existence with pure style and just oozes cool. There’s a really nice overarching riff of bends and bluesy licks that compliment the chug of the rhyme, while the chorus itself it’s a real ear worm. It’s classic, theatrical, and just the right amount groove and darkness combined, with its perfectly matched, serene ending it’s everything you could want from YEAR OF THE GOAT.

Changing the essence of the atmosphere, but maintaining the YEAR OF THE GOAT tone, Avaritia is the best of a classic blues rock sound encapsulated in the gloss and mystique of this darker, iconic psychedelic sound. There’s a huge number of bands like COVEN, DIO and JUDAS PRIEST in there for influence, but for younger audiences there’s maybe a smattering of big production bands like MUSE in there as well; regardless of comparisons, it’s all very indulgent in the best way. Invidia has a little more of the harmonising guitars we’re all a sucker for in classic rock, with all the vibrato tricks that line up with the deeper tenors of the chorus. The verses are busy, and just as evocative in their storytelling as the rest of the album, but it’s the chorus and final breakdown that this track finds itself strongest.

For an album of massive sounds that take heritage from, arguably, one of the most iconic eras of music, Subicio is the most outlandish of ballads YEAR OF THE GOAT could to offer to finish. It slams you round the face with a belting opening riff, full of passion and vigour, a timeless roll through some really expressive playing. What comes after is an ocean of tempered moments, brooding and mellow, haunting, echoing vocals cast themselves over a spray of drums; shattering waves of power come crashing through, to influence the current of your emotions, aching and pained. As the decent beckons, so looms the towering surge of delicious guitars, and bellowing rhythms. It’s epic nature wills it into a haunted soundscape before setting course once more into choral laments.

A solid album from start to finish, it’s easy to be caught up in the grasp of YEAR OF THE GOATS powerful playing, harnessing that darkly psychedelic edge to the fullest on Novis Orbis Terrarum Ordinis. Classic and nostalgic as ever, but so welcomingly fresh and entertaining, you’ll embody a dark glory in every listen to this record.

Rating: 7/10

Novis Orbis Terrarum Ordinis is out now via Napalm Records.

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