EP REVIEW: Cosmic Bullshit – Volcanova

Hailing from the cold and barren volcanic landscape of Iceland comes a stoner rock trio that would move the mountains of Jötunheim, shake the foundations of Asgard and bring down the fiery fury of Muspelheim upon all of mankind. With epic imagery like that, it’s safe to say that there is never a dull moment with VOLCANOVA. Having released their debut album Radical Waves in 2020, the band return with a thunderous EP by the name of Cosmic Bullshit. Effortlessly fusing the hulking riffs of BLACK SABBATH with virtuosic guitar solos and bass grooves, three part vocal harmonies and a tasteful cowbell rhythm, the band produce a distinctly captivating sound that will leave its hooks in you.

From the off, Cosmic Bullshit is fun, energetic and completely off its rocker. Even so, this small element of madness is testament to the band’s musicianship. They’re not afraid to spice up the time honoured formulas that make stoner what it is with progressive elements, which is reminiscent of fellow progressive stoners ELDER, however VOLCANOVA do it with the frantic energy of fellow countrymen THE VINTAGE CARAVAN. With a steadily uplifting and infectiously happy energy throughout the EP, you cannot help but feel joy when marvelling at the band’s incredible ability to incorporate dramatic twists and turns alongside epic guitar solos, constantly evolving bass parts and borderline funk rhythms. VOLCANOVA possess an incredibly effective cohesion and togetherness that is seen more commonly in bands twice their age. This tightness allows them to dictate the musical direction with ruthless efficiency.

The EP offers a multitude of exuberant and colourful emotions, with a brief sombre acoustic moment in the introduction of End Of Time. Opening up with Salem, you’re instantly slung into the back of the band’s cosmic caravan and blasted across the cosmos, blasting space witches as you go. Even though Cosmic Bullshit has a sludgy vibe to it, the fast paced, feverish energy at its core definitively places it in the realms of balls out rock ’n’ roll. Even so, the band also channel their psychedelic influences during End Of Time and Lost Spot, whilst their BLACK SABBATH influences shine on Gold Coast.

VOLCANOVA are a band that don’t do anything by halves and Cosmic Bullshit, despite being an EP, has all the big guns blazing spirit of the band’s debut album. Packed to bursting with uplifting riff after uplifting riff, this nifty EP is sure to delight all those who wish to join them on this action packed cosmic journey.

Rating: 9/10

Cosmic Bullshit is set for release on February 25th via The Sign Records.

Like VOLCANOVA on Facebook.