EP REVIEW: Howling Giant (Reissue) – Howling Giant
Psychedelic meets progressive rock with HOWLING GIANT who have put out a reissue of their self-titled debut EP on its ten-year-anniversary. The trio themselves have split the EP into two parts, the first half being a remaster of the original four tracks, whilst the second half features the original demos recorded back in 2012, and amongst that we also have a bonus track that serves as a spoken word track that recounts the early days of HOWLING GIANT’s formation.
When it comes to the subject of reissuing and remastering tracks that came out over a decade ago, a question many of us would have regards whether the songs themselves will stand the test of time. In the case of HOWLING GIANT, the answer is a huge resounding yes, especially in the fact we have both old and new versions to compare.
If you’re someone going in blind with never hearing a HOWLING GIANT song before, and maybe not knowing these are decade old tracks, you’ll find yourself impressed given how these songs could easily be released in the year 2025 with how stunning they sound.
Breaking down the EP we first have Husk, which opens with feedback before things kick off into a heavy psychedelic meets drone rock track. Somehow, it’s nostalgic of both the 00s and 10s yet also feels modern in the current trends of heavy music, in short, it stands up incredibly well for today, especially with the stunning instrumental sections that bring it altogether.
The fun part on each song is how they all have their own unique style, vivid characteristics, that leaves you eager for more. From the distorted bass-focused Whale Lord; to the more fun and bouncier electronic Doug, where can picture incredibly fun scenes of this being performed live; to the constant style switch ups in Camel Crusher that one moment is droning grunge meets hard rock, the next moment we explore harsher sounds, and then in the next we have an energetic composition.
Whether you’ve followed them for a long time or just now checking them out, HOWLING GIANT’s reissue can be enjoyed by anyone. Older fans will love the remasters, along with the nostalgia of hearing the original demos, while newer listeners will discover an incredible band.
Rating: 9/10
The reissue is available now via self-release.
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