4.0 out of 5 stars
Looking to the past, February 15, 2010
This review is from: Pharaoh Overlord: The Battle Of The Axehammer (Live) (Audio CD)
Over the course of five tracks, Pharaoh Overlord work the audience into a trancelike state. These slow evolving drones are hypnotizing. From the opening guitar riff, this band knows how to drop a hook and lure in its prey. Distorted guitars float above a distorted bass track while being backed by a simple, plodding drum beats as walls of feedback emerge from underneath the surface. What is most impressive is how they can basically take one guitar riff and stretch it without getting boring. Underneath these harsh oceans of sound, there is a unique sense of melody. Pharaoh Overlord's music is not what I'd call accessible, but there is a certain catchiness to some of these tracks. It attaches itself to your brain and next thing you know, it's impossible to get out. The bass is constantly laying down the foundation so that Pharaoh Overlord's guitarist can lay down a bit of magic. There's something mystical about the howling and screeching sounds being produced by the guitar here. When listening to The Battle of the Axehammer, it's important not to get caught up in single songs. This album is all about the sum of its parts. When put together, these five tracks create an hour long thick, droning sludge. From the beginnings of the opening "Mountain" right until the last booming notes of "Black Horse," Pharaoh Overlord create an unrelenting wall of sound. It reminds me a lot of Euro stoner/kraut/experimental sort of stuff except with a more evil and heavier vibe.
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