There is one universal truth: When it comes to doom you can’t go wrong with a Swedish band. People at Orchestrated Misery Records know that for sure! Catapult the Smoke seems to follow the family tradition as their debut “Unearthed” was a napalm bomb…and like with many doom gems…it went totally unnoticed. As far as I know it took these guys forever to publish their first one and with “Born in Fire”, they didn’t rush at all! Good things need time? Obviously!
So “Born in Fire” arrives but doesn’t have the advantage of surprise. Bullshit! It is obvious these guys know how to write music. Catchy stuff! Forget all about romantic keyboard sessions, atmospheric parts etc. This album is all about riffs. Nothing you haven’t heard before! Nothing is done in a different way! But everything is done so nicely you won’t give a damn!
Compared to their debut (I insist on their debut as I think this is a record you HAVE to listen) I would say that the Kyuss and Fu Manchu influences are pushed back although they are never buried. The speeds are generally a little higher and but the bass sounds weaker. The vocals are angrier and now the style resembles that of Spike(Band of Spice, ex Spiritual Beggars). The band gives the impression that they had more fun recording this one. Here, there are some definite highlights like “Follow the Path of the Warrior” or “War Bring Enemies” for example! Some of the best tunes I’ve heard all year long! The order of the tracks could have been better as I felt somewhere in the middle, the album lost some steam or started sounding repetitive. Still, if you attempt to listen at any given track isolated it’s great.
With fire comes smoke and “Born in Fire” packs lethal doses of smoke. Classic stoner. The highly addictive kind… (www.doommantia.com)
