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howlinggiant sergeantthunderhoof turnedtostone masamunemuramasa
Artist: Howling Giant / Sergeant Thunderhoof
Title: Turned To Stone Chapter 2 - Masamune & Muramasa
Genre: Doom / Psychedelic
Release Date: 7th August 2020
Label: Ripple Music


Review Flash

The concept of a Split EP is well known among vinyl maniacs all around the world but the approach of ‘Turned To Stone Chapter 2 - Masamune & Muramasa’ is a game-changer. Both bands, as it is quite normal in this format, chip in with a song but these two songs tell a story that is connected: The tale of Masamune and Muramasa. Both Masamune and Muramasa are legendary Japanese Swordsmith's the legends say that Masamune’s swords were not made to cut just anything and only used in battle whereas Muramasa’s swords were deemed bloodthirsty and evil, willing to slice and cut anything in its way. As unusual as the concept and as epic and special the story is that is told by both bands, I must say I am deeply impressed by the musical approach too. Both songs are over 15 minutes in length. HOWLING GIANTS ‘Masamune’ mirrors the calm and sanctity of the songs main character (a bit on the chill and psychedelic side but with a hauntingly beautiful melody that strongly borders on epic doom). SERGEANT THUNDERHOOF’s ‘Muramasa’ is just as melodic but riff-wise a bit more on the heavier side of Doom (here and there reminding me a bit of ALTER BRIDGE in its more pleasing moments). Before I close and forget about this: Both vocalists are awesome.

Conclusion: If you headbanging folks out there dig a proper dose of doom that spills over with fantastic arrangements and one of the best musical narratives I witnessed in the last 2 years and approximately 320 reviews.

Rating: 9 / 10




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