WO FAT - The Gathering Dark (2006)

[padrak]

Voe: 2006

Genre: Stoner Rock

Tracklist:
01. The Wolf
02. Manchurian Syndrome
03. Company Man
04. The Gathering Dark
05. Day Of Judgement
06. From Beyond
07. Holy War
08. El Brujo
09. Risin River
10. Dreams Of Milk And Honey
11. Theyre Coming For You, Barbara
12. Runnin The Voodoo Down


Spielzeit: 79:02


Years back, when this little ol genre was generating mainstream media attention thanks to Queens of the Stone Ages debut and Sabbaths reunion with Ozzy, Orange Goblin was referenced as a band to watch. I ignored that advice, because at the time the name sounded absolutely ridiculous.

While Ive grown more accepting of bands with dumb names (case in point – Toner Low), Im still prone to making petty dismissals, which is why Wo Fats four song From Beyond EP was pawned off on one of the other writers. That it was initially dismissed as “generic stoner rock” didnt make me lament that snap decision.

Listening to The Gathering Dark, the Texas-based bands full-length debut, does. Like my colleague said about their EP, much of the album at first comes across as a huge case of “been there, done that.” But as Ive been prone to argue in the past, its all about delivery, and Wo Fat succeeds on that end with songs like “The Wolf,” the title track, “Holy War,” “Risin River,” and the massive “From Beyond.” That last one ought to be sent to Ozzy with a note saying “Quit fucking around with market research and that bone-head with the hard on for pinch harmonics and sound more like this.” Its got an awesome, classic stoner doom groove that just stomps all over the place.

Overall, Ive got two complaints about the The Gathering Dark – the overall length and the singing on some of the songs. The formers a personal issue; unless its flat out amazing, I cant take rock albums that drift past ten tracks. Keep em wanting more is always for the best. The somewhat flat delivery of the latter takes some of the heft away from otherwise strong tracks like “Manchurian Syndrome” and “El Brujo” (fortunately for this one, the singing stops relatively early and the band takes off with a heavy jam). While the bands name may leave much to be desired, theres enough on The Gathering Dark to appeal to most fans of Fu Manchu, Sasquatch, and southern-friend stoner rock.  (Quelle: stonerrock.com)

Persoenlicher Nachtrag:
Man sollte versuchen, die Scheibe "richtig" anzuhoeren. Bei den Myspace Hoerproben geht viel von der wahren Heaviness verloren.

Meine Wertung: 8.0/10

Hoerbeispiele: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fus...D=27650696