21st September 2023

Review: “Guided By The Second Sun” by Spook The Beast

Exploring themes of fear, despair and anxiety, “Guided By The Second Sun” marks the second burnt offering from Canadian Doom Sludge purveyors Spook The Beast, a quintet spearheaded by guitarist Alex Araya (ex-Lotek Cruiser). Drawing on inspiration from Neurosis, Cult Of Luna and Ulcerate, they entrusted their creations to Topon Das (They Grieve, Expunged, The Night Watch) at Apartment 2 Recording for mastering after recording them at B-Town Sound with Collin Young and having them mixer at ERB Street Recording by Mrudul Kamble.

Having the inner strength to immerse yourself in your fears and live to tell the tale is the exploration undertaken in “Shaman“, the dirge laden riffs paired perfectly with the cathartic roars of Nj Borreta. This isn’t the sound of a man left in solitary confinement to eat himself alive but instead something that feels like an evolution of sound emanating from the combination of Neurosis and Noise Metal bands like Will Haven. Entrancing and captivating the seven minutes of the opening cut play out with ease, the band cleaving limb from limb with angular riffs that weighted perfectly. The intensity and despair of not being able to control what is happening around you what lies behind “Cyclone Coming“, the unwillingness to let the storm take the echoing throughout. Sounding a little rougher around the edges, Michael Zettle impresses behind the kit as provides the back bone with a collosal drum sound that has plenty of nuance during a meloncholic meandering shrouded by heavier moments to give it a real grit and integrity. This is music that stirs the soul, awaking repressed feelings, thoughts and emotions to let it all bleed out. An instrumental chapter in “Merchants Of Grief” closes the book after a descent into a void of sadness beyond the realms of sombre gloom. Spellbinding and darkly atmospheric, this one has a shoegazing quality to it that opens up new possibilities… [7/10]

Track Listing