Review: “Frostbitten Galaxy” by Mammoth Caravan

Since 2023’s debut album “Ice Cold Oblivion” there have been a few changes in the Mammoth Caravan camp. Original guitarist Evan Swift exited stage left in a move which saw drummer Robert Warner move to guitars, synths and clean vocals with new drummer Khetner Howton joining the ranks. That of course leaves the screamed vocals to bassist Brandon Ringo with sophomore album “Frostbitten Galaxy” recorded and mixed at Wolfman Studios by Jason Tedford (Ruark, Death Throes From A Star, Upon the Devil’s Request) and mastered by Justin Weis (Acid King, Bell Witch, High On Fire) at Traxworx. Album art by Tony Koehl. It’s time for some more Doom infused Stoner Sludge Metal from Little Rock, Arkansas…

An opening cut surpassing the eight minute mark in captivating fashion “Absolute Zero” has a atmospheric slow burning introduction of rich delicate melody that feels like a hug from a hot cup of coffee from a hot coffee cup the morning after the night before. The hammer falls after two minutes of that with brutal unclean vocals, powerful kit work and riffs of fuzz filled intensity that on the first spin catch might catch you off guard like the plot twist in Sixth Sense. After the Chinese burn of that savage couple of minutes the band once again step up the gears, injecting pace and energy in as they roar towards an epic crescendo like a dragon spitting flames. Anvil heavy, this one feels like it could have been a grand finale to this record rather than the opening cut, burying a hatchet in your skull from the very start with its primitive yet deeply satisfying cathartic outburst. A funky yet eerie groove brings “Cosmic Clairvoyance” to life with synths adding a space age edge to the trance inducing melody. Lush melodic guitars and almost ethereal clean vocals are glorious as they build to the mountain once more, the fuzz pedal getting stomped on for a final third of warmer textures. Spellbinding to the very last note it’s almost an instrumental and is in stark contrast to the crushing opening cut stylistically, variety being as ever the spice of life. The harsh vocals return after a couple of moments of “Tusks Of Orion“, a cut which not only has a hummable main riff that won’t let you go but a tasteful solo which adds a little bit of sheen. Another powerhouse affair, its the perfect sonic accompaniment to a fire pit and a bottle of whiskey for keeping you warm on those cold winter nights.

As magnificent as its predecessor, “Siege In The Stars” stomps in Southern Sludge Doom Metal with a riff fit for worship, the Death Metal inspired harsh vocals the heaviest part of the bands sound. An almost tribal style drum passage to accompany some clever leads in the final third makes for the finest moment. The genius of it being that rather than virtuoso and flamboyant, it’s kept tight and tastefully within the realms of the overarching sound. Meandering Progressive Rock inspired guitar moments add a haunting touch to “Prehistoric Spacefarer“, a tune that is as enthralling as it is utterly captivating. As with the earlier material there is a moment when the band slickly transition to a heavier mode, this time collapsing the mountain later on in the six minute affair with a savage final verse. While they may not be a technical band, Mammoth Caravan do depth and texture in style, taking a different route to remain on the left hand path, creating spellbinding material all along the way. Lush clean vocals from Warner “Sky Burial” feel like a prayer to a distant space being as they float in the ether alongside beautiful instrumentation. The impeccable musicianship is highlighted by a stunning solo and clever use of vocal layering to bring in an unclean backing vocal as the track reaches a grand finale. Building on the foundations of “Ice Cold Oblivion” this new record is a clear evolution, sanding off some of the rough edges and distilling the sound to make for something bolder and braver but no less forceful [8/10]

Track Listing

1. Absolute Zero
2. Cosmic Clairvoyance
3. Tusks Of Orion
4. Siege In The Stars
5. Prehistoric Spacefarer
6. Sky Burial

“Frostbitten Galaxy” by Mammoth Caravan is out 4th October 2024 via Blade Setter Records and is available over at bandcamp