Wizard Smoke (!) is a sludge band from Atlanta, which as we all know is a the unholiest mecca for this kind of shit. They describe their influences as "Satan, Weed and the Cosmos." In most cases I find band's self-descripitions kind of bunk, but these dudes got it spot-on. You can seriously hear all three influences here. Satan comes through the atmospheric black-metal style singing. The Weed had a big part in the writing of the droning, buzzing guitars and sludgy riffs (and the primo choice of band name). And the Cosmos had a hand letting the music get to whole new transcendental level, man...
This is some wicked shit. I love how the vocals are totally evil sounding and are paired with the wicked Sleep-style stoner metal. The opening track "Dead Wood" is a big highlight, as well as "Panama II" and "Witches Brew." One knock on the band is that although their sound is great, the overall songwriting and production could use some work as the album does drag in spots. This will surely develop if the band continues to keep it real.
Best thing is that they are offering the album for free on their website before it is released later this month so go and check it out and preorder the LP.
Similar: Sleep, Black Sabbath, Zoroaster
Rating: 7.0
Self-Released
Release: April 30th, 2011
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