Shrinebuilder - Shrinebuilder

The notion of lineage looms large for many heavy metal subgenres, and probably none more so than that of stoner doom. Consequently, this debut collaboration between four of the category’s most respected ringleaders elicits a considerable level of expectation. Comprised of members who previously or currently occupy spots in Neurosis, Melvins, St. Vitus, Om, Sleep, et al., the five tracks contained here are predictably deep-rooted in pummeling underworldly riffs framed by slow builds, acoustic flourishes and dark psychedelic effects. Impressively, these building blocks coalesce to revitalize a tried-and-true idiom by emphasising the enigma of both signature identities and collective enthusiasm. Their lyrical concept, which triumphantly illustrates an obsession with archaeological ceremony, prophetic imagery and the cyclical nature of time, relies as much on subtlety as it does on force, ultimately producing a mournful reminder that burning a spliff is probably the best way to contemplate the intricacies of the infinite. [Eric Ledford]