This would be the second time I was going to see the Orange Goblin psych-up the AN Club stage; I remember their last appearance at that same small venue just over a year ago and it was literally ground-breaking, so this is what I expected to experience again. They are monoliths in Stoner Metal and have been active since 1995, and one of the first bands that introduced me to the Stoner scene. In my book, these Brits combine as much Doom as Stoner metal requires. The opening act was Stonebringer, a band whose journey I have followed over the past year and it is always a pleasure to see them play. Word on the street was that Orange Goblin did not want to share the crummy backstage restroom with the local opening act.
I guess demanding exclusivity of facilities goes with the territory but perhaps such demands would be better suited in a larger, more capable to accommodate venue. Despite the fact that Stonebringer’s equipment kit was literally unpacked next to the stage, the four members went on with an attitude that fits their music.
I have said it before, and I will say it again, Stonebringer’s music is intelligent. Most new bands today are either bands that walk on already walked-on paths, or those that try so hard to differentiate themselves from the rest that the result is so forced and ultimately unenjoyable; Stonebringer fall in neither of these categories. Most people would say their sound is Southern/Stoner metal. It is not as restricted as that. It is of course metal, harder than Hard Rock, it is heavy but not as static as Heavy Metal. It has Southern/Stoner influences and sludgy breakdowns that suggest the label, but it is music that takes you places mentally, it is also very much progressive and post-metal at times and here is where I lose the plot, so I will wash my hands of labelling them. They are a band whose compositions are far beyond any other local bands I have seen and they have a lot more to show us. Thankfully, their set included some thrilling new tracks such as ‘Flesh and Bones’ and ‘The Poet of Gold’, which are being recorded in studio, with an estimated release date around spring 2014. Beware, it will be a serious listening. To read the full article click here
Helen Marie Joyce 