Doomed Wolf On Sludged Planet
MOUNTAIN PASS REVIEW - We will never stop being surprised by new and recently emerged metal artists around the globe. The heavier styles of metal music constantly present great tunes. PHANTOM HOUND is one of these bands. A 3-member formation from Oakland, CA, that is self-characterized as a Doom & Blues rock band, but in reality they are specialized in much more known and beloved styles, such as Sludge, Grunge, Heavy Psych & Stoner Rock.
I will not lie about vocals reminding me somehow of Chris Cornell especially in "Thunder I Am", but that's just an amazing fact as nobody is trying to copy anyone. It's all on the rare timbre of Jake's voice. After all, I am not aware of anyone who doesn't need a communication and mental connection with old SOUNDGARDEN and AUDIOSLAVE.
PHANTOM HOUND is sludgier, hence much heavier. On the other side there are those great calm melodic moments. But don't be fooled. This is the calmness before the storm.
Mountain Pass is all about dark riffs, thunderous drums and ear shaking bass lines. An audio trip of the mountain-piercer, a heavy haul locomotive machine, following its doomy, ritualistic route. The question is...can you qualify as it's passenger?