Review Summary: A cosmic, fuzz-drenched stoner rocket!
Astral Voyager sets the coordinates with a cosmic, heavy slow-burn that blossoms into widescreen melody and thick, downtuned fuzz. B.T.D.S.C immediately ups the velocity without shedding weight, turning the opening into a fast, fun stoner one-two. Void Cleaner is the early peak: pure, confident stoner rock with a mid-song drop where the distorted bass takes the spotlight and the whole band slingshots back in on a memorable hook. The vocal grain inevitably recalls Ozzy, but it rides the haze rather than distracting from it.
Cloud Walker shifts the mood. Cleaner guitars, twin-guitar harmonies and a more melodic vocal line make the verses feel lighter and more open before the song hardens again; the vibe is a shade more positive than the first three tracks and wouldn’t be out of place next to something like the great british band Amplifier. It is also a strong candidate for the album’s best vocal performance. Dilithium leans into early-90s stoner DNA, evoking Sleep and The Obsessed in feel and production, with a clear Black Sabbath inheritance. The verses have a particularly well-sculpted guitar sound that gives the track its character.
Cosmic Sailor begins in more enigmatic, atmospheric territory, then snaps to a verse melody strikingly close to Void Cleaner. At times they feel like two versions of the same idea, even if the choruses diverge. Either way it’s another excellent song and a fitting, triumphant closer for the record.
The production is dirty on purpose: tactile fuzz, roomy drums, and just enough headroom for those celestial leads to breathe. It suits the material and lets the dynamics between propulsion and drift speak. The band sound locked-in and muscular throughout. Ståle Captain Rodvelt delivers soaring but gritty vocals; Kristoffer Doffy Ranaweera and Azul Josh Bisama shape the album with wide, effect-laced guitars; Bjørn O. Knutsen’s bass is thick and expressive, crucial to the heaviest moments; and Bjørn Bjudas Stornes anchors everything with unshowy, powerful drums.
The result is a cohesive performance with character from all five players!
Conclusion: a high-grade stoner voyage powered by deliberate grime, big hooks, and a band in full command of pace and texture. Epic on the opener, quick on its feet with B.T.D.S.C, unforgettable on Void Cleaner, fun in Cloud Walker and closed out in style by Cosmic Sailor.
Best tracks: Astral Voyager; B.T.D.S.C; Void Cleaner; Cloud Walker.
