Review Summary: Ilion saw them far in the desert clouds. Fantasia sees them crashing landing back to Earth in grandiose fashion.
Slift made an atom bomb sized splash in the Stoner Rock scene with
Ilion in 2024. Stoner Rock is often used interchangeably with Desert Rock and imagining the vast wasteland expanse while listening to
Ilion was only appropriate. It was dense, focused and unforgettable in its execution. That said, it was not exactly an easy listen. Surprisingly, Slift chose to take their progression down from its desert clouds and into the sand with
Fantasia. It’s a more grounded and rawer version of the band and is sure to not please lovers of the higher pantheon of
Ilion. However, taken on its own, it’s a masterful and worthy follow-up.
Take vocal delivery, for example. Gone are the mountainous and animalistic delivery of the vocals. Instead, Slift opted for more passionate momentum in their treading. The band’s vocals are more energetic and propulsive than ever. “The Day Of Execution” is driven by shouted vocals that really bring to mind the early days of Thrice, along with the early days of Neurosis. The same can be said for “Secret Mirror.” With the bellowing vocals and neurosis inspired guitar tones paving the way, it shows how the band wore their influences on their sleeve while making a style of their own.
This style of their own blended early Neurosis, Thrice and Queens Of The Stone Age into a nice Slift produced package. Along with these influences came a decision to actively make their songwriting more propulsive and technical. On the flip stand, they did not completely sacrifice their grandiose selves. “Corrupted Sky” explicitly flaunts their QOTSA influence with blazing hot guitar riffs that are raw and fabulously performed. The ensuing musicianship also proves passionate and dynamic. “The Village” offers some variety in songwriting as well, with a gripping rise in action giving way to a fantastic exodus through the desolate desert. The guitar and bass showcase a charismatic interplay as they both do their own thing. This all leads to a cathartic ending that will have the listener admiring their breathtaking atmosphere and musicianship.
“A Storm Of WIngs is also a testament to the bands ever growing and maturing musicianship. Their well-rounded delivery of stoner atmosphere and technical prowess enjoys a marvelous display here. Perhaps
Fantasia will garner Slift some well-earned recognition in the wider music spectrum due to a more accessible sound. Let’s face it: their previous monster was indeed a monster. They went further than most bands of their kind ever do with their sound and they left the planet. They become inaccessible in sheer length and delivery. They figured out the only real way of coming back down to Earth. With
Fantasia, Slift crash land back down in the vast sands of Earth in grand fashion. The result did not disappoint, and the album proves a wonderful addition to their growing array of greatness.
