Brigantia (ROI) | ‘ The Chronic Argonauts’
A superb release this, from Tipperary’s Brigantia. The reasons? Weight, atmosphere and authenticity.
Opener ‘Time Machine Of Doom’ shows off why they’re vital. Though it opens with considerable foreboding - those long feedback buildups channeling the spirits of ancient Liverpudlian doom tomes - before long they’re in the familiar territory of heavy Sabbath worship.
‘The Prisoner’ however is a different story. Though there’s a vocal nod to Messiah Marcolin era Candlemass from the off, check out those groaning bends - more N’awlins than anything else, and certainly contributing to the satisfying darkness that proves Brigantia’s depth.
What I’m trying to say here is that Brigantia have managed to mix two things that dont normally go together: the enjoyable, vintage Sabbath bounce of regular blues based doom, and that more serious, loadbearing side characterised by grimmer, slower riffing.
The production is perfect for the music, with a special commendation going to the guitars. They’re granite heavy. Vocally, the notes are all spot on - neither detectably flat or sharp - while the drums have been given just that touch of echo to allow the music real breathing space.
Though ‘The Veil Of Lugosi’ is perhaps just a bit too hero worshippy for my own taste, this is top drawer doom. They’ve moved away from the enthusiastic simplicity of their earlier material and begun to dwell on darker musical themes - and the result is damn good. A label has GOT to pick this up, and if not, a self released 10″ is demanded.
- Earl Grey ::: 09/07/10
July 9th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
tis mighty stuff indeed
July 9th, 2010 at 2:01 pm
Good review. Good demo.
Brigantia are getting better live every time I see them.
Looking forward to the next release.
July 9th, 2010 at 2:36 pm
That’s a great review and one that is entirely merited. I’m looking forward to seeing the lads at DDD2.
July 9th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Truely great stuff and a power trio to boot. more of this please.
July 12th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
Well deserved review lads. Looking forward to the gig with ye!
July 12th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
Yeah definitely looking forward to picking this one up. One of the best live bands going in Ireland at the moment and sound lads to boot.
Hope a tour comes off soon
July 13th, 2010 at 10:58 pm
Great band, been solid live for the last few years too. A pleasure to play with everytime.. would love to hear ‘Chronicles of Doom’ produced as well as this one. Some cracking tunes on that aswell
July 14th, 2010 at 8:16 am
Great CD, this from one of my favourite Irish bands around right now. They were magnificant at Lord Vicar. Keep it up, chaps! Hope to see you in Belfast again soon.
July 15th, 2010 at 10:25 pm
Been enjoying this lately myself.
July 16th, 2010 at 8:37 am
sounds great! cant wait to pick this up and have a splifgantia!!
July 16th, 2010 at 8:34 pm
Absolutely love this band,theyre amazing live!Ive been listening to the demo constantly since i got it back in March.One thing i will say though is that the vocals are a little low in the mix,kinda annoying,especially when Dave has such a good voice.
Well deserved review!