Monday, June 13, 2022

Review: Peth - Merchant of Death

Peth is a doomy rock ‘n’ roll four-piece band from Lago Vista, Texas. In French Demonology, Peth is a demon who punishes kids who fart at the table. He’s basically a fart demon. If that isn’t an original name for a band, I don’t know what is! I stumbled upon this band as a Bandcamp suggestion and man, what a spot-on recommendation it was! The quartet’s debut album, Merchant of Death, was released a couple of weeks ago on Electric Valley Records and it’s been on heavy rotation ever since at my place and on my phone during my commute to work.

Merchant of Death is an absolute blast from beginning to end. The opening cut, “Dwarvenaught”, is like embarking in a time machine to the ‘70s through the glory days of rock ‘n’ roll. “Amok” is an occult-themed old school groove. “Abolish the Overseer”, the album’s first single, is a banger of a song in which the Sabbath-worship is turned up to eleven. “Let Evil In” is a Satan-worship type of tune with a hell of a killer riff. “Stoned Wizard” has an infectious melody with a cool Sabbathian vibe, while “Run the Night” is an awesome cover of the Wicked Lady song from the late ‘60s/early ‘70s. The phenomenal title track, “Merchant of Death”, pays terrific homage to Black Sabbath, even borrowing a few bars from Ozzy and the gang here and there. “Karmic Debt” is an epic-length closer worthy of the classic rock legends that served as inspiration for this record.

You can clearly hear the band’s influences on this outstanding debut record, ranging from classic rock to doom, and even NWOBHM with its Maiden-esque excursions. At times, you could swear this is a long-lost 1972 album you’re listening to. A gem that no one has unearthed until now. One thing is for certain though: Peth is a hell of a fun band to listen to. They’ve crafted a highly addictive first album that will definitely wind up on my year-end best of list, and on countless others I’m sure. Don’t wait any longer, pick up your copy today!

Peth’s Bandcamp page: https://peth.bandcamp.com/album/merchant-of-death

Peth’s Bandcamp page on Electric Valley Records: https://evrecords.bandcamp.com/album/peth-merchant-of-death 

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