Happy 4/20 everybody! For the
occasion, I’ll be focusing on an album that you’ll be able to pre-order as of
tomorrow on Bandcamp. Wizard Tattoo is an Indianapolis-based doom rock band by
multi-instrumentalist Bram the Bard. Picking up where last summer’s self-titled
EP ended, Fables of the Damned will
be released on June 23rd. In the meantime, to coincide with the
pre-orders going live tomorrow, a first single and video titled "The Black
Mountain Pass" will be unleashed upon us, so keep an eye out for that.
I’m always amazed at one-man
bands who can pull off a sound that truly feels like you’re listening to a
four-piece band. Wizard Tattoo delivers a rich musical experience that
surpasses the expectations one might’ve had listening to his excellent
four-track EP. This is a concept album, not just musically, but the cover art
paying homage to EC Comics’ classic Tales
from the Crypt is also part of the package, with marvelous artwork for
each of the upcoming singles. Fables of
the Damned opens with the fuzzy “Wizard Van” to get the trip going with a psychedelic
vibe. The aforementioned first single, "The Black Mountain Pass", plays
on duality, with gruff vocals singing the chorus and verse while a gentler
voice recites spoken words. This one’s got great guitar work as well. “The Vengeful
Thulsa Dan”, a nod to Conan’s Thulsa Doom, no doubt, has a retro ‘70s feel and
features an ascending/descending tetrachord bassline at the midway point that’ll
have you bobbing your head with delight. “Any Which Way But Tuned” is a terrific
acoustic number with lovely cello to boot. “The Ghost of Doctor Beast” is the
only track I didn’t care for; it just didn’t resonate with me. “God Damn This
Wizard Tattoo” is the coolest song on this LP and my personal favourite. Its
chorus is a total earworm. I suspect it will be a single in the future. The
last track, “Abendrote”, is a gorgeous instrumental that goes through different
movements. Part of it reminded me of Alice in Chains’ acoustic songs until the
Wizard plugs in for the full effect. A definite standout track!
Fables
of the Damned really feels structured is if it were seven distinct
musical tales with their own unique identity forming a whole. Bram the Bard
proves to be a gifted multi-instrumentalist who delivers an eclectic album and
a perfect follow-up to his previous EP. There’s superb guitar playing
throughout and we often get drastic shifts of tempo/instrumentation halfway through
the songs, injecting them with a palpable energy. Influences ranging from Led
Zep to Smashing Pumpkins can be heard here and there. If you’re looking for a
well-made album replete with originality, give Wizard Tattoo’s Fables of the Damned a spin, you’re
bound to be entranced by it.
Wizard Tattoo’s Bandcamp Page: https://wizardtattoo.bandcamp.com/
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