Warning! May Mention RIFFS
A few years ago there was a UK band who wanted to call their album “Riff, After Riff, After Motherfucking Riff” but were stopped by their label as they wouldn’t be able to promote the album properly. The album I am reporting on here could easily have used that title too!
The strangely named Clouds Taste Satanic are a new band on me. On reading up on them, I found out they have been around for over 10 years! They have released 9 studio albums since 2014, quite a few singles and a live-in studio album before now.
The album I was sent is their second Live In Studio release, as it is recorded in a studio, this time the Big Snuff Studios in Berlin. No overdubs, just a document of what was performed on the previous tour. The band is a four-piece with 2 guitarists, a bassist and drummer. They are purely instrumental. Some of the pieces are quite long, but by gum they keep the listener’s attention.
All 4 tracks have different vibes whilst being heavy, slightly trippy, stoner-meets-doom with metallic grooves. There are also riffs. I mean RIFFS! Plenty of them. The band are comprised of Steve Scavuzzo (guitar since 2013), Greg Acampora (drums since 2015), Brian Bauhs (guitar since 2016) and last, but not least Robert Halstead (bass since 2020).
Pace And Dynamics (+ Riffs)
The opening piece is called “Second Sight” and is actually the whole of the 2019 album by the same name. The album has 2 tracks so technically track one is 2 tracks, that title and “Black Mass” the second part. Both are around 21 minutes long on the album but as a piece here they are over 44 minutes, so there must be a little extra jamming somewhere here. There is a different vibe between the 2 parts with the first being more heavy, doomy, riff ladened.
The second is more atmospheric, slower, darker, and even psychedelic in places. There are enough changes in pace and dynamics whilst allowing a little meandering, or at least exploration on themes and melodies with the riffs coming and going and returning perhaps slightly different later in the track. Plenty to enjoy for fans of early Sabbath, of course but also stoner fans. The more atmospheric second half could easily appeal to folks who enjoy things a little more out there, perhaps even early Floyd, for example.
Counting Out Time/Changes
“Sun Death Rituals, Parts 1 – 3″ comes from their 2023 album Tales Of Demonic Possession. Don’t be fooled like me into thinking there are more parts to this, there isn’t, at least not yet. The timing on the studio album is slightly less than here. Maybe they have more to come? As it is this has an excellent doomy opening; the bass really hits through here before the first major heavy riff hits hard. Think Sabbath‘s Vol 4 in style and sound. I tried to count the changes (any link to said Sabbath album is accidental) riff-wise and eventually found I didn’t seem to have enough fingers! The way riffs change, then reappear, sometimes slightly altered, or a change underneath in rhythm, really keeps the piece interesting and a cracking listen.
Time For Exploration
The last 2 tracks are shorter but still come in at 8 and 11 minutes, respectively. “Spirits Of The Green Desert Part 4” comes from the same
2023 album as the last song. It is just an excerpt of a much longer piece and opens with drums and cymbals. It has a jazz feeling. Then slowly the guitars come between the drums. Eventually a very fuzzy guitar sound takes over. The drums really lead on this, whether leading or providing the ground for some fine guitar soloing over them. “Beast From The Sea” is last up and is taken from their 2015 album “Your Doom Has Come”. From looking at the album it came from, this is an extended jam version at nearly double the length of the original. With a lovely opening riff with extended guitar lines over 9 drumbeats this is captivating and punches hard. The solo has a hint of Eastern promise. Like elsewhere the track bends and shifts, riffs come and go, vibes slightly alter; time is given for exploration.
Did I Mention Riffs?/Final Thoughts
This was my first taste of Satanic Clouds and I loved it. It tasted so sweet. The band are tight as a nut; they know how to create groovy rhythms whilst riffing like mad bastards. I know I mentioned the riffs, and quite rightly, as they have not only plenty of them, but they have some real beauties, but this is not at the expense of melody or atmosphere. Seriously, this music is a fabulous listen and doesn’t miss one little bit having any vocals at all.
Now I can’t tell you, which is their best album, but what I can say without a shadow of a doubt is that this will be as good a place as any to start with the band. All the components are here. If you enjoy stoner, doom, old-school hard rock and metal, and like to hear a tonnage of riffs then this album is for you. Whatever you do, mind your neck when listening, this stuff could do serious damage!
Album Out March 6!
Pre-Order/ Purchase Album HERE
Official Bandcamp // Official Facebook
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