STRANGE HORIZON – Skur 14

The previous album titled Beyond the Strange Horizon by this fabulous Norwegian outfit impressed this scribe greatly, and their lively, exciting, and organic mixture of heavy metal, stoner rock, and doom metal worked like a wicked charm and had instant appeal to these ears. This upcoming LP of theirs, Skur 14, which is named after their rehearsal facility, basically delivers more of the same and is just as sturdy and potent as its predecessor was only there are more nuances and arguably also more variety to it.

Four relatively long and wonderfully sprawling songs constitute the raw and unpolished musical endeavor, and its fuzz-laden old-school vibe makes for an utterly refreshing and invigorating listen, which ties in with the band members having recorded things live together and capturing a spontaneous feel. If you crank this one up on the stereo, it actually feels as if these gents are standing right in front of you and playing their asses off. Simple yet hugely effective riffs, heaps of swirling and hazy atmospheres, a groovy rhythm section, and plenty of dynamics, Strange Horizon charge steadfastly ahead with hints of ancient Black Sabbath, Raven, Reverend Bizarre, Pentagram, Saint Vitus, and Witchfinder General.

Looking to the past yet sounding fresh and timeless, Skur 14 is an absorbing and well-crafted piece of heavy rock that retains its momentum from beginning to end while serving up numerous muscular riffs for one to indulge in. Listen to ‘Cursed and Cast Out’ and the epic ‘Tusser og Troll’ and tell me you are not head over heels in love with those tracks!