Snailking: Samsara

I like the cover on this release even though I can't say precisely what it's referring to. I took a few moments to look up "Samsara" online and discovered that it has to do with cycles of birth and decay. Wikipedia suggests that there are multiple uses of the term, but they all seem to point toward Buddhism and Jainism. I'll let those more informed worry over it. In any event, I liked the simple, mysterious, image of the woman on the cover. The art if detailed but the image as a whole is rather minimal, leaving the viewer to wonder at it meaning for the music.

Snailking is a trio out of Sweden that, according to their online bio, draws inspiration from bands like YOB, Sleep, and Electric Wizard. Given those influences, listeners should expect to hear plenty of fuzz; they won't be disappointed. Each of the songs lasts between 10-15 minutes depending on the track and drag a little more than they should. I would have preferred 5-6 songs that lasted more like 4-5 minutes each. I was nevertheless impressed with the guitars on the second track "In the Wake." It takes about two minutes for it to hit its groove, but once it does, it holds on pretty well. I also liked the way the singer starts to exclaim in Swedish in the latter third of that song. My only critique of this album is that I was expecting a little more punch in the overall sound and a little more imagination in the songwriting. Things move really slowly here, not necessarily a bad thing, but there's a fine line between boredom and waiting patiently. If you like fuzzy guitars and a snail's pace, then this is an album for you.

Track Listing:
1. Shelter
2. In the Wake
3. Samsara

Added: November 25th 2012
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Bandcamp Page
Hits: 1902
Language: english

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