Istvan: Istvan

Istvan is a heavy stoner rock/psychedelic band from Forli, Italy. They have recently released their self-titled debut on Aural Music.

The power three piece includes Carlo Teo Pedretti (guitar, voice), Giacomo Russo (bass, whispers) and Marco Sabbatini (drums, glockenspiel).

For those of you into heavy psychedelic and stoner grooves this one is for you. The guitar tones vary from heavy psychedelic washes to dirty fuzzed out riffs with great use of distortion. The tempos generally build slowly letting the chords settle into your consciousness, at times recalling doom metal ala Black Sabbath.

On the album opening "Bohor" slowly evolving guitar notes lead to heavy fuzz laden riffs and powerful drum beats. This is catchy stoner rock at its finest. On "Mire" a catchy chord progression with infused distortion transforms into a fierce riff sledgefest and cool guitar treatments. Some nice stop starts in this one as well. The short but melodic "Stonemill" is all mellow acoustic/electric guitar showing some intricate playing and demonstrating Pedretti's talent. "Rundweg" begins with repeating drums and bass before treated guitar (keyboards?) slowly enters having a relaxing vibe. The guitar takes on distorted tones as the tune becomes a little heavier before the extreme fuzz takes over making for crushing riffs mixing elements of doom, stoner and psychedelia. Slow strummed chords begins the album's last track "Kenosis" and as the song progresses the chords ring with distortion as more textural layers are added. The bass work of Russo is also quite prominent.

In the world of doom and stoner rock Istvan is a band to watch out for. An excellent addition to the genre.

Track Listing:
1. Bohor
2. Mire
3. Stonemill
4. Rundweg
5. Kenosis

Added: March 5th 2017
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Bandcamp Page
Hits: 1400
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]