Finnish occult rockers Jess and the Ancient Ones are back rather quickly with their follow-up to their debut from 2012, this one an EP titled Astral Sabbat. Comprised of just three songs, two originals and a cover of the Shocking Blue song "Long and Lonesome Road", Astral Sabbat is somewhat short and to the point, but once again shows just how interesting a band Jess and the Ancient Ones really are. Led by the intoxicating vocals of Jess, the band creates plenty of vintage prog rock, hard rock, psychedelia, and metal behind her. With a sound that bristles with stinging guitar riffs & licks, classic sounding Hammond organ, and soaring female vocals, Jess and the Ancient Ones are part Deep Purple, Jefferson Airplane, Black Sabbath, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Heart, Yes, and ELP, all rolled up into one neat little package. The highlight here is the bruising 15 minute "More Than Living",a hell of an epic song that has more power behind it than most bands put in a full album. With snarling guitar riffs and raging Hammond organ around every corner, this song also has plenty of atmosphere and intricate bits to please any prog lover. Both the heavy title track and the Hammond drenched "Long and Lonesome Road" show that this band has plenty in common with fellow retro/doom/prog/metal rockers Blood Ceremony, so if intriguing songs complemented by strong female vocals, crushing riffs, Hammond organ, and a healthy '70s vibe sounds tempting, don't hesitate to check into this one.
Track Listing
1) Asral Sabbat
2) Long and Lonesome Road
3) More Than Living
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