Well, it doesn't take a genius to figure out that these guys are probably a doom band and have named themselves after many years of Black Sabbath worship. South of the Earth is the latest CD from American doom act Iron Man, and they do indeed invoke images of vintage era Sabbath, as well as the modern stoner/doom scene on this latest platter of crushing tunes. The vocals of Screaming Mad Dee (yep, that's what he calls himself) sound somewhat like Circle II Circle/Savatage singer Zak Stevens at times, and are very powerful throughout the album, soaring alongside the heavy riffs from Alfred Morris III quite nicely. Tunes like "A Whore in Confession", "The Worst and Longest Day", "Half Face/Thy Brothers Keeper (Dunwich Pt. 2), and the title track all feature some absolutely sizzling riffs that will send any doom fan into seizures of delight, and I have to mention the booming bass lines of Louis Strachan as well, who also really adds an extra heftiness to these songs. "In the Velvet Darkness", as well as "The Ballad of Ray Garraty", also contain a swirling psychedelic element, kind of like Monster Magnet-meets-Down, which makes for an intriguing listen.
Overall, this is pretty wicked stuff, a doom/stoner/psych record that works on many levels and should be a sure fire pick for anyone who loves heavy sounds.
Track Listing
1. South Of The Earth
2. Hail To The Haze
3. A Whore In Confession
4. The Worst And Longest Day
5. Ariel Changed The Sky
6. IISOEO (The Day Of The Beast)
7. Half Face/Thy Brother's Keeper (Dunwich Pt. 2)
8. In The Velvet Darkness
9. The Ballad Of Ray Garraty
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
