Colonel Petrov's Good Judgement: Moral Machine

The first thing that struck me was the unusual name for this German stoner/psyche rock band. Now for a brief history lesson. On Sept. 26, 1983 tension between the Soviet Union and the United States was at a very high level. If someone were to press the button, well, the response would be in kind. That day in the Soviet Union, more specifically the early warning bunker where Lieutenant Colonel Stanislav Petrov was stationed, received information there were five missiles en route to the Soviet Union. Instead of responding with force, Lieutenant Petrov had a 'gut feeling' that it was a mistake. Given the fact we are all still around he was correct as the detection system was faulty due to atmospheric disturbances. Due to his actions, or lack thereof, he averted WWIII.

Now that we know how the band got its name we can discuss the music. Given the heavy story attached to the name it should not come as a surprise this is not music for the uninitiated. The heavy psyche/stoner band is just as happy throwing conventionality to the wind and delving into unending chaos as it is making some pretty cool riffs. The first track "Everybody's Gut One" displays both of these worlds. Heavy feedback and reverb descend into complete madness as chaotic guitar notes take the music into extreme left field. On the other hand excellent riff progressions and a cool groove bring a resemblance of sanity back to the proceedings. A similar recipe can be heard on the second track "Dark Star" where the guitar and sax come at various angles before a barrage of heavy riffs bring order amongst the chaos. Huge doomy chords begin the last track "Next Time We Might Not Be As Lucky" with assorted noises and wails of psychedelia before a brief mellower part allows the listener to relax if just for a little before the heaviness gets pounded back into your brain.

Moral Machine is one of those albums you will either love or hate, depending on your disposition towards extreme avant-garde guitar rock. If you do enjoy heavy psychedelic and stoner music that is pretty trippy to the extreme, I urge you to check this one out and explore some different sounds. Cool stuff indeed!

Track Listing:
1. Everybody's Gut One (6:03)
2. Dark Star (5:43)
3. Moral Machine (5:13)
4. Sappattack (1:41)
5. Hole Of Love (6:47)
6. Launch On Warning (5:55)
7. Dick Laurant Is Dead (5:05)
8. Next Time We Might Not Be As Lucky (10:05)

Added: September 25th 2016
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Bandcamp Page
Hits: 1761
Language: english

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