Gnome: Vestiges of Verumex Visidrome

I have been sent several albums to review since the start of the new year, but I discovered one in the last few days that I have had on repeat. So here it goes. (Don’t worry, Pete, the others are coming.)

The Belgian trio Gnome is a very promising hard-rock, and at times, metal band. In September 2024, they released Vestiges of Verumex Visidrome, their third album thus far. Their music combines heavy riffing, experimental passages reminiscent of early to mid-70s Budgie and Black Sabbath, and interesting vocals (to say nothing of the sometimes bizarre lyrics) that are mostly clean but are combined with some occasional growls. It is sludgy, fun music.

And when I say fun, I think the band approaches their “work� that way too. In concert, they wear garden gnome hats, and their videos can be pretty damn amusing. Check out the one for the opening track, “Old Soul,� on YouTube. Although they play some seriously rocking music, they never take themselves too seriously. (One of the standout tracks on their previous album, King, is dubbed “Kraken Wanker.�)

Start with this album and if you are intrigued, then move on to King, and then check out their debut, Father of Time. You might not care for them at all, but if you like them, I bet you will really like them. And they have some great album covers too.

Track Listing
1. Old Soul (4:30)
2. The Ogre (8:14)
3. The Gods Are Evil (5:08)
4. Duke of Disgrace (3:47)
5. Old Soul Reprise (0:19)
6. Golden Fool (5:39)
7. Rotten Tongue (4:59)
8. Back to the Mud (3:54)
9. John Frum (5:35)

Added: January 21st 2025
Reviewer: Aaron Steelman
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 212
Language: english

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