Once this CD commences things are quite peaceful, but then the band followed, JJ Koczan's angry vocals kick in, shattering the serenity with a wall of noise, and you soon realize it isn't going the way you expected, especially having not heard Maegashira before. Interesting band name, a quick internet search brought up "The maegashira are the rank and file wrestlers of the makuuchi division (the top division in sumo)" so are these guys Sumo wrestling fans or just thought it was a cool band name, or maybe both?
On my first listen to The Star Arctic, the one thing that stood out like a my dogs balls used to, was the production really needs beefing up in the snare and kick departments. But then again we get used to over polished releases; this sort of stoner music is more about relaying the music across in a live sounding context than a tight pristine sound. So Maegashira's debut full length release has six tracks, or more like five, opener "Ongoing Corneal Erosion" is more of a three minute plus instrumental filler. The remaining tracks have Maegashira rocking for the duration with their blend of psychedelic crushing doom metal, with heavy and milder moments and changes in vocal styles. The Star Arctic closes with the longest of these, "Back To Muro", which pounds along for over nineteen minutes. Overall, Maegashira's CD is a hefty album for fans of the genre.
Track Listing
1. Ongoing Corneal Erosion
2. Caribou Crossing
3. Ammonia For Sweat
4. Baggage Claim/Skin Slip
5. Hi From Jersey
6. Back To Muro
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