WARHORSE
"As
Heaven Turns to Ash" (Southern Lord; 2001)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
"As Heaven Turns To Ash" is doom to the maximum from the
Massachusetts-based vets of the scene. The slow heaviness of WarHorse leaves a huge imprint whether you actually enjoy doom or not.
WarHorse plays a very slow-paced doom that, for reasons that escape me, is almost irresistible.
WarHorse reminds me of a steady, precise hypnotic sound that somehow infiltrates your brain.
Hell, I think my brainwaves were taken hostage while listening to "As Heaven Turns To
Ash." Short, mellow acoustic-based pieces are interspersed between the long, epic doom numbers.
The deep, warm rumble of the music underscores the barely audible vocals. The lyrics speak of
mystery and a time when survival was the be-all, end-all of existence, yet the crushing weight of
reality tempers every waking minute. The struggle to survive and the scars it leaves is
well documented on "As Heaven Turns To Ash." Good thing these kids can convey that kind of pain
and agony so you don't have to. "As Heaven Turns To Ash" is an effective set of music that drags your
protected soul through some heavy troubles.
"As Heaven Turns To Ash" is best enjoyed in a relaxed approach; a quiet and dark room with
candles burning for ambiance is the proper atmosphere for enjoying WarHorse's style.
"As Heaven Turns To Ash" was produced by Warhorse and Andrew Schneider.
WarHorse is Todd Laskowski on rhythm and lead guitar, acoustic guitar, and percussion; Mike Hubbard on drums, percussion, acoustic guitar, piano, and backing vocals; and Jerry Orne on electric bass, acoustic bass, and vocals.
For more information visit http://come.to/warhorse.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2001 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised:
04 Dec 2023 22:19:32 -0500.
