Motorowl – Om Generator
Century Media Records
Released: August 26th
Reviewed by Matt Bolton
I knew I was in for something special when the first words you hear were “Lucifer come take my hand. Beelzebub come take me…” on title track, Om Generator, which is the blistering opener. The Germans have really opened a can of overfed worms here, providing us with some fat riffs and chunky bass grooves. Front man Max Hemmann reminds me a lot of Magnus, vocalist from one of my favourite doom/hard rock bands Witchcraft who released the seminal album Nucleus in January, which is a contender for one of the best albums to come out this year. Now add Motorowl to that list.
The use of keys by Daniel Dettlev, add to the prog-iness of the band, displaying that 70s sound and a glimpse of Jethro Tull. The guitar solo by Vinzenz Steiniger lights a spark that only gets bigger as the album progresses. The Highest City takes two parts, the first, stops and starts like a rollercoaster waiting to drop from the very top. Martin Scheibe hits the skins and holds it while bassist Tim Camin gives it a slap before Hemmann lets out a roar and the band come out at full force. “The flame burns under Lucifer’s hand” and a nifty solo makes its way through to the second part which winds things down a little, with the clean vocals showing that Hemmann really has a great voice. It is good to know the talented frontman feels “safe under Lucifer’s hand”. The bass groove is a breath of fresh air and a standout element of the track. The pounding of the drums and wizardry of the keys show that the band can prog it out with the best of them.
The drum roll of Old Man’s Maze, leads way to a gritty riff and some stellar solos. When it comes to all killer no filler, these words ring true here. The doomy One and Zero has some deep, dark riffs and a powerful guitar solo. White Horse is a hard rocking number that leads in to final track, Spiritual Healing. Lucifer, who is mentioned so many times on this album, could be imagined sitting there on his fiery throne, tapping his toes and pitchfork. Keep your metal ears open and listen out for Motorowl. \m/
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDGh2EUhb2g]
