Talbot - Scaled (2013)

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Talbot - Scaled (2013)

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Doom, Sludge, a bit of Sabbath, even some Type O -and they do know how to write songs. Feel that bass!

Talbot has always been a band in control of their own destiny. Ever since their brilliant 2010 album – EOS – they have toured different parts of the world such as Australia, Europe and Japan. All paid for by themselves. They do everything by themselves. Write, record and produce their own material without any record label involvement at all. An incredible task in today’s world. EOS showed what a hugely talented duo Talbot actually is. Sludge, Stoner, Doom and Post-Metal spliced together into something which had a life of it’s own. A psychedelic lesson in extreme music that was virtually impossible to ignore. Well 3 years later – the Do-It-Yourself sonic maestros of Sludge/Post-Metal are back with their 2nd stunning album – Scaled - and one that ranks as their finest work to date. EOS laid the foundations on what was virtually possible by a two-man band. Sonic layers of Sludge/Doom/Stoner/Post-Metal riffs all combined to create an all out epic assault on the senses. Well Scaled takes up where EOS left and takes it to another level. Sonic levels have turned to a more dangerous psychedelic edge to lift Talbot into the realm of greatness. First track – Spectral Express is a track, which effortlessly shifts between quiet ambient states of bliss to pure Doom/Sludge metal carnage. Vocals feel as if they are coming from another dimension with the heavier death growls giving this track that extra air of dangerous authority.

EgoMine – takes the album into more distorted psych based territory. Guitars and drumming quietly building up to a loud battle of noise and subtle riffs blended together with vocals that have a distinct edge around them. Talbot have embraced their heavier psych vibe like never before. Different layers of Noise, Sludge, Doom and Post-Metal give the album a dangerous feel to it. The album is starting to come to life with each passing second. 3rd track – Delta – throws down a cool subtle bass driven riff for the first minute or so before Talbot start adding vocals, ambient noises and then finally let rip with an all out Sludge/Post-Metal attack that will last long in the memory. One of the albums standout tracks as it conveys so many moods that is very hard to describe. A haunting and understated masterpiece. Fourth track – Shadowbird – is a 12-minute monster. This is where Talbot become one of Sludge Metal’s most inventive and most innovative bands currently out there. The way they build up the atmosphere by adding delicate riffs at a time before unleashing hell upon us all. Talbot’s vocals and lyrics have a life of their own here. Everything has a sense of purpose. Psychedelic carnage rises at different times due to the high intensity riffs coming out of nowhere. Just when you think Talbot could not take this track to a different direction then they do. Time and time again. Definitely, the best track on the album.

By now you should realise Talbot do not deal in straightforward riffs. They have an experimental nature, which sets them apart from many other Sludge/Post-Metal bands. However, if you want more less epic songs then your in luck with the last two tracks – Scaled and Hallelucinogen both running for around 4 mins each. Scaled is the most peaceful track on the album. Slow moving melodic clean vocals matched by some incredible drumming driving the track along to it’s natural conclusion. Lastly, we have Hallelucinogen which starts off with a heavy psychedelic riff before the twin attack clean and death based vocals come to attack you from all corners. Impressive guitar riffs lurk in the shadowy background for your senses to focus on as well. Even though this song is one of the shortest it is very a multi-layered track, so take your time trying to take everything in.

Scaled is a brilliant and highly original album and one that will enhance Talbot’s reputation even more. Talbot can now be considered true pioneers of the Sludge/Post-Metal genre. Talbot are now a force to be reckoned with in the realm of extreme music. Scaled is a brilliant album and one that will be called a classic in the years to come.

Awesome and Highly Recommended.

~ by , allmusic.com