FIREBREATHER: Self-Titled Debut From Swedish Doom/Sludge Power-Trio Out Now And Streaming Via Suicide Records
Forged in the spring of 2016 from the ashes of underground doom heavyweights Galvano,
FIREBREATHER, currently in the midst of a Scandinavian tour with Monolord, is a devastatingly weighty statement of intent.
The doom/sludge power-trio released their self-titled debut via Suicide Records late last year. Taking in four tracks that swallow time behind tooth shattering riffs from guitarist/vocalist Mattias Nööjd and crunching rhythms via bassist Kyle Pitcher and Tommy Hanning (later replaced by drummer Fredrik Käll), FIREBREATHER is a jaw-breaking triptych of sludge and doom rock. Mastered by Brad Boatright (Sleep, Corrosion Of Conformity, Beastmilk, Obituary) at his Audioseige Studio in Portland, Oregon and featuring artwork by legendary underground artist Adam Burke, FIREBREATHER is among Sweden’s best kept secrets… but not for long.
Firebreather is out now and streaming at Suicide Records’ Bandcamp page at THIS LOCATION where the record is still available on cassette and vinyl formats as well as digitally.
View the band’s previously-released video for “The Ice Lord” HERE.
Wrote Team Rock of the release, “‘Riff worship’ is this Gothenburg trio’s laudable aim, but sometimes ‘riff worship’ is just a doom euphemism for aimless repetition of ripped-off Iommi chops and self-indulgent, drug-induced chord-jamming. It can’t quite be said that FIREBREATHER‘s debut release wholly escapes such pitfalls, but they don’t last long, and this succinct half-hour LP has more than its fair share of fist-raising, shit-eating-grin moments. Crucially, one such is the opening riff, unfurling with seasick unease before blasting into a caveman rampage that reveals High On Fire as far more vital to FIREBREATHER‘s M.O. than any Brummie sexagenarians.” The Obelisk concurred, “like a hilltop declaration of war, FIREBREATHER‘s Firebreather sets forth with bludgeonry in mind and benefits from the knowledge of how to make it happen. It is the underlying memorability that comes through in the band’s songwriting, however, that will most let them flourish in the years and releases to come, and one hopes that as they storm the countryside on horseback spattering brain matter in their wake they remember that craft is the handle of the axe they so capably wield here.” Indy Metal Vault notes, “If High On Fire ever decided to make a full on doom album, it would probably sound a lot like FIREBREATHER‘s debut.” Outlaws Of The Sun hailed a, “brilliantly heavy and exciting debut album that will leave fans wanting more.” Added Teeth Of The Divine, “there’s nothing you haven’t necessarily heard before… but the way the elements are put into place combined with the quality of the song compositions, the ungodly power of the riffs, and a versatile rhythm section that frequently takes the lead…well, it’s as good as it gets. With a band this sludgy you wouldn’t expect hooks aplenty, yet this shit is catchier than The Clap and downright fatal if you catch it.”
