Review: Beastmaker – 'Lusus Naturae'

BEASTMAKER
'Lusus Naturae'
RISE ABOVE RECORDS

Beastmaker by name, Beastmaker by nature. This trio from Fresno, USA come out swinging on their full-length début. Hard Sabbath riffs, blusey grooves and demonic psychedelia form 'Lusus Naturae' delves into influences from the likes of Black Sabbath, The Zombies, Pentagram, Witchfinder General, Danzig, and Witchcraft for an uncompromising slab of psychedelic doom.

A good début album has got to grab you straight away and Beastmaker know this as 'Clouds In the Sky' opens with bells tolling before dropping a hard Iomi-esque riff straight into the mix. Songs such as 'Eyes Are Watching', 'You Must Sin', 'Mask Of Satan', 'Lusus Naturae', and 'The Strain' follow on with the riffs and solos at the heart of the song's construction but ably complimented by strong rhythms and grooves.

The album really doesn't let up, with every song bringing something to the table. There's no filler, no messing around, just tight, steadily paced doom. And that is all they need. The song writing is strong, so strong in fact that you'd be forgiven for not realising this is their début offering.

The production has a nice analogue sound to it. Almost as if it was recorded on a four track tape live with a couple of overdubs. There is something very organic and honest about this album. A DIY attitude but some seriously good production skills thrown in as well.

'Lusus Naturae' is a great début. It hits hard and fast with a tonne of great material that will make you want to catch them live, and recommend them to a friend. Fans of doom, stoner rock, and occult rock will have a great time with this album, and hopefully this is just the first step on a long career path for the band.  

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