This was a good album to see pop up on the release calendar. I was a big fan of the Baroness years when Pete Adams was a part of that band and I was really disappointed to see him leave. So, it’s nice to see that him and his brother Jake are carrying on under the Valkyrie moniker.
I’ve seen a lot of reviewers characterize these guys as a doom band and I guess that sort of makes sense. However, to me, they really have more of a traditional metal and stoner metal bent mixed with a jam band sensibility. If that makes any sense at all. Jake Adams’ voice also strangely reminds me of a cross between Robert Smith of The Cure with Pepper Keenan of Corrosion of Conformity. It’s sort of an emo-ish stoner wail. If that makes any sense at all. I guess what I’m trying to say is that this album feels like a mish-mash of a multitude of styles and personalities. If you dig on meandering lead guitars, then this is probably an album you will enjoy. The guitar work is strong. The songs could be a little stronger. Ultimately, this one kind of ends up a middle of the road release and not as strong as their previous album, Shadows, from 2015.
3.5 flip flops out of 5
DISPATCHES FROM THE VOID 