Album Review: MARS - “PRECESSION OF THE EQUINOXES”
(Indica)
Mars have remained relatively quiet since their debut, “Reign of Suns” in 2008. In fact, despite my deep love for that release, I had no idea the band was still around. Now nearly ten years later the current formation of this NOLA-based group has dropped two-tons of heavy on us from out of nowhere. “Precession…” is over an hour long and only five tracks in length, which should give you an idea of the deep sea of sludge you’re about to dive into. These songs are long, brooding compositions that take you through slow funeral dirges, psychedelic guitar freak-outs, and blistering vocal catharsis. The opening title track (and longest song on the album, clocking in at almost 20 minutes) is a great example of the astral tours Mars can guide you on. After the relentlessly heavy “Shadowbuilder,” is my personal favorite track on the album, “Empress.” Whispering to life with some light and hypnotic guitar-work (courtesy of Andy Soda) the song soon erupts into some massive riffing. The song also boasts some seriously stellar drumming by way of Matt Mars, crashing through the wall of guitar sound created by Andy and bassist, Mark Wood. “The Mountain” starts with some excellent psych soundscapes and wastes no time bringing the heavy, invoking feelings of traversing desolate Martian landscapes. The build-ups to the heavier parts of this song work to great effect and really showcase the growth the band has achieved over the last decade. Album closer, “Alpha Draconis” is a short ambient instrumental that works almost like a decompression chamber after space walking outside the ship. I’m glad to see these guys back in action with some new material after so long. Grab your bong for this one and get ready for lift-off!
Artwork/Packaging:
Right now the album is only available digitally via bandcamp. The artwork is mesmerizing and even rivals the jaw dropping cover of “Reign of Suns.” I really dig the symmetrical framing of the asymmetrical image, and the color palette has beautifully muted oranges and greys.
Stream and purchase on Bandcamp here.
