Goatess

Svart Records is quickly becoming my favourite label. Whenever I need a break from the repetition found within heavy metal, I can always look to the Finnish label for sparks of innovation. Case in point: Goatess. Proving that Scandinavian metal isn't all about Vikings, church burnings and innumerable combinations of death, Goatess's sound resembles that of '70s hard rock. Achieving an impressive feat of sonic alchemy that mixes elements of doom, desert rock, sludge and good old-fashioned psychedelic exploration, Goatess is an album that demands volume knob cranking. "Full Moon at Noon" is without question the defining single of the record, and Goatess's sound. With raging riffs, strong, seductive vocals and hypnotic solos, it sets an incredible precedent, not just for the album, but for the desert psychedelic rock genre. Focusing on the all-consuming power of heavy riffs, you'll be hard-pressed not to reach bliss with a six-pack of your favourite beer and Goatess playing on your stereo.