WyndRider is a young upcoming stoner doom metal act from Tennessee.  In their short existence since 2022 they have released their self-titled debut last year and now Revival.  I’ve recently been in communication with Chloe Gould, their singer, and have been mightily impressed with her vocals, after receiving this promo to review.  I was so impressed I went on Bandcamp and ordered their debut.  Although I’m a death metal vocalist, I offered some tips regarding touring, vocals and the metal scene, in general.  If I can help band members or bands in navigating certain avenues in the metal world, well….than bonus.  Having the same running length as the 8-song debut at 43 minutes, the new one boasts one song less, meaning these songs are longer in length.

“Forked Tongue Revival” opens the album with a monstrous classic Black Sabbath riff, and when I refer to Sabbath, in WyndRider’s sound, I refer to the first 6 Sabbath albums, since that is what the band seems to be aiming for, as well as some other similar styled bands, presently playing this sort of music, like Trouble, Kryptograf and some other bands.  Back to this kicking riff……it then slows down, very softly with Chloe’s almost shoegaze-style vocals coming in as she croons away…it’s excellent, as is the chorus moment and tone.  Along with the main guitar riff, this moment is extremely catchy.  There is some excellent guitar soloing going on midway into the song and these moments really feel like they were drafted in the 70’s.

“Judas” has such a butt-stomping opening guitar riff, slow, brooding, heavy and truly classic.  Chloe’s vocals are very loungy on this song, and help in making the connection into stoner doom metal.. she has quite a nice range of vocals.  Not screaming, or aggressive, they’re pretty calm and chill, and go quite well with the vibe the band creates.  The 3.58 rhythm section is bonkers heavy with the soloing erupting and this part moves awesomely, then the vocals come in and that jamming goes on until the end of the song.  A very strong moment on this album.

Ending with the 7+ minute song “The Wheel”, this is depressive, yet heavy doom, at its very modern-day best.  Sounds like something that could have been on Sabbath’s classic Paranoid album.  Soooooooooo very catchy, as are the rest of these songs.  Robbie Willis knows how to craft those guitar riffs and Josh Brock can hit those drums slowly and precisely to keep the pace.  Joshuwah Herald’s bass guitar is there and present, adding to the undercurrent of heaviness, especially when Robbie rips into a guitar solo.  This is how you end an album….one that is doom/stoner metal that is…doomy, heavy drenched in a 70’s depressive atmosphere.  Live WyndRider need to dress the part—the guys need to grow sideburns, have bushy long hair and massive caterpillar mustaches and Chloe needs to throw some beads around her neck, on her wrists and they all need to come out live wearing bell bottom pants!

Revival is one helluva 2024 release and WyndRider are an exciting new metal band on the scene playing a sort of doom metal with numerous nods to classic bands, however offering up their own take on it as well, with some of the loungy moments happening across this.  And check out this killer artwork adorning the album cover!!  Killer album and band!

[Visit the band's website]

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