Italy’s Caronte sound something like Electric Wizard fronted by a super baked Glenn Danzig. They channel the Wizard’s occult atmosphere from Witchcult Today, and the more straightforward stoner doom of Sloth’s Voice of God for their debut full-length Ascension. Thick, burly guitars, Oborn-esque leads, and big swinging riffs that transform into cultic atmospheres congeal for a tightly wound ball of stoner/doom resin that will appeal to fans of recent releases from Windhand and Pilgrim.

The Electric Wizard- Danzig mash-up is admittedly a little flip. The resemblance is undeniable but the band is more dynamic than the Wizard and they eschew the murky throwback production of Witchcult for something brighter and fuzzier. Moreover, despite vocalist Dorian Bones rather uncanny semblance to Danzig, his voice is a sight more theatrical, more informed by classic doom than punk. It’s a far cry from his work with black n’ roll maniacs Whiskey Ritual and he provides the band a unique voice.

“Leviathan” sets the pace, opening with a big, fuzzy stoner riff and Bones’ warbling vocals, eventually melding and unfolding via a walking Oborn-style wah laden lead. “Ode to Lucifer” continues the steady nodding pace with gut-busting balls of stoner doom fuzz and “Sons of Thelema” follows up with more chugging plod and fuzzed out grooves. By the time they trot out a lead similar to Leviathan’s about a minute in to “Horus Eye” you’ve heard everything they have to offer, the last half follows steadfastly from the first. No matter, Caronte roll on, content to stumble and lumber along in an expertly baked haze. They continue the steady doom pour and trudge on through the conclusion of Ascension’s 54 minutes.

Ascension isn’t very original, but it’s a solid listen. Dorian Bones’ unique vocal warbles and solid riffs (check out the dirty groove about 3:50 in to “Solstice of Blood”) make it easier to stomach what might otherwise be an average release. It’s no bullshit, no surprises stoner doom, for better and for worse. There’s definitely a bit of enjoyment to be had here so fans of Windhand and Pilgrim should give these Italian fellows a listen.

[Visit the band's website]

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