Zoroaster - Zoroaster
Battle Kommand Records
Stoner Doomdeath
4 songs (31'04")
Release year: 2006
Zoroaster, Battle Kommand Records
Reviewed by Adam
One of the greatest aspects of doom is the bevy of virtually unknown bands available if one is willing to do a little digging. There are countless up and coming bands ready to bust through to higher acclaim, some having only have a demo to advance their name. Atlanta’s Zoroaster was just such a band until recently. Their self-titled demo was deemed good enough to be touched up and released as an EP by Battle Kommand Records. Containing former members of the defunct Terminal Doom Explosion, Zoroaster is a three man outfit who pay homage to their forefathers from across the spectrum of doom, such as Sleep and Winter. I personally cannot think of many better bands to emulate as far as doom is concerned. However, it remains to be seen (or should I say heard) whether Zoroaster can pull off the meshing of these different styles.

Mons Venus is a monster of an introduction, putting all Zoroaster’s stylistic influences on display. The guitar, even after the production clean up, sounds like a very raw version of something out of Sleep’s playbook. The vocals of Brett Anderson and Will Fiore (both are given credit) are a deep growl, which are generally far too low in the mix, rendering them almost inaudible at points. Despite this, Mons Venus is the strongest track, showcasing this EP’s finest riffing performance. Bullwhip immediately switches to a much faster pace with squealing guitars and vocals which resemble more of the distorted yell found mostly in sludge bands. This vocal style works much better, possibly because it is easier to hear, and gives the band more a traditional stoner doom feel. The low point is Honey and Salt. One riff is repeated ad nauseum throughout the song’s nearly eight minute running length. While this style can work (see portions of Dopesmoker), there is far too little variance to keep it interesting. In fact, about halfway through, my ear was so accustomed to hearing the same note that I became almost numb to it. Wisely, the band switches back to the stoner wall of sound approach for Defile. The riffs definitely sound thicker here than they do on the rest of the album, and perhaps this is the reason the growls hit their faintest point as well. It's definitely a decent track, but there is really nothing that stands out.

While there is no shortage of kinks to iron out, Zoroaster are at least headed in the right direction as far as riffing goes. Hopefully, their first full length will feature advancements in the production department, as well as the continued progression of their musical ideas. As it stands, this EP has its moments, but leaves too much to be desired.
Killing Songs :
Mons Venus
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