3. MOLASSESS, ‘Through the Hollow’ (Season of Mist)

The demise of The Devil’s Blood following Selim Lemouchi’s death in 2014 left a huge gap in the world of heavy music, robbing us of their 1970s-fueled proto metal and the remarkable vocals from Farida Lemouchi (she was known as the Mouth of Satan). Their purely devotional music to the darkest forces also were rousing hymns and bombastic displays that, even if you didn’t bow to the devil, you could find a ton to like in the music. Here we are six years later, and the mission has been revived by Molassess on their debut full-length “Through the Hollow.” The band contains former members of the Devil’s Blood including Farida as well as guitarists Oeds Beydals and Ron van Herpen, and bassist Job van de Zande, and they’re joined by drummer Bob Hogenelst and keyboard player Matthijs Stronks on this new project that continues to carry the spiritual mission started by Selim into whatever chaotic future is ahead of us all. The art remains in the same vein but also has changed, as these tracks are more longform doses of psychedelic driving and shadowy seduction that very much eases the blow of losing their original project. This record is that good.

The title track starts with strange noises floating in before guitars spiral, and a trippy feel is achieved quickly. Lemouchi’s unmistakable singing unfurls as a sprawling journey spreads out and carries the bulk of this 11:06-long track. Keys haunt as wordless calls soothe, and the music keeps tunneling as Lemouchi calls, “No more bridges left to burn,” amid a psyche haze that fully intoxicates. “Get Out From Under” has guitars trickling and more exceptional singing straight from Lemouchi’s guts. The chorus is tremendous while the vibe is mesmerizing and driving. “Corpse of Mind” flows in mystically as melodies spread and the vocals float, with Lemouchi commanding, “Break through the eyes of time.” The singing feels otherworldly while the end of the track disappears into a void. “I Am No Longer” melts in with guitars liquifying and dreamy slowness dictating the pace at first. Drums bustle, joined by keys perfect for nighttime as Lemouchi declares, “I am forever haunting.” “The Devil Lives” is the perfect final cut, a 10:33-long anthem that feels like it stitches its path from the last band to this one. “Something’s amiss, and you KNOW it,” Lemouchi stabs with a line that’ll chill your bones while the guitars intoxicate with a mix of blues and psychedelia. Farida’s declaration of, “The devil’s blood is within me,” as the track rounds out is both a pronouncement their message is alive and a promise that the mission will continue to rage with fire as long as they’re all drawing breath. (Oct. 16)

For more on the band, go here: https://www.facebook.com/Molassessofficial

To buy the album (North America), go here: https://shopusa.season-of-mist.com/band/molassess/

Or here (International): https://shop.season-of-mist.com/

For more on the label, go here: https://www.season-of-mist.com/