This is the first review that will be written after the crowning of one of the world’s least capable fascists, a man who lives in rot and shame and hates himself, so we must now all feel that. It was kind of obvious that the release I chose for today is a meaningful selection. This is a band that stands against the agenda about to rule this country.

“Passages” is a new five-track EP by sludge doom warriors Sunrot, this acting as a pathway from where they were on “The Unfailing Rope” (the session that also bore these songs) to wherever they’re headed next. And no matter where that is, it’s likely to be a decidedly darker place, one where greed is the real god. Sunrot remain steadfast in what they fight for, and the band—vocalist/noisemaker Lex Santiago, guitarists Christopher Eustaquio and Rob Gonzalez, bassist Ross Bradley, drummer Alex Dobrowolski—refuses to go quietly but also adds some glimmers of hope that despite what we all face, there can be something positive that can rise from those ashes.

“Death Knell” opens with sounds buzzing, darkness eroding comfort, voices pushing through the confusion, strange transmissions ending with a clanging doom bell. “The First Wound” rips open with guitars taunting, Santiago’s howls destroying, and sounds warping and challenging madness. Dylan Walker from Full of Hell also makes his presence felt here, and he and Santiago navigate through the endless carnage, wild howls tearing down inhibitions, a sudden burst of speed crushing on its way out the door. “Sleep” brings noises ricocheting, the atmosphere squeezing, aching rhythmic pounding making your breathing accelerate, everything bleeding into chaos. “Untethered” brings lathering guitars, Jack Carino’s cello mixing in with the spirits, the track turning into a shadowy figure that lurks mysteriously. Shrieks maul as the playing turns into a molten force, rippling and pounding, dark melodies slipping into mysterious corners, strings scraping away the first layer of flesh. “Ra” closes, and it has sounds penetrating, a recording of late musician Sun Ra speaking of the positivity of music and its ability to create new worlds and dreams. It provides an warm ending to an eclectic array of creations that can make one feel like trying again and refusing to succumb to worldly pressures.

As we await the next Sunrot full-length, “Passages” feels like a proper appetizer, one that couples the band’s sludgy doom with electronic experimentation to an even greater level.  As we move into a volatile and surely crueler world, having positive sentiments and reasons to carry on will be as important as ever. Will a five-track EP pull you out of that? Not entirely, but it’s a way to help you build a foundation as you prepare to face society that sees many of us as the enemy.

For more of the band, go here: https://www.facebook.com/sunrotmusic

To buy the album, go here: https://shop.prostheticrecords.com/

For more on the label, go here: https://prostheticrecords.com/