Acid Magus - Scatterling Empire

Coming on a sandstorm out of South Africa on shrooms and mysticism, the five piece known as Acid Magus rides again with their third full length album entitled, “Scatterling Empire.” While rooted deeply in the Sludge genre, there is also a bit of Doom and even Garage Rock added into the mix, sounding like a cross between Khemmis, Crowbar, and even earlier Dawn of Solace for a sound that is both heavy and yet pleasant to hear. The guitars and drums and bass deliver the more abrasive parts such as on the opening ‘War’ which churns along like a good Sludge tune at a slow pace, but keeps an even tempo and lots of upbeat Rock moments here and there without delving into Noisecore or distorted hazy Sludge territory like Eyehategod do, but yet the riffs and drumming are prickly enough that one isn’t going to be lulled by the atmosphere to sleep, but still be shrouded in a mystical wonder for it, especially considering a track like ‘Wytch’ with its almost Psychedelic Sludge territory.

The vocals- like in Khemmis- really drive the more comforting part of the music. Usually one expects raspy singing or harsh shouts when hearing Garage Rock or Sludge, and the dual vocal trade off despite being higher pitched and nearly more 70s Prog style, really hit a strong note for listeners especially when you hear a track like ‘Emperor.’ Here the chorus is anthemic and the vocals themselves rise above the rather Doom laden riffs, but is the guitar solos that also draw attention as they have that melodic, yet psychedelic sound to them, much how bands such as Stoned Jesus. Acid Magus pride themselves on creating addictive choruses alongside their heavier riffs, and with the fading in and out of the vocals just adds to the whole ‘shrooms effect’ that the band goes for. Compared to their last albums the vocals here sound more in front, more layered, and play more of a presence versus the ethereal style they had on “Hope is Heavy.” The album as a whole, while being longer, still sounds more refined and full, like Acid Magus is building on more than just their Garage Stoner Rock sound.

While many of these tracks feel like they bleed together or sound the same (as is the pitfall of a lot of Doom/ Sludge bands out there), it is safe to say that with a focus on vocals more and yet still maintaining a strong Sludge/ Desert Rock presence, Acid Magus have stepped up their game again and continue to improve. “Scatterling Empire” is loud, but wonderous, abrasive but comforting. Falling somewhere in that gray area between Metal and Rock, fans especially of the Stoner genre will definitely find it appealing. The energy of the album doesn’t invoke shoegaze eyes half closed wonder nor incite and angry moshing, but rather more stand in place and just semi-headbang to what is coming from the speakers. Acid Magus are that fine line between sonically appealing and also gravel crunching head turning, but deliver it well and loudly with their new and improved effort.

3.5 / 5 STARS