Huata - Atavist Of Mann

(CD, Mordgrimm Records, 2012)

With bands like ELECTRIC WIZARD, GHOST and UNCLE ACID AND THE DEADBEATS ruling nowadays the occult Doom Rock music scene, it’s more than obvious that the (oc)cvlt movement has gravely influenced the majority of the ‘00s Doom Metal bands, no matter if they come from Europe or the US. The 4-piece HUATA are not an exception here presenting their fine blend of Stoner / Sludge and Doom Metal, heavily backed up by the ‘60s and the ‘70s music and films nursing a smoky and gloomy vintage feeling in their music. Well, if you still are not convinced, have a look at the artwork of “Atavist Of Mann” and you immediately change your mind.

But are a red robe and a ritual dagger enough to entice you? Of course they are not; fortunately, there is more inside “Atavist Of Mann” that refer to occultism and dark arts, even though it’s not quite obvious after the first listening due to the music’s Sludge-y character. HUATA (an expression from the Breton language meaning ‘witch hunt’) don’t produce easy to listen music and more spins are required to get you inside their mystical world. And once this happens, you’ll definitely be rewarded; tracks like “Lords Of The Flame” with the church organ-style element from GHOST, add an extra point to album’s atmosphere, while the Sludge references don’t stop hitting your ears, thanks to the dirty guitar riffage and the distorted, muddy bass tunes.

Nevertheless, I’m pretty sure that the name of ELECTRIC WIZARD will come first in mind, as you’re dealing with “Testi Sum Capri” and “Templars Of The Black Sun”; two songs that will surprise your ears pleasantly inside the album’s swamp-ish mood, thanks to their Luciferian organ melodies and the ‘70s influences, enough for the celebration of HUATA’s ceremonial Sabbat. “Thee Imperial Wizard” will induct you in the occult mysticism (after the sludge orgy during the first 10 minutes), with the ritualistic spoken words and the hair-rising chanting perfect for worshiping and performing rituals.

If HUATA continue with the same passion and address some issues, we are going to witness some great albums in the near future, equal to UK’s pride ELECTRIC WIZARD or US’s sweet blasphemy GOATSNAKE. The (unholy) spirit is there, the atmosphere is there, so are the skills, so the ball is in their court now.

7/10 

Links:

www.Huata-Coven.Blogspot.Com
www.MySpace.Com/HuataStonerBand
www.FaceBook.Com/GuruMeister

Tracklist:

01. Lords Of The Flame
02. Operation Mistletoe
03. Thee Imperial Wizard
04. Testi Sum Capri
05. Templars Of The Black Sun
06. Fall Of The 4th

Lineup:

Ronan Grall - Summon (Vocals)
Benjamin Moreau - Invoke (Bass)
Christophe Marconato - Worship (Guitars)
Alexis Darnoux - Adore (Drums)

Written by Maria Voutiriadou Saturday, 19 May 2012 13:36