Sunczar – Bearer of Light
Release Date: 21st January 2022
Label: Argonauta Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Stoner, Sludge Metal.
FFO: Down, Crowbar, Pantera.
Review By: Paul Franklin
Online I have seen this debut album from Sunczar described as ‘a seismic, sludgy supernova’, and must admit I’m struggling to find a better summarization. Featuring new material alongside a couple of tracks from their previous EP, The Unveiling, this German quartet pummel you with eight slabs of thuggish, stoner sludge, sprinkled with a dash of modern heavy metal.
Anyone who has listened to any Down or Crowbar will instantly spot the band’s influences, as they unashamedly layer their sound with deep southern grooves whilst vocalist Krsto Balic roars like the bastard son of Anslemo and Windstein. Although, having said that, they have brewed their own specific formula, with just enough individualism that they don’t come across as a tribute act.
But (and unfortunately there is a but) sticking to this formula does become a bit of a millstone round their neck, in terms of lack of variety. After the short instrumental of In Lux Veritas, the thundering title track heaves its considerable bulk into view and starts throwing hefty riff combinations in the direction of your lugholes. It’s then a bit of a ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ job as the relentless onslaught continues unabated, but unchanged, for the majority of the remaining tracks. OK, the heavy blows are still landing, but the repetitiveness means the impact is dulled.
It’s not till Through This Hell where Sunczar finally stop, reassess their strategy and try something a bit different. Dynamically, it’s probably the track that sounds most like Pantera, Krsto showcasing that (much like Mr A) he can raise the level of his vocals above the standard growl. The cleaner guitar and more upbeat chorus also pinpointing the song as a highlight. Similarly, final track Back in Shadows re-introduces more of the stoner/heavy rock elements for a much more feel-good, head-nodding conclusion to the album.
Maybe a tentative first step then, but hopefully one that will lead to a giant leap.
(3 / 5)
