“Riff worship” is this Gothenburg trio’s laudable aim, but sometimes “riff worship” is just a doom euphemism for aimless repetition of ripped-off Iommi chops and self-indulgent, drug-induced chord-jamming. It can’t quite be said that Firebreather’s debut release wholly escapes such pitfalls, but they don’t last long, and this succinct half-hour LP has more than its fair share of fist-raising, shit-eating-grin moments. Crucially, one such is the opening riff, unfurling with seasick unease before blasting into a caveman rampage that reveals High On Fire as far more vital to Firebreather’s MO than any Brummie sexagenarians. Although they only got going last year, Firebreather formed from the ashes of the proggier sludge entity Galvano, so while this band have a more ragged, rugged charm, their chemistry already feels fully formed.
Firebreather - Firebreather album review
Gothenburg doom ruffians rattle their caves on their debut
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