Spritworld's Pagan Rhythms: 'Death Western' rites from the Las Vegas wildlands

Las Vegas rockers Spiritworld take a bloody dive into the Wild West with new album, Pagan Rhythms

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Spiritworld, Pagan Rhythms cover art crop
(Image: © Century. Media)

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If you’re at all familiar with Spiritworld’s previous work – a mishmash of jangly Southwestern garage rock with a dash of country – then just know that Las Vegas band's latest album is going to blow your face off. A soundtrack to Godlessness – a novel written by vocalist Stu Folsom – Pagan Rhythms takes its cue from the Nevada sound, where death metal riffage meets the lyrical pageantry of the Wild West. Chaotic tempos and grinding death metal riffs dominate Comancheria and Godless, while The Bringer Of Light reveals Folsom’s deep familiarity with Slayer. If the Nevada scene is imagining a world where death metal soundtracks the evolution of the Wild West, then Pagan Rhythms is the sound of a bloody, high plains massacre.

Spiritworld's Pagan Rhythms is released today, November 5, via Century Media Records

Joe Daly
Joe Daly

Hailing from San Diego, California, Joe Daly is an award-winning music journalist with over thirty years experience. Since 2010, Joe has been a regular contributor for Metal Hammer, penning cover features, news stories, album reviews and other content. Joe also writes for Classic Rock, Bass Player, Men’s Health and Outburn magazines. He has served as Music Editor for several online outlets and he has been a contributor for SPIN, the BBC and a frequent guest on several podcasts. When he’s not serenading his neighbours with black metal, Joe enjoys playing hockey, beating on his bass and fawning over his dogs.