PSYCHLONA’s Warped Vision is one of those albums that just pulls you in from the start. It’s a heavy, fuzzy, riff-driven trip, but it’s also got this laid-back, almost hypnotic vibe that’s perfect for anyone who loves getting lost in sound. These guys have nailed the balance between the weight of stoner metal and the spaciness of psychedelic rock, making the whole album feel like a memorable journey.
The riffs really steal the show here. They hit hard, but they’re not just there to crush you – there’s a lot of groove and movement in them. What I really like is how they keep it interesting. Instead of relying on one riff for too long (which happens a lot in this genre), they keep things fresh, adding little shifts that hook you in deeper. It feels like they’ve found the sweet spot between jamming out and being precise with how they play.
One minute you’re headbanging along to a massive wall of sound, and the next you’re floating in this atmospheric, almost dreamlike zone. It’s not just a bunch of riffs stacked together – there’s a real flow to the album. That mix of intensity and calm gives the whole thing a lot of depth, which keeps you locked in for the full ride.
The rhythm section also deserves a mention. The bass is fat and deep, giving everything that rumble you want in this kind of music, and the drums are tight, keeping things grounded whether they’re laying down a steady groove or going harder. The way the rhythm holds everything together lets the guitars and vocals do their thing without losing the overall feel.
Vocally, it’s what you’d expect from stoner metal: laid-back, echoey, and a little distant. It blends into the mix rather than standing out, which is perfect for this kind of sound. You’re not here for crazy vocal performances – you’re here for the vibe, and the vocals totally get that. They add to the atmosphere without taking over, which works really well with the rest of the music.
If there’s one small thing, it’s that the album sticks pretty closely to the classic stoner metal formula. It’s not going to surprise you with any wild detours or experiments. But honestly, when the music is this well-executed, that’s hardly a problem. You know what you’re getting, and they deliver exactly what you want: killer riffs, deep grooves, and a hazy atmosphere.
All in all, I’d give Warped Vision a solid 4 out of 5. It’s a killer stoner metal album with just the right mix of heaviness and trippy, chilled-out vibes. The production is clean but still has that raw edge, and the whole album flows really well from start to finish. If you’re into desert rock, fuzzy guitars, and music that makes you want to zone out while still rocking hard, this one’s definitely worth your time.
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Released by Magnetic Eye Records on September 27th, 2024
