DJ REM

Howling Giant – Black Hole Space Wizard – Part 2 (2017)  For fans of Elder, Red Fang, Melvins, Baroness, Rush Contacts: PR Rep – Jon Asher – ashermedia[@]gmail.com Release Date: August 25, 2017Label: Self-ReleaseDistribution: The Orchard Big Cartel HOWLING GIANT! The very name summons up mental images of a huge mutated orc-warrior astride an even more gigantic mastodon, ready to bring death, doom, damnation and destruction (and many other things beginning with “d”) down upon its enemies.Names matter, and something magical happened when three nerds obsessed with all that is fuzzed-out, riffed-out, and heavy came together to compose cosmic odes to space travel, doomed sea-farers, and even an android on a camel-killing crusade (what harm did the poor camel ever do to him?), under the name Howling Giant.Drummer Zach Wheeler says the name is no accident and reflects the band’s music.“Howling Giant sounds a lot like a loud beast, which is what we strive to do musically. We aim to create a full sound that people might normally expect from a five-piece rather than a power-trio.” Indeed, by employing the three-piece format, Howling Giant is following in the footsteps of legends like Motorhead, MC5, Cream, and Corrosion of Conformity; good company to be in! As the band’s philosophy would have it wisely: “Teamwork makes the dream work.”Hailing from Nashville, Howling Giant obviously had some special metal immunity to all the country and western music in the air. The boys started jamming at school in Boston with an aim to move away from overtly serious music and have fun, describing their music accurately as “loud, energetic, heavy, melodic, and cosmic.”Overall, Howling Giant’s music forms part of a fascinating Black Hole Space Wizard concept EP series, which the trio returns with Part 2 due out on August 25th, 2017 to follow Part 1 released almost exactly a year prior.“Hopefully for our returning fans, it is accepted with open arms and an open mind. As Part 2 of the 3 piece saga, this EP was meant to focus on the travels and trials of The Pioneer, protagonist, and last of mankind. The music reflects his growth and self discovery on a post-apocalyptic planet Earth. To new fans/fresh ears, we’d like to invite them into the Black Hole Space Wizard universe through fat stomping riffs, spacey grooves, accessible vocal melody and juicy, pulpy sci-fi madness. We always try to refine our song writing and take one step into new territory with each release, pulling stylistically from whatever inspires us in the moment. Our recorded music is our best interpretation of the sounds we hear in our heads, and our goal is to make our sonic visions clearer with each release.” says Wheeler.Overall, if you are one of the many that wishes Mastodon had continued in the cosmic, crushing progressive manner of Crack The Skye and Blood Mountain, Howling Giant is your dream band!About the album Track by Track explained by the band.The meaning behind the EP is that we follow the travels of The Pioneer on his quest for self discovery and purpose on the husk planet, Earth.1. Henry Tate paints a psychedelic scene built on the development of a groove and atmosphere. This opening track sets the scene for the rest of the album. The only vocals that are present are the introspective thoughts of The Pioneer picking up almost directly after the finish of Black Hole Space Wizard Part 1.2. The Pioneer. This track features a delicious bass riff that grounds the listener before introducing a triumphant chorus and stomping riffs. On this track, you can find Tom heating up the room with some fiery pentatonic exploration.3. Visions. This track is heavy, best described as a slab. It is a strange cocktail of darkness and triumph. This track focuses on the slow, the heavy, and the darker places of The Pioneer’s mind.4. The Forest Speaks. Instrumental provides the listener with a break from the crushing full band arrangement. Featuring Acoustic Guitar, Baritone Sax, and floating synth, invites you to relax before the oncoming storm.5. Circle of Druids. This song charges forward and breaks the listener out of the lethargic headspace of the previous track. With a focus on vocal harmony and a percussive instrumental approach, a soaring lead line closes out the track and leads you into the final chapter of Part 2.6. Earth Wizard. Trudging and glorious, this song gives closure to Part 2. Buckle up for 7 minutes in heaven.