THE BEAST

Anglo-American EnviroMetal pioneers MOOSE CULT are back with their sophomore album, "Book of the Machines," set to be released on September 6 via Eat Lead and Die Music. The band, featuring members of Monsterworks, Thūn, and Bull Elephant, continues to push the boundaries of their genre with a unique blend of death, doom, and traditional metal influences.

Frontman Jon (aka Jonny Moose) spearheaded the project, accumulating a wealth of death/doom riffs during and after the pandemic. Despite the already active projects of Monsterworks, Thūn, and Bull Elephant, Jonny Moose decided to channel his creativity into yet another band, resulting in the formation of MOOSE CULT. Joining him are his reliable bandmates: Hugo (aka Huge Cult) on fretless bass, James Knoerl (Aviations, Gargoyl, Thūn) on drums, and new collaborator Tommy Loose (Smokescreen, solo artist) on lead guitar.

"Book of the Machines" takes its thematic inspiration from Samuel Butler's 1872 novel "Erewhon," specifically the section titled "Book of the Machines," which is one of the earliest works to contemplate machine intelligence and self-replication. This departure from the band's original envirometal theme provides a fresh conceptual foundation while maintaining the signature death/doom/trad metal sound that fans have come to love. The album is a significant step forward in execution, showcasing the band's growth and evolution.

The album opens with the title track "Erewhon," setting a dark and contemplative tone that weaves through the entire record. "Death Meditation" follows, offering a haunting mix of heavy riffs and atmospheric elements that create a meditative yet intense listening experience. "Curse of Creation" stands out with its powerful lyrical themes and intricate musical arrangements, embodying the band's envirometal roots.

 "Headless Cult," serves as a gateway track for new listeners, encapsulating the band's essence with its dynamic shifts and memorable hooks. The album closes with the titular "Book of the Machines," a fitting conclusion that encapsulates the album's thematic and musical journey.

The production on "Book of the Machines" is top-notch, with Jonathan Grenville Higgs (Jonny Moose) handling the mixing and Dan Swanö of Unisound, Germany, mastering the album. The meticulous attention to detail in the recording and editing process, particularly for the drums by JK Rollin', and the contributions of Sam Loose on lead guitar recordings, ensure a polished and cohesive sound.

The lineup for MOOSE CULT on this album includes:

    Jonny Moose - Vocals/Guitars
    Hugo Cult - Bass and Regenerative Ambience
    James Knoerl - Drums
    Tommy Loose - Lead Guitar

"Book of the Machines" is more than just an album; it's a thought-provoking exploration of human and machine relationships set to a backdrop of intense and innovative metal. Fans of Monsterworks, Thūn, and Bull Elephant will find much to appreciate here, as will any metal enthusiast looking for a blend of thematic depth and musical prowess.

Pre-order "Book of the Machines" now on Bandcamp: https://moosecult.bandcamp.com/album/book-of-the-machines

Track Listing:

    Erewhon
    Death Meditation
    Curse of Creation
    Earth(l)ing
    Gateway to Evolving Thought
    Headless Cult [Approved for Airplay]
    Book of the Machines

MOOSE CULT's "Book of the Machines" is a powerful addition to the metal landscape, combining deep thematic content with masterful musicianship. Don't miss out on this groundbreaking release.