CD Review: Catapult the Smoke - Born in Fire

Catapult the Smoke - Born in Fire

by Zac Boda

I'm back to deliver you some heavy, doom laden, stoner rock from Sweden.  Allow me to introduce to you Catapult the Smoke and their latest treat "Born in Fire"  BiF is the perfect follow up to their freshman production "Unearthed", sticking with meaty stoner grooves and a solid fifty five minutes of jams Catapult the Smoke will not disappoint those looking for The Heavy.

The band consist of a trio or Swedes.  Tobbe Larsson takes care of the pummeling percussion and vocals [which I must say make a perfect fit] and Totte Martini [guitars] and Mange Lindhardt [bass] keep the heads banging with fat licks and fuzzed out bass lines.  Meld this concoction with '70s rock influence and we have a barrage of heavy entitled Catapult the Smoke.

Lord of the Broken Throne was the first track to stand out and really grab me by the throat.  Add a little cowbell percussion to an intoxicating rhythm groove and I will sit in trance and ponder the universe (fitting, upon seeing the album artwork).  I'm not sure what all the lyrics are, but I like this. 

Underworld, with its calm and trippy intro and sludgy chomping guitar make this track an easy favorite.  Totte's guitar transitions really bring Underworld full circle.  The interlude changes pace, thanks to Mange's fuzzy bass-line, and finishes up blending into a heavy finish, with Tobbe's bombardment of drumming and shouts.

Lords Gathering...  Where do I even begin, hell I can't even describe it, just head bang.  The repetitive licks, rhythm, makes this seven of the most enjoyable minutes of my day.  The onslaught begins quite humbly only to be taken over by, what is by far my favorite riff of the album.  Lords Gathering changes up around the five minute mark adding much texture and depth.  Because of songs like this, I love this job. 

I couldn't say it much better than the band says it themselves, "Catapult The Smoke brings you heavy ass stoner rock from the deep forests of Sweden."  If anyone out there is looking for a no filler, non-stop, heavy stoner album with riffs upon riffs upon riffs, Born in Fire is the album for you.  I also must add, the production on this album is phenomenal. 

In my opinion, I give Born in Fire a solid 7 out of 10. 

Mange Lindhardt - Bass

Tobbe Larsson - Drums & Vocals

Totte Martini - Guitars

Myspace

New Band To Burn One To-Catapult The Smoke

Alright people, I have an incredible band for you guys to check out. Catapult the Smoke brings you some heavy fuckin' Stoner Rock from Sweden. Absorbing influences from bands such as Grand Funk Railroad, Free, Captain Beyond, Deep Purple, and of course Kyuss, Catapult the Smoke carries on the tradition of tremendous Stoner Rock bands to come out of Sweden. With that being said, I am making Catapult the Smoke the "New Band To Burn One To". The smoke is rising!!!!



Review:

"The Swedes have done it again,this time its a band called "Catapult The Smoke" and you feel like smoking some good shit when you hear this band.Released on Orchestrated Misery Recordings this is one heavy ass CD.The album kicks off with a track called "Travel Thru A Clouded Mind" and from a outset this proves this band has some serious grooves.At first they kind of sound like a cross between "Fu Manchu" and "The Awesome Machine".Fuzz out to the max the band have got the riffs to make even the most dedicated Stoner Rocker stand up and take notice.Picking favorites on this a real hard task because there is no filler at all.Every track rocks in a way that leaves you hooked.While the band has the typical Swedish Stoner groove,they mixed it up quite a lot.Influences range from classic 70's Hard Rock to Sludge to Doom and its all done with sheer class.Strange thing for me is this was recorded back in 2004 so why its taken this long for this band to come to my attention is a pity.The production on this release is excellent and the playing is top notch,vocals suit the music perfectly and it is obvious from listening to this that the band really enjoys what they are doing.The CD comes with 4 bonus tracks recorded 3 years before and they are good but they show how much the band has progressed.A couple of interesting points are the band was formed by Tobias Larsson from "Ocean Chief" who most Stoner/Doom fans out there will already know.This official release is well overdue but the wait has been worth it.This is essential for all lovers of Sludge,Stoner,Doom and for fans who crave 70's Hard Rock grooves.9/10" (Doom Mantia)

You can purchase the band's new CD entitled "Unearthed" from Orchestrated Misery Records