Album Review: Coroza – As Within (Cursed Monk Records)

Formed in Cork, Ireland in mid-2015, Coroza spent the first few years of their existence honing their sound into a devastatingly heavy form, which encompasses heavy blues, metal, sludge, doom and stoner elements, leading to the release of their well-received self-titled demo in 2017.

Extensive gigging cemented them into the local scene and soon Coroza began appearing on bills around Ireland, landing support slots to international touring bands such as Conan, Bolzer and Tusker. In 2019, they released their debut album, ‘Chaliceburner’, and now return with its much-anticipated follow-up, As Within’. Out on May 20th, 2024, via Cursed Monk Records.

Sometimes it’s important to state the obvious right at the start, with the obvious here being that Coroza are a very heavy band. Their combo of doom, sludge, stoner, and blues results in a cavernous level of noise that hits with an insane amount of force. All while having a groove that might be utter filth, but will make you move, albeit slowly and methodically.

This new album has five tracks, and each is enormous sounding. From the first second to the last, Coroza punish in surprisingly addictive fashion. Partially because of the riffs, partially because of the pound of the percussion, and partially because of how garish the vocals are. Just listen to the first track, Myrrh, to get an idea of what this band can do. Chances are, you’ll be well and truly sold on their remorseless style.

That being said, there is melody, and it first rears its head halfway through Myrrh, even though it comes with a coldness that will send a shiver down the spine.

Take a deep breath, that was just one track, and Coroza have four tomes to display. The first of which is Immersed, and immediately, it stands out as speedy chaos is what greets the listener. An abrupt drop into atmospheric melody with haunting tones pours a bucket of cold water over things, ready for Coroza to slowly begin to increase the heat. Which they do with a cacophony of chunky guitar rhythms and meaty drums, leading to an explosion of unmitigated heaviness.

That’s a tough track to follow, but Coroza are a creative bunch and manage to keep the feeling going with a slower, more relaxed, trippy, and bluesy effort in the form of The Shifting Sands. However, like the title says, things won’t stay the same and like a long-forgotten structure in the desert, time reveals all. Listen and enjoy this track’s evolution.

If you thought you had heard the biggest that Coroza had to offer, you’re in for a delightful surprise. The final two tracks; Scorched Earth and the title track, are not just very long efforts, but they showcase the layers that make up this band’s unforgettable sound to the highest degree. Both require a serious amount of mental investment, but the reward for that is an experience that might be draining, but one that leaves you feeling so satisfied.

Coroza – As Within Track Listing:

1. Myrrh
2. Immersed
3. The Shifting Sands
4. Scorched Earth
5. As Within

Links

Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Cursed Monk Records