Album Review: Jollymon – Void Walker (Self Released)

Pacific Northwest-based stoner-metal outfit Jollymon are set to self-release their fifth full-length, Void Walker, their first in eighteen years, on June 8, 2018.

Jollymon are comprised of frontman/principal songwriter Carey Rich (vocals, bass), Mark Blackburn (drums), and John Colgate (guitar, vocals). They released their debut full-length, Sailing, in 1995 following that with 1997’s Nobody Knows Who You Are and 1998’s Stoned Nation Radio. Then, in 2000 they released their fourth full-length, the self-titled album, before imploding shortly thereafter, walking away, with no plans to return.

Time heals all.

“Whereas the previous four records were more grungy rock songs, the material on Void Walker is more on the metal side. But, we managed to keep the space-rock element, and even turned it up,” comments Rich on the band’s shift of direction with Void Walker. “We see us going even more metal and more space-rock in the future.”

Groovy and spacey guitar riffs, an up-tempo stoner sound and grunge-like vocals welcome us back into the world of Jollymon. It fills the mind with imagery of vast expanses of colourful and vibrant worlds.

The attempt to create a modern rock album that combines the best of stoner and space-rock really pays off. This isn’t a band pretending to understand the intricacies needed to really make the listener be part of the journey. No, it’s a band brimming with confidence and appetite.

It’s impossible to not get excited about Monkey Hawk’s rhythmic oddities and powerful guitar soloing or A Good Day’s heavier, more metal groove. The latter is as simple as Jollymon get on Void Walker but it is still an incredible cut above.

This is an album all fans of trippy and spacey rock should seek out. It’s so consistent and constantly impresses. Plenty gets the body quivering; whether it’s the upbeat bass hook of Be Nice, the melodic and morose riffs of Forecast or the faster and rocking beat of the title track.

As returns go this has got to be one of the best ever.

Jollymon – Void Walker Full Track Listing:

1. Tsunami
2. Monkey Hawk
3. A Good Day
4. Be Nice
5. Slice of LIfe
6. Forecast
7. Missile Commander
8. Void Walker
9. Sky Burial

You can find out much more and order the album via Jollymon’s website here. You can also keep up to date with news by liking their Facebook Page and following them on Instagram. Finally subscribe to their YouTube Channel for videos!