Album Review: Conan – Live At Freak Valley (Napalm Records)

Carl Fisher 2 min read

Three years after the release of the ferocious caveman battle doom masterpiece Existential Void Guardian, Conan waves the flag of Pain again and releases Live at Freak Valley on March 12, 2021 via Napalm Records.

Conan love a live album, this being their third to date. Their brand of distorted, sludgy doom fits the live environment perfectly and this event is just further proof of that. Covering both sides of a live album we enjoy; the crowd are loud and prominently placed on the record. While the music has that raw and rough feel that should come with a live experience. If you want it to sound like a studio album, go listen to the studio albums.

Mind you, the amount of filth and fuzz that sticks to Conan at the best of times, there’s an argument that most won’t notice the difference. Especially with such a top-notch production job as is present here.

You can tell that this was an insanely intense live show where bodies heaved, sweated and were utterly spent come the end. The raging pit is opened from the very start with Gravity Chasm and Throne of Fire, the bar set for heaviness and power. Whereas the fuzz sticks to the legs like glue on Thunderhoof and Battle in the Swamp making any kind of movement near impossible.

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Hawk as Weapon helps unstick things though. With a wild flurry of crushing heaviness that exudes ferocity and passion. Whereas Satsumo shifts tempo with roaring savagery and Foehammer drips scorn like it’s nobody’s business.

It’s such a forceful showcase of Conan’s control and composure and two more tracks prove to be the icing on the sludgy cake. Total Conquest and Revengeance, a pair of crunchy heavyweight offerings to leave an immense feeling of satisfaction and desire to experience Conan in the flesh properly.

Conan – Live at Freak Valley Full Track Listing:

1. Gravity Chasm
2. Throne of Fire
3. Thunderhoof
4. Battle in the Swamp
5. Hawk as Weapon
6. Satsumo
7. Foehammer
8. Total Conquest
9. Revengeance




Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Napalm Records

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Conan - Live At Freak Valley (Napalm Records)
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