Album Review: Sum of R – Lahbryce (Consouling Sounds)

Carl Fisher 2 min read

Psychedelic doom band Sum of R will release their brand-new album ‘Lahbryce’ on March 25th, 2022. It will be released via the label Consouling Sounds.

What an unusual but compelling listen this is. Sum of R take the doom sound as we know it, wring the life out of it and then mould it into a mesmerising and psychedelic new shape. One that is still utterly crushing and moving like it is covered in molasses, but has so many strange twists and turns that you almost forget what you’re listening too.

As they prove on the gargantuan opener of Sink As I, they can be incredibly heavy, savage and mind-numbingly bizarre. Over 8-minutes of totally gripping weirdness and brilliance. Which, of course, continues into the eerie pacing of Crown of Diseased. Followed then by the slow burning viciousness of Borderline, a track that descends into hellish horror in the second half. The vocals… good god, the vocals.

A drawn-out combination of spacey effects, a simple drum beat and a slow, building dark guitar tone changes things up in The Problem. Eventually reaching the point of no return and exploding into chaotic noise. Before Hymn for the Formless showcases chilling melody, infusions of jarring effects and a combination of dreamy and brutalising vocals. Followed then by the Middle-Eastern infusion and echoing psychedelia of Shimmering Sand, and the memorable cold melody of the guitars, other-worldly vocals and unnerving doominess of 144th.

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A truly spectacular release, it’s exhausting but satisfying. Reaching its crescendo with Lust, a finale that passes the 9-minute mark and leaves you feeling all the more spent. Spent because of how Sum of R take their sweet time with this doomy monster. The guitar melody, the bursts of horrifying vocal screams and roars, the moody bass lines and methodical drum beat makes for a finish that sticks with you long after.

Sum of R – Lahbryce Full Track Listing:

1. Sink As I
2. Crown Of Diseased
3. Borderline
4. The Problem
5. Hymn for the Formless
6. Shimmering Sand
7. 144th
8. Lust




Links

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Sum of R - Lahbryce (Consouling Sounds)
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