Death Machine (LP)

"Formed in 2017, New Zealand doom cult Demons of Noon first shared their hallucinogenic approach to slow 'n' low heaviness on April 20th, 2020. Despite the 420 release date, their three-track EP The Summoning wasn't a spliff-smokin' stoner rehash. Demons of Noon paired trippy sludge with poignant themes and curiosity about the darkest shadows of human history. 3 years later, they explore human folly and fragility further on their debut LP, Death Machine....

Demons of Noon are art-house doom on the surface level, favoring a methodical approach and lofty themes. But that dismisses the punishing heaviness and gang-vocals that anchor the album, especially on "Coward" and "Sphere of Peace." The spectral vocal contributions from Aria Jones and Tamsyn Matchett bring to mind Jex Thoth, Mazzy Star, and Giant Squid. Down to the final unsettling churn of "Torched and Burned," sly melodies elevate the heaviness like stars spattered against a tar-pit sky. The result is an impressive and distinct debut LP that will appeal to fans of Vile Creature, Swans, and Blood Ceremony alike." - Decibel