Megaton Leviathan - 2023 - Magick Helmet [mini-review]

(60:00; Volatile Rock Recordings)

US band Megaton Leviathan are out with the album "Magick Helmet", and this is probably a production that fits inside of a progressive rock context. In this case it is the space rock department that will be asked to send out the invitation, as this instrumental production comes with all the trademark features you expect to find in the outer parts of the solar system and beyond. The foundation is a steady going bass and drum construction, with what I presume is one or more guitars taking off into galaxies far and beyond playing on top of that. Gliding textures, off kilter effects, reverbs and floating ethereal sounds all play out, sometimes with a distinct cosmic tinge to the atmospheres created and on other occasions with a cold, alien feel being dominant. The landscapes come across as improvised, which may or may not be the actual case, but when coming across in this manner this also correspond quite nicely to the space rock tradition. On some occasions we do get instances of a more distinct noise rock tradition taking command though, hence expanding the landscapes explored a bit beyond the space rock norm and tradition as such. An album to seek out by space rock fans with a taste and affection for a bit more of a chilling and noise-flavored variety of music that broadly falls inside of the space rock parameter.

Olav "Progmessor" Björnsen, December 2023

Links:
https://megatonleviathan.com/
https://volatilerockrecordings.com/