Motorowl – Atlas

[schema type=”review” name=”Motorowl – Atlas” description=”Label: Century Media” author=”Basak Günel” pubdate=”2018-07-27″ ]

Motorowl is a German quintet, formed in 2014. They are relatively young but slowly securing their spot in the scene with the nice style ranging from psychedelic to prog rock. Their debut album “Om Generator” was released in 2016 and the band is back with a second full-length called “Atlas”.

Motorowl was a name I heard last year when I saw the band as an opening act for Hexvessel. They caught my attention in an instant with their dynamic and progressive sound. One year has passed and I can definitely say they are getting more recognition. Therefore, the new record, “Atlas”, got me even more curious…

With a different concept and a more colorful style, “Atlas” brings an interesting and unique sound. The essence is there but this time, the doom elements are more in the background whereas the emphasis is on the heavy/psych metal, post-rock and prog elements, taking us back to 60s&70s at times and also paying tribute to some heavy metal and prog artists. A certain thematic is also there of course. There is a concept that is heavily linked to mythology and “to give & to take” is the message the band delivers in this case. All of these aspects combined make the sound & style quite diverse and colorful. The band definitely experimented here and there but it never feels like they are trying too hard; every aspect is in the right dose at the right moment.

One element I appreciate a lot in the releases and live shows was the perfect emphasis on the keys and I am so glad the album focuses on this aspect again. The keys combined with the passionate and powerful vocals form a progressive and melodic atmosphere, taking us to musical journeys and radiating different waves of emotions. Add the ever-changing pace and you get this nice blend of styles and emotions interconnected with each other. In this sense, I am so glad the band did not fall in the trap of repeating themselves; they seem to be pretty confident with where they are and this concept that they introduced.

With an interesting concept and a nice mix of styles, “Atlas” is definitely an album that brings a fresh air to the prog & psych scene. Especially recommended to the lovers of prog, psych and doom!

Highlights: The Man Who Rules The World, Atlas, Cargo

Max Hemmann – guitar, vocals
Vinzenz Steiniger – guitar
Martin Scheibe – drums
Tim Camin – bass
Daniel Detlev – keys

Tracklist 1. Infinite Logbook 2. The Man Who Rules The World 3. Atlas 4. To Give 5. To Take 6. Cargo 7. Norma Jean

Links:
Motorowl Official
Motorowl Facebook