Fulanno - Hash Negro En Las Misas Fúnebres (LP)

 

Not sure why Argentina of all countries seems to have a really fertile soil for retro/stoner rock, but here you’ll find excellent bands like Mephistofeles and Sahara and also Fulanno. "Hash Negro En Las Misas Fúnebres" was originally released in 2016, but then only in digital format. Now, Helter Skelter (sub-label of Swedish Regain Records) has finally given it a well-deserved vinyl release. This is more of a MLP than a full album, though. Five tracks and around 30 minutes of play time. Opener “En Tu Nombre” is a slow and heavy thing with the fuzz on eleven on the guitar. The sound is very “live in the studio”, which I really like. Very nice dynamics and a big sound. Singer Fila Frutos may not be the new Ronnie james Dio, but he is definitely good enough to carry the songs and I really do like his vocals. The title track is closer to doom than stoner with its slow drums and heavy riff. "Osciloscopio" also fits in the same box and it kinda makes me visualize lava slowly making its way down a mountain. The vocals kinda sails over the wall of guitars, which are really in your face, while the drums have quite a lot of air and reverb. “Hordas” continues in the same vein, if only a few bpm’s faster. The last song "Perfume Póstumo" picks the tempo up a few notches but without leaving the doom zone. A bit morr stuff is happening in this track and I’d place it in the same box as Witchfinder General and Cathedral with some Sabbath overtones (of course). A highly interesting album if you’re into heavy, slow and quite primitive stoner/doom. I really like this release, but their album "Nadie Está A Salvo Del Mal" is a few notches better, but this is a safe buy!

/Janne Stark

Year: 2021

Label: Helter Skelter/Regain

Top 20 of 2020

 So, after much going back and forth I've come up with a top 20 list of 2020. 

Here it goes:

1. Thin Lizzy – "Rock Legends"

- An outstanding compilation featuring well preserved and nicely restored demos and live recordings packed in a beautiful way. FANTASTIC!!!

2. Mephistofeles – "Satan Sex Ceremonies"

- These Argentinian retro porn rockers came in with fists held high and totally knocked me out!

3. Raven – "Metal City"

- Classic UK band Raven is back with a vengeance (not that they have ever vanished). "Metal City" is prbably my favorite Raven album since the debut!

4. Blue Öyster Cult – "The Symbol Remains"

- I must admit I wasn't expecting this AT ALL!! The last time I saw the Cult live, they were actually a little bit tired. This album is anything but "tired". Awesome!!

5. Kansas – "The Absence of Precense"

- Another band with only a few original members, where my expectations weren't sky high, even though I've thoroughly enjoyed their latest releases. This was better than expected! A killer album!

6. Raging Slab – "Sister Slab And The Boogie Coalition – Vol 1"

- Here's a band I've really missed for so long. The reason for this album may be a sad one (these were the last songs Elyse recorded before she passed away of cancer), but the album is a great one!

7. Lucifer – "III"

- Sweden based retro rockers Lucifer does a "third time lucky". Well, they have actually been "lucky" all three times! 

8. Prins Svart – "Under Jord"

- Being a huge fans of their first two albums, at first I was a bit hesitant about the concept of a band like this using different singers. But after a few spins it fits like a glöve! 

9. Dizzy Mizz Lizzy – "Alter Echo"

- This Danish trio totally knocked me off my feet with their debut, and they still do!

10. Wishbone Ash – "Coat of Arms"

- Another "oldie" that still deliver full on! 

11. Shaggy – "Scarecrow"

- An outstanding Swedish/English band that released their first album in the 70s, disappeared and reappeared with a vengeance!

12. Wolftooth – "Valhalla"

- A new acquaintance for me. Outstanding retro rockers!!

13. Baleful Creed – "The Lowdown"

- And the UK delivers! Another "new" band for me. Ordered all their albums and wasn't disappointed - at all!

14. Perfect Plan – "Time For A Miracle"

- Perfect Plan proves Sweden delivers 100 % when it comes to melodic rock!

15. Clutch – "Weathermaker Vault Series Volume 1"

- Well, not a new album per se, but the songs haven't been properly released, it's Clutch and it's great!

16. Tragik – "Faith Healer"

- Ok, so maybe this shouldn't be in here since I play a guest solo. F**k that, this is a great album by the most prolific singer in hard edged melodic rock, Phil Vincent!

17. Future Elephants? – "Humans Passin’ Through"

- These Swedish proggy rockers continue to deliver! Another killer release!

18. Gudars Skymning – "Olycksfågel"

- Swedish retro rockers Gudars Skymning keep on keeping on! 

19. Vessel Of Light - "Last Ride"

- Another kick-ass stoner album!

20. Bonehawk - "Iron Mountain"

- This outstanding album just squeezed in on last place, because I received it in the last minute. Great album!