From their EPK, “SMOKE MOUNTAIN, the celebrated doom trio hailing from Tallahassee, Florida, is thrilled to announce the release of their highly anticipated new album, “The Rider,” via Argonauta Records. “The Rider” combines elements of the past, present, and future of Smoke Mountain. In addition to featuring the three songs from our debut EP, The Rider contains five powerful new tracks that provide a glimpse into the direction the band is heading. We’re very happy with the final product. It’s more than just an album; it’s a statement of Smoke Mountain’s place in the doom metal pantheon—a record that bridges their origins with the promise of what’s to come. Fans of Stoner, Doom, and Grunge will find themselves immersed in a world of crushing riffs, haunting vocals, and powerful atmospheres.”

The album has eight songs, and “Hell or Paradise” is first. The music is slow, crunchy and catchy, with female vocals that are both sultry and powerful. The fuzz in the riff lets you know that you are listening to Stoner Metal. “The Way to Heaven” is another fuzzy song that is a little faster in pace, with somber vocals and a greasy feeling to the music. It creates a snarl that is catchy. “Bringer of Doom” has a low and slow sound, to really let that doomy feeling soak in. It’s like a premonition, or a warning, of what might be around the corner. There is also a lead guitar solo that is soaked with wah-wah. “The Rider” has a straight up energetic riff that reminds me of cruising on a motorcycle down a deserted road at night. Hit the throttle, and just soak in the moment.

“The Sun and Heavens Fall” has a slow grind where somber elements rule the roost, and imagine what would happen of the sun and heavens fell? It would mark the end of the world for me. “Demon” has a deep, powerful riff that is commanding, and heavy drum and bass strikes. This song is pure SABBATH, and takes me back to the 1970’s. “Violent Night” is even slower and more powerful. The high hat crashes help to accentuate the bossy nature of this song, although it remains quite catchy. The title track closes the album, and the riff couldn’t be nastier if it tried. It crawls at a barely moving pace, accentuated by female vocals that are fairly low in the register.

This was an excellent Doom album. The riffs are towering, massive, and powerful, the vocals are solemn, sultry, and foreboding, and the drum and bass sections provide a commanding footprint that they band stands on confidentially.