In 2018, the neo-psychedelic, acid, stoner rock infusion project called AMON ACID was formed. Sarantis and Briony, the duo from Leeds, UK, break new ground with their first EP. Self-released, "Paradigm Shift" delivers a profound composition of multi-spectral genre-jumping, doom metal genius.

Eloquent, gloomy guitars combine with spacey synths to create enticing, enigmatic imagery full of texture. This album is well endowed enough to persuade both skeptics and traditionalists to explore new territory. Although it could potentially be classified solely as psychedelic doom metal, AMON ACID creates a unique genre all it's own by blending numerous elements.

"Paradigm Shift" is an album with a firm grasp of when to offer the listener a reprieve from synths and distortion and when to lay it on thick and heavy. The perfectly paired influences on this album create a synergistic intensity that stays true to their psychedelic roots throughout.

Drenched in hallucinogenic imagery, diverse shades of eighties goth are at the heart of AMON ACID's occult acid doom rock. While deep, dark, sedated refrains are the perfect complement to their unmistakable eighties sound, AMON ACID seamlessly integrates a multitude of layered elements to create a fabulously ominous experience.

The sound's depth never overpowers the industrial undercurrent present in the vocals. At the same time, well-paced synthesized space effects are present throughout most of the album. This is a cosmic trip rooted in doom but molded by countless other styles.

Fusing harmonious and unpredictable sounds, the band's sentiments toward horror and science-fiction are evident throughout the entirety of "Paradigm Shift." Nowhere is this more evident than on the first track, "Intro." Although short, the song has enough complex nuances to be enjoyed by even the most intense genre purist.

The favorite track for this reviewer is "Monarch." Thick bass lines groove their way down an interstellar highway paved with perfectly placed synths and unexpected tempo changes. A Zappa-esque vocal style and desert metal overtones create a stoner rock fantasyland of monumental proportion. Adding a layer of pure gloom are the enigmatic vocal tracks that seem to beckon from somewhere beyond this realm.

The heavily distorted chugging bass and grumbling, droning guitars on "Overlord" lend themselves to visuals of how great this band will be when live venues reopen. Whatever planet these psychedelic doom metal rockers came from, it's one this reviewer would like to visit. Getting lost in the complex nuances of this song is easy and makes for a seditiously marvelous adventure.

"Paradigm Shift," the title track and album's closer, is a narcotic, trippy droner of a noise metal doom tune that's heavy on groove. AMON ACID borrows from many space rock sub-genres. This duo has successfully composed an album that provides its listener with a unique experience nearly impossible to recreate. With a nod to electronic and indie rock, "Paradigm Shift" is as stimulating as it is powerful.