Have you ever wondered how a guitar would sound if you enchanted it and plugged it into a rock? Well wonder no more, for here we have "Sermonize" from Italian Sludge maniacs ISAAK. What instantly caught my eye about this release (after doing a bit of digging) was the fact that the CD version is not yet released but they have decided to first release it on vinyl. Being an avid (albeit fairly new, only in the past two to three years) vinyl collector, this is something I can really appreciate, there's nothing like the sound of a fresh, new vinyl and ISAAK seem to agree.

Going back to my previous statement about the enchanting of a guitar and a rock, this album is thick and chunky while keeping upbeat and light-hearted in tone and feel. Side A of this release begins eerie and the vocals were reminiscent of MARILYN MANSON, although that's about as close to MANSON that they get. The rest is pure Sludge carnage. Side A seems to blend into one long, drawn out song and it becomes difficult to pinpoint any changes in tone, tempo or mood.

Side B is where the album really caught my attention; it was almost like listening to a different band. Side B is where ISAAK really let the music run the show and come into its own; they play around a lot more and it's really enjoyable to listen to. The differences between the two sides are so immense that the true versatility of the band and their talent shines through and (if possible) makes you appreciate them even more.

The one track I kept coming back to was "Lesson n.1" from Side B. The guitar is catchy as Hell, it changes from thick, chugging chords to fiddly fretwork to heavy phaser effects. The vocals are not much different in terms of catchiness, I found myself humming this all evening.

"Sermonize" is possibly the best Stoner Rock album I have heard all year and needs to be listened to again and again. I think I'll buy myself this vinyl as a Christmas present to myself!<