Sometimes, when the fusion of Doom Metal and Stoner Rock is done, many musicians become trapped inside the musical models that influence and surround us all. The better thing to do: use some features to be seen as a band of such a genre, and blow the rest of the way. If it's not done, no one can be a new BLACK SABBATH or METALLICA, a driving and creative force into the scene. The new EP from Norwegian trio JOINTHUGGER, "Reaper Season", shows good moments, but shows such problems written above.

Musically, the band plays a form that blends slow paced tempos from Doom Metal with the nasty and filth aspects of Stoner Metal/Rock. Ok, everyone already knows such form, but they do a good work, using some experimental elements into their music, as the 'shadow-light' contrasts (what means clean melodic parts with rough distorted moments). The main problem is that they're so attached to the eroded model of the genre that some patience is needed to hear their musical talent. It's good, but could be better.

Nico Munkvold (the band's guitarist/vocalist) produced the EP along with Hrafn Helgason (this last one mixed and mastered the EP as well). And here is their main problem: again that crude and nasty sonority that's common to the genre, something that always turns the deeper understanding of a release a hard work. Obviously that some fans will love it and say that this writer is wrong, but sometimes a hearing on CATHEDRAL's "The Ethereal Mirror" or C.O.C.'s "Deliverance" would show what these words mean.

The band expresses its musical ideas on only one song: "Reaper Season", and almost 20 minutes track. They have some punctual musical features presented on it that evades the feeling of being bored, but it's a tiring experience that could be evaded if it was two or three songs. It was recorded on a live session on the studio, maybe to catch an organic feeling, and the vocals and instrumental parts are good. But the sensation isn't good for a non-Doom/Stoner Metal fan at all.

"Reaper Season" isn't a bad release, and the addicted to such a genre will love it. But if JOINTHUGGER dreams to be a great name in the genre, they must evolve a bit more before thinking on higher flights.