Cyprus, the small island on the edge of the Caribbean with a big personality. Somewhere that my family have actually called home for some time, and somewhere I have grown to love. It is well known for its culture, its history and in more recent years halloumi.... However, I digress. When one thinks of Grecian Metal, they are normally drawn to think of ROTTING CHRIST, but what if there is more out there to behold? Let's bring in STONUS and their most recent release "Séance"

The three-track release is to be released in March 2021 and runs for about 17 minutes. The artwork plays to the title with an apparent stereotypical image or a mystic reading, quite pop arty in its style, it would be a good addition to any library as a focal cover. Opening with "Evil Woman" and instantly the Desert / Stoner Rock stylings are apparent. And I am loving it. The rhythm is a bouncy and electric affair that just begs for the listener to get up and move. The vocal line is absolutely sublime, with an anthem for a chorus that just begs to be screamed by fans. But that is not to say that the music is superficial, there is a great depth to it, especially in the latter and more stripped back segments. As there is more of the intricacies that really polish any performance off, listen and you will see what I mean!

"Messianism" continues with the groove as the mellow music just flows over you like a wave. Peaks and troughs of intensity as the flow takes it up and down. With dirty bluesy riffs, a decadent and full bassline accented by the powerful and earthy vocals of Kyriakos but what really pulls this track together is the foundations of the drums. Kotsios is clearly a very talented drummer, with the perfect rhythms to accompany each section, deft touches that just show an individual with love for their craft. But that can be said for all members as it really is a well rounded and polished performance.

"El Rata" is intense. It is full bodied. It is everything that this album has been to this point and will continue to be long after it has finished. It is strange to think of the simply profound effect that "Séance" has had on me with just three tracks, I honestly cannot fault it. Overall, well I think I have covered that already and I needn't say it again. However, fans of ORANGE GOBLIN and BLACK LABEL SOCIETY be sure to get STONUS on your radar yesterday! I will be hoping to be able to catch these guys in a live performance one day, maybe when all is back to normal and I can visit home again.