All the genres that are linked to Stoner Metal suffer due to an insane thought: the more filthier things are (to force an organic feeling on the music). This way of thinking doesn't make sense, because acts as CATHEDRAL used cleaner sonorities and kept the organic feeling and the abrasive feeling that many search for. This is the reason that a lot of releases of Stoner Metal, Psychedelic Rock (or Psych Rock, you can choose the better name for you), Stoner Rock and others are defined by the word 'defeat'. But the Italian quartet STRAMONIUM tried another way on "Elder Moon" and reached a good result.

The band walks a path between Psych Rock, Stoner Rock and Stoner Metal, sounding in a similar way to what BLACK SABBATH did on its early works, COVEN, CATHEDRAL, WITH THE DEAD and others, but filled with many Psychedelic Rock elements, and a more melodic insight guiding the music. Of course that for those perverts on sound filth, the band plays in an organic way, but always in a very good melodic sense, and keeping the energy and hooks of the genre in very high levels, so be prepared. The sonority of the album is where the quartet differs from many of its colleagues of genre: they did not chose something filthy and hard to comprehend to satisfy the fans of the genre, but something cleaner and defined, but keeping things sounding organic. Maybe the quartet recorded things as in a rehearsal, but taking advantage of modern recording technologies. And it seems that this version is remastered.

All the songs are very good, and maybe a lesson for those that only care for filth (and not for music itself), and there are many excellent moments on "Elder Moon". But for a first ride on the album, pay attention carefully on "The Isolator" (this song shows that the quartet learned lessons with BLACK SABBATH, but always expressing things in their own way, as can be heard on bass guitar and drums playing), "Son of the Moon" (caustic, slow and oppressive, this nasty piece is filled with very good melodic vocals and charming dusty ambiences), "Misty Morning" (this shot is extremely catchy, but bitter and acrid as Hell, empowered by very good guitar riffs), "Space Trail" (an experimental and psychedelic song tempered with a deeper and melancholic touch, but in its ending, the tempos becomes faster, but still catchy), and "Elder Moon".

The band shows talent and potential to grow in the future, so what's left to do is wait and see. But as we all will be waiting, to listen to "Elder Moon" is a very good form of enjoyment and passing time, and STRAMONIUM can become great in the genre.