SUN BELOW takes listeners on a journey across time with their self-titled release centered on the power of an "ancient herb."

What I enjoy most about stoner/doom metal is that it always feels like you're listening to a group of musicians just jamming together, having a good time making music and fellowshipping. Singing and lyrics tend to take a backseat to the instrumental parts and showing off what can be done with their instruments. There isn't anything special about the vocals in this (nothing bad either), but it's a fun listen musically. The trio knows how to jam. I could see myself in a dimly lit bar having a beer while enjoying this or kicking back in a recliner partaking in some of the ancient herb they've mentioned with this playing loud over my speakers.

They may not rely much on vocals, however, SUN BELOW has quite the interesting time travel, science fiction stoner story to tell. And you'll have to be stoned to follow this wild story. The story starts with "Chronwall Neanderthal" and the discovery of a potent herb. In "Holy Drifter," which takes place thousands of years later in the present day, a drifter residing in the same place as the neanderthals and seeking meaning must go look for more of the ancient herb. Throughout the story, the neanderthal's and drifter's lives continue to intertwine despite being separated by vast amounts of time. There's also an alternate timeline where the sun burns out - "Solar Burnout" - and rocket ships seeking safety are pulled across the event horizon. A lot of other things happen too, but it's too much to go into in this one review. It's quite the trip.

It was fun being able to read the musicians' story behind the music and have those visions in my head while listening. It gives a whole new perspective to the music. If you decide to listen to this one, you must find the backstory and read it beforehand. Of course, the lyrics tell the story, but interpreting what the short but sweet lyrics mean might not be easy for everyone. That's the problem with minimalist writing. Overall, I think this album is fun, the musicianship is great, and the crazy story behind it makes it interesting.