Nottingham-based Widows are trying to turn England's green pastures into hot desert. They've done that since 2008, when they formed. With 'Oh Deer God', their sophomore full-length album, the buzz and vibrations are heavier than ever.

To my ears Widows sound a lot like Albama Thunderpussy from Richmond, Virginia, USA. Much more than the band's listed influences such as Clutch, Down or Kyuss. With heavy buzzing germanium in guitar amplifier, meaty bass, thudding drums and impetuous vocals the band make themselves heard.

The album features rather varying songwriting: From repeating riffage on the title track to something like stoner grindcore of 'Caffeine and Hatred', and to more typical desert stoner (e.g. 'Blue Tina'). So, the compositions definitely vary from typical rock song composition style, being more like stream of consciousness of four guys melting into one under smelting desert sun, most distinct on 'Ride to the Realm of Coitus'. However, this is way more catchier, to my ears, than the debut album 'Death Valley Duchess' (2012) was. This is due to the fact, that at best, the band have conjured some swell riffs which make stand.

The album starts with some of the heaviest and angriest material the band have put out, but they also know how to mellow out (a bit, at least) with more bluesy bits (try 'Germanium Buzz' for that). The music features more sludge in it than earlier. The pace of the music is quite fast for most of the time. The guitar is heavy and buzzing, and lead guitar parts have that rather typical, Kyuss kind of warm desert wind with sandy grit tone to it. The bass guitar sound is huge, to put it briefly. With lively drums, it plays a big part in the music. The vocals are shouted and bellowed with furore and thirst for next beer; they have a grainy tone to them. Loud yet nicely balanced production job is simply boisterous, boosting up the kick of the music.

If you are thirsty for more sludgier stoner metal, then 'Oh Deer God' is a album you should inspect immediately. It is under an half an hour in length, but it still features loads of diverse moods and vibes. Not easiest of listenings, but it should tan your skin, also from inside, if you worship everything desert.

Rating: 7 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
05/01/2017 15:21