One Listen Review
1st Listen 30 Oct 26
Reviewed 3 Nov 26
Laser Dracul – Hin Håle Blues
Majestic Mountain Records
Released 30 Oct 26
Six years on from their debut album, Swedish bluesy doomsters, Laser Dracul return with Hin Håle Blues, their sophomore album. Drawing ‘inspiration from the folklore, superstition and darker traditions surrounding the band’s homeland’, the album is full of big riffs and a slightly heavier sound than their debut.
Clocking in at just under 40 minutes, the 6 tracks are not enough to outstay their welcome, but with none of them sitting under 5 minutes, there are no relaxed moments. Album opener, ‘Our King is Forever’ has a fantastic fuzzy build with a guitar tone that oozes bluesy stoner doom. With subtle hints to 70s groove, the slow pace of the riff dominates with its fuzzy sensibilities. Not a bad opener.
Throughout, Laser Dracul deliver riffs and understated vocals, a nice touch, but it is where the band step out of their own norm that your interest expands. ‘The End of Time’ starts
with a superb bass-run, deliberate cymbal bashing helps the song find its feet before the delightfully dirty fuzz of the riff brings everything into focus. Here, the riff is King, more so than any other track.
And it is this that is disappointing. Hin Håle Blues has moments. But that is all it is, an album of moments and not an album of consistency. ‘Hornæus’ has a riff that is more plodding than exciting, a minor non-event, but the restrained, drums excel. ‘Walking the Left Hand Path’ has a more sinister riff, but the track as a whole lacks oomph.
If you want a background album on, something to listen to as you do your daily chores, Hin Håle Blues is a decent choice. Alas, Laser Dracul have not provided an album that will make you want to immediately press play again, as the closing refrains dissipate from your mind.
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