Review SLOMOSA “Tundra Rock”

Stoner rock is often associated with deserts, as the music reflects the fata morgana and sweltering heat with its down-tuned guitars and slower pace. Well, Bergen in Norway is almost the opposite of the usual interpretation of “desert”. The Norwegian city has very little heat waves, but a lot of rain instead.

However, Bergen is known for its vibrant rock and metal scene, with several extreme metal bands calling the west coast city their home. In addition to black metal, the cultural kaleidoscope also includes Slomosa, a stoner rock band that formed in 2017 and debuted with their self-titled first album in 2020.

Four years later, the four-piece will present their latest effort, an album called “Tundra Rock”. The new longplayer contains nine songs that are rooted in stoner rock with a certain psychedelic twist.

“Tundra Rock” as a title may sound a bit unusual, but in the end it is the Norwegian way of ‘desert rock’. In the land of ice and snow there is also a desert, think of the endless Antarctica, where the slo-mo part comes from the frozen nature that slows things down. And “Tundra Rock” is the Bergen adaptation of this broader way of thinking.

Musically, though, the new Slomosa album is an excellent interpretation of stoner rock with influences that include the genre’s greats like Kyuss, but also some grunge bands like the mighty Soundgarden have influenced Slomosa’s music, and when you listen to songs like “Cabin Fever” you can hear these inspirational sources.

A song you shouldn’t miss is “Red Thundra”, as it is bassist Marie Moe who takes over some of the vocals. Together with Benjamin Berdous’ vocals it is a different dynamic that ignites in this song.

Basically “Tundra Rock” picks up where the band left off with the debut, but the new album is darker and also a bit more melodic. Still, the focus is on roaring rock songs like “Monoman” while “Rice” is one of the massive riff power moments on the album.

And there is the interlude called “Good Morning” which is a peaceful element of the album with the piano creating a very special atmosphere before “Battling Guns” brings back the rawer sound. At the same time, the latter is more melodic and a song with a personal aspect. It is an anti-war song with lyrics worth diving into.

“Tundra Rock” is a great ambassador for stoner rock and shows that Norway has a very wide range of rock and metal bands. The melancholy, which is one of the basic vibes of this album, is the musical interpretation of the often gray and foggy city of Bergen. “Tundra Rock” is an exciting album that can easily compete with some big names, because it comes straight from the heart.