[Review] Black Noon – Dead Man EP

With “Dead Man,” Black Noon deliver a concentrated statement of intent: five compact tracks (between roughly 3:50 and 5:00) that marry the weight and groove of Heavy Rock with clear nods to Stoner and Doom, while keeping a direct, riff-driven focus. The EP functions both as a debut calling card and as a showcase of the band’s stylistic range — from slow, crushing dirges to more uptempo Rockers — played with conviction and a rough-edged production that suits the material. The-title track opens the EP with a percussive, propulsive groove and a guitar tone that is simultaneously acidic and fuzzy. The arrangement is economical but effective: the drums and bass lock into a heavy pocket while the guitar layers alternate between thick rhythm stabs and serrated lead fragments. Vocally, Andrea Laino adopts a mystical, incisive delivery that sits slightly behind the main riff — a stylistic choice that adds atmosphere without losing bite. Tempo changes are used sparingly but purposefully, carving dramatic spaces where distorted lead lines can breathe. The result is a heavy, slightly psychedelic opener that lays out the band’s sonic priorities clearly. “Drops of Rain” leans into a driving, motorik thrust — a modern Heavy Rock number with a Stoner inflection. The bass line is muscular and melodic, underpinning guitar work that alternates between fuzz-laden chug and more open, ringing chords. Structurally, the track benefits from dynamic shifts: verses that tighten into taut rhythms and choruses that open into a more expansive, almost cinematic feel. Vocals are direct and urgent, sitting high in the mix to emphasize the song’s lyrical hooks. The interplay between a gritty riff foundation and sharper solo moments gives the song a satisfying balance between groove and lead-driven menace. “Howling with the Wolfpack” is the EP’s more anthemic, aggressive cut: muscular drums, prominent downstrokes and a howl-like vocal that sells the song’s raw energy. The track’s production keeps instruments punchy and forward, which suits the no-nonsense approach the song takes. Riffing is compact but effective, with well-placed pauses and fills that accentuate the vocal phrasing. The piece trades subtlety for attitude, and it succeeds on those terms — loud, claustrophobic in the best sense, and built to land hard live. The shortest track on the EP, “Out of the Dirt,” pivots toward a Rock & Roll cadence without abandoning the band’s heavier tendencies. Here the tempo is brisker, the swing more pronounced, and the vocal delivery draws on a slightly more evocative register. Guitar textures open up more than on the heavier cuts: cleaned passages, melodic fills and a second-half solo that injects an electrifying lift. It functions as a palate cleanser of sorts — concise, energetic, and memorable — while maintaining enough grit to keep it coherent with the rest of the EP. The closing track revisits the title piece in an extended, single version that emphasizes the song’s strongest motifs. The longer runtime allows for expanded instrumental sections and gives the band room to highlight soloing and atmospheric build-ups. It’s a sensible way to close the record: familiar material reframed to underline the band’s musicianship and the song’s compositional depth. The trio (Andrea Laino — guitar/vocals; Michele Bastianini — drums; Antonio Michelangelo Del Gaudio — bass) present tight ensemble playing and clear role delineation. The production favours immediacy over polish: guitars are thick and slightly abrasive, the low end is authoritative, and drums have a dry, impactful presence that suits the Heavy Rock aesthetic. Lead parts and solos are concise and well-placed — they never overstay their welcome and often serve as punctuation to the arrangements rather than showpiece indulgences. “Dead Man” is an assured debut that outlines Black Noon’s musical DNA: riff-first Heavy Rock informed by Stoner and Doom sensibilities, delivered with conviction and compact songwriting. The EP’s strengths lie in its focused arrangements, strong rhythmic foundation and a vocal performance that complements rather than dominates the instrumentation. At times the production’s rawness hints at more room for refinement, but that very roughness also conveys authenticity and suits the material’s aesthetic. For listeners who favour Heavy, riff-oriented Rock with a willingness to flirt with Psychedelic textures and Stoner weight, “Dead Man” is a rewarding listen. It establishes a clear stylistic baseline and promises interesting potential for growth — the next step will be to see Black Noon expand their dynamics further and translate this energy into longer formats and live performance. Recommended for fans of Heavy Rock, Stoner and Doom who appreciate direct, well-executed songwriting with a gritty edge.

Tracklist

01. Dead Man (04:34)
02. Drops of Rain (04:08)
03. Howling with the Wolfpack (04:52)0
04. Out of the Dirt (03:52)
05. Dead Man (single version) (05:00)

Lineup

Andrea Laino / Guitar and Vocals
Michele Bastianini / Drums
Antonio Michelangelo Del Gaudio / Bass

Black Noon |Bandcamp|Facebook Page|Instagram|Spotify|YouTube Channel|