Cobranoid is a power trio from Denver, Colorado that offers an energetic and punchy blend of Stoner/Doom and Heavy Metal with Speed traits. The self-titled debut album was released on August 16, 2024 and contains six tracks around 4-5 minutes in length. The opener “Flesh And Bone” immediately immerses us in the band’s sound, immediately showing the incisive, granitic Heavy Rock that characterises them. Well-constructed guitar riffs, a monolithic rhythm section with deep and load-bearing bass lines, a solid drumming on which the frontman interprets the lyrics with an aggressive and incisive vocal. A burst of energy that immediately shows the band’s aptitude for a certain kind of Heavy sound, between Doom and Heavy Metal with a touch of Stoner and a refined guitar solo ends the track. Heavy riffs open “Shimmer,” characterised by a granitic and elaborate rhythm section, with a killer bassline giving body to the track. The aggressive vocals interpret the lyrics with intensity, while the song develops by interweaving sung parts and instrumental sections that weave together Stoner/Doom and Heavy Metal. There is an interesting tempo change in the middle part with the bass in evidence, then an intense instrumental section develops with a sought-after guitar solo intervention, then the vocal returns and concludes. “Halfwit” is an energetic and powerful track, exploring the heavier side of the band’s sound. An addictive rush of heavy riffs, an accelerated and solid rhythm section brings the sound into a more Speed Metal context, with a good malgam between the bassline and drumming. The vocals are aggressive and incisive, while the guitar, besides fine riffs, offers very interesting solo cues. Continuing on more aggressive sounds, “N.E.S.” is the longest track on the album, at almost six minutes long. The vocals are dynamic and expressive, adding power to the sound, characterised by gloomy atmospheres between Doom and Metal. The tempo change in the second part is interesting, concluding in a musical crescendo that accompanies us to the finale. “Doom Shark” is another burst of energy and power with massive guitar riffs and a gritty, accelerated rhythm section, adding power to the track. The vocals are aggressive and the song brings out the more metal side of the band’s sound, with well-crafted melodies and choruses that stick in the mind. In the second part, an instrumental section is developed that enhances the band’s compositional and performing technique, with a fine solo insert. The album ends with the first extracted single, whose official video has also been released. “Hyena” is a track that sums up the essence of the band, a good choice to offer it as a leading single. A track with a strong impact, well-constructed riffs, a constantly evolving structure and enriched by tempo changes, spanning all the facets and genres that make up the band’s original style. I’m honest, since its release this single has been a permanent presence in my stereo. A debut album that shows how this band offers original, fresh and modern Heavy Rock/Metal. A power trio with a granitic rhythm section made up of load-bearing bass lines and solid, elaborate drumming. The frontman not only offers a convincing performance on guitar, but also interprets the lyrics with incisiveness thanks to a powerful and aggressive vocal. A recommended listen for lovers of Doom Rock/Metal sounds with forays into Speed Metal, well constructed and engaging tracks that will be interesting to listen to live.
Tracklist
01. Flesh And Bone (3:48)
02. Shimmer (4:54)
03. Halfwit (5:12)
04. N.E.S. (5:53)
05. Doom Shark (5:07)
06. Hyena (4:38)
Kyle Gaso / Guitar and Vox
Logan O’Connor / Bass
Kevin Wylie / Drums
