Dead Shrine, the musical project of New Zealand multi-instrumentalist Craig Williamson, exemplifies how experience and artistic personality can converge into a powerful and distinctive sound. Known for his work with bands like Datura and Arc of Ascent, Williamson has embarked on this new solo venture, creating a project that stands out for its modern yet rooted sound. His latest album, titled “Cydonia Mensa,” was released on April 25, 2025, via the renowned Kozmik Artifactz Records, known for its catalog of Psychedelic, Stoner, and Doom music. The album is available in various vinyl editions, further enhancing this release with a captivating and evocative cover art. With track durations ranging from four to over seven minutes, “Cydonia Mensa” presents an intense and well-structured tracklist capable of exploring multiple facets of Williamson’s style. The music is characterized by a granite-like, monolithic sound imbued with personality—merging elements of Heavy Psych, Stoner, and Desert Rock in a way that feels both fresh and faithful to the roots of the genre. The compositions revolve around an imposing rhythm section: a monolithic and precise drumming provides a solid foundation upon which deep, pulsating bass lines are layered. These elements create a hypnotic groove that guides the listener through dense, layered atmospheres. Williamson’s guitar work stands out for its solid riffs—often sharp as blades in some passages or more Psychedelic and atmospheric in others. The solos are often incisive and effective: at times cutting like sharp blades adding tension and energy to the tracks; at other moments more dreamy and Psychedelic. Vocal parts are dynamic and impactful, delivered with great intensity by Williamson himself. His voice manages to convey deep emotions, complementing lyrics that are often evocative and reflective. His ability to modulate vocal delivery helps create an immersive atmosphere that perfectly matches the overall mood of the album. Williamson’s extensive experience clearly shines through in “Cydonia Mensa.” He demonstrates an evolution from his previous solo projects or collaborations, pushing forward a personal sound that combines structural robustness with subtle Psychedelic nuances. The production is clean yet warm and organic, allowing the details of instrumental performances to emerge without ever sounding overloaded. Listening to “Cydonia Mensa” is highly recommended for fans of Stoner/Desert and Heavy Psych sounds. Dense atmospheres, powerful riffs, and engaging melodic lines make this album a modern milestone within the genre landscape. Each track offers something unique—from heavier monolithic passages to more psychedelic and evocative sections. The compositional variety does not compromise the coherence of the entire work; instead, it takes listeners on a cohesive journey through Williamson’s creative sonic universe. In conclusion, “Cydonia Mensa” represents another significant step forward in Craig Williamson’s artistic career. It showcases his technical maturity and expressive depth as an artist capable of blending classic influences with a recognizable personal touch from the very first listen. For those who love modern Heavy Psychedelic Stoner Rock with a strong individual identity, this release is absolutely unmissable.
