Illwind's debut album, The Unfolding at the End of Light, is a fascinating exploration of the stoner doom genre, blending old-school influences with a fresh and sometimes exciting sound. The band's name, though initially off-putting, is a clever choice, as it reflects their ability to create a unique and captivating musical journey. With a mix of funeral doom, stoner riffs, and classic rock influences, Illwind offers a groovy and immersive experience that will appeal to fans of Windhand, YOB, and Black Sabbath.
The album's opener, "Crimson Skies," sets the tone with a slow, plodding funeral doom pace that surprises with its epic and soaring vocals reminiscent of Sorcerer and Visigoth. As the song progresses, it transforms into a classic stoner doom track with Black Sabbath-inspired riffs, before concluding with a series of guitar solos that pay homage to 70s rock acts like Lynyrd Skynyrd and the psychedelic sounds of Pink Floyd and Blood Incantation. The inclusion of a Stooges cover, "I Wanna Be Your Dog," further emphasizes Illwind's nod to the past, while still sounding fresh and innovative.
The band's strength lies in their ability to blend genres seamlessly. Guitarists Mauricio Guerrero and Andrés Rhor create distinctive stoner riffs that breathe and grow, taking over the tunes with exhilarating solos that transport listeners to another time and place. However, the album's longer songs, such as "God of Sleep" and the thirteen-minute "Lucifer's Mule," can become repetitive, especially when paired with Coifman's monotonous vocals. While Coifman's voice is good in doses, his delivery can add to a feeling of stagnation over time.
Despite some generic stoner moments, Illwind's debut album is a solid effort, showcasing their experience in a mix of genres, from black metal to heavy metal to stoner doom. The band's innovative approach to blending old-school influences is commendable, and with some refined songwriting, they could perfect their unique sound. The album is a chill and immersive listen, with outstanding moments that will leave a lasting impression, even if it doesn't quite reach the heights of their more experimental tracks.
In my opinion, Illwind's The Unfolding at the End of Light is a must-listen for fans of the stoner doom genre, offering a unique and captivating musical journey. While it may not be a perfect album, it showcases the band's potential and their ability to create something fresh and exciting within a well-trodden genre. With some refinement, Illwind could truly shine and become a force to be reckoned with in the world of heavy music.
