For their second album, BAD STAR, HIMALAYAS aren’t pulling any punches! Habemus bangers extravaganza, so let’s rejoice!
BAD STAR – HIMALAYAS
Beneath The Barrel kicks off the album with a dark atmosphere and a slow tempo. Joe Williams’ vocals take their time to enter, emerging through an intriguing and hazy soundscape. Guitars, bass, and drums gradually build up on the chorus, and the pressure steadily rises until the song hits its midpoint. Then everything becomes more intense and powerful. This track alone makes the album a standout! HIMALAYAS pick up right where they left off with From Hell To Here, now armed with added experience and artistic maturity.
What follows is a cascade of riffs, each more addictive than the last, with Hung Up, Cave Paintings, What If…? We can clearly feel the influence of their predecessors from Sheffield, Brighton, Plymouth, and beyond. Thankfully, HIMALAYAS set themselves apart with lyrics and themes delivered through a sound that has real character, not just a copy. Heavy Weather changes the pace, more contemplative this time, always serving the atmosphere. This one shifts between moments of anxiety and strength, something at times indescribable. Surrender and, later on, in a different style, Twisted Reflections, are great examples of that. The sensual Nothing Higher touches on pure instinct, which then flips into punk mode with the excellent Afterlife. HIMALAYAS close BAD STAR with yet another banger, A Brand New God, lifting us up into the heavens. The result? An album with imagery as rich as its riffs are deep. Not to be missed!
The band will start their UK tour at the end of the month.
Now Playing: Afterlife
