Mount Mary
Ainoa, 2021
8/10
Even though the Finland outfit Mount Mary have only been around for 2 years, the band’s chemistry sounds more on par with decades together as they embody all the things we love about sturdy rock sounds from the ‘60s on.
“I’m Like A Mountain” starts the album with buzzing guitar and crisp drumming as soaring vocals from front woman Maria Hänninen enter the thundering hard rock and progressive inspired climate, and “Mean Old Woman” follows with plenty of gritty melody as Hänninen’s strong pipes soar with both beauty and intensity.
Close to the middle, “Silent Hell” thunders with a fuzzy energy that’s abrasive and tuneful as stoner rock ideas enter, while “Too Much Time” displays incredible guitar acrobatics amid a thumping retro-rock appeal. “Holy Matrimony”, one of the album’s best, then showcases harmonica from Michael Monroe as a sing-along chorus makes an immediate impression.
Approaching the end, “Ode To The Forest” balances power and melody in its precise, classic rock template and “Footprints In The Dark” exits the listen with nearly 8 minutes of throbbing bass and keys from Per Wiberg help the finish settle into a symphonic and grand gesture.
A truly exceptional debut album, fans of legends as diverse as Sabbath, Zeppelin, The Melvins or even Pink Floyd will definitely see the boundless potential of Mount Mary, who are clearly on a path to further greatness with their nostalgic and exciting brand of rock.
Travels well with: Wobbler- Dwellers Of The Deep; Meer- Playing House