Lucifer Songs (Standard Edition)

Album review

Although it shares most of the very same sonic hallmarks (ghostly-screamed vocals, heavily distorted and low-tuned sludge-guitars, psychedelic sound effects, etc.), as a purely musical endeavor, 2006's Lucifer Songs can't compare to Ufomammut's 2005 album, the triumphant, cosmic, stoner head-trip, Snailking. Mind; its five tracks certainly have their moments (especially the molten lava riffs of "Mars") and link together into a pretty cool 25-minute excursion, but individually they can't elicit the same state of cinematic, deep-space awe achieved by their predecessor's darkside of Star Trek ambiance (think Alien, Galaxy of Terror, etc.). Which is partly okay, since the major thrust of Lucifer Songs appears to be its far more enticing DVD featuring three video clips and six "soundscapes" matching its songs to seriously trippy visuals produced by one Malleus. What's more, and not to be ignored, both discs come enveloped in deluxe packaging so smashing, it alone may have hardcore music collectors and orphans of the vinyl age eager to pick this puppy up. Ufomammut fans certainly won't be disappointed. [Note: The Lucifer Songs DVD is configured for the European Pal-M system, so American consumers should be aware they'll need a universally adapted machine in order to view it.]
© Eduardo Rivadavia /TiVo