While Age Eternal still rattles along and would seem to make one's teeth fall out due to low frequency alone, more than a sprinkling of speed is present, as if High On Fire were at least a subconscious influence. Scheidt's voice and guitar tone are still instantly recognizable, though perhaps more aggression is present while his former band's penchant for psychedelic heaviness has been pared back a bit. That doesn't keep some such madness from seeping in though, no. "The Blood of Icons" opens with 90 seconds of unique clean guitar that is pensive as it is beautiful. Then there's the mighty roar and a liberal and literal dose of Black Sabbath. The titular track also features an introductory clean tone that serves to unsettle the listener once the cavalry -- distortion and feedback -- arrives.

Akin to Bruce Dickinson sounding like Bruce-Bruce no matter what, so is Scheidt. Call his band what you want but the Oregon Phenomenon is back with a trio of epic songs and a pair of ~shorter ones all in a little under an hour -- 'cause more might just be overkill. Listen closely for some splashes of that Los Natas sound throughout. "The Celebrant" is as uptempo as Middian can get and it has an almost Rock vibe to it. Album closer, and longest song, "Sink to the Center" is a spiraling jam into the middle of a black hole. At least that would be my speculation in the absence of any a priori knowledge. Mr. Orange Goblin himself, Ben Ward, offered quest vocals on said trip to nowhere (slow). As of this recording Scheidt has given up on the unearthly bellowing in order to concentrate on his high register, leaving Lindsay to handle those duties. Doom!

written by Tony Belcher

Playing time: 57.08