Wovenhand - Star Treatment (2016)

David Eugene Edwards’ Wovenhand project has always straddled a line between doom metal and pure Americana. With the announcement of a new album called Star Treatment (his first since 2014’s Refractory Obdurate) and the sharing of a new song called “The Hired Hand” (the second song from the album, following the heavier “Come Brave”) it seems that more and more the balance is shifting towards the Americana side of the equation.

“The Hired Hand,” which was recorded by Chicago metal heavyweight Sanford Parker, is a dark, pulsing rock and roll song. David has the ability to conjure the darkness of extreme music without relying on heaviness. This music swells with detail, with the instrumentals conjuring country and space rock in equal measure. There’s a lot of Nick Cave here (particularly his work with the Birthday Party), maybe a bit of Swans or Godflesh, maybe even a bit of Bowie, but it comes together in a mix that feels uniquely Wovenhand.

TRACKLIST
01. Come Brave 04:01
02. Swaying Reed 05:59
03. The Hired Hand 04:14
04. Crystal Palace 04:40
05. Crook and Flail 04:31
06. The Quiver 04:35
07. All Your Waves 07:55
08. Golden Blossom 04:23
09. Go Ye Light 04:50
10. Five by Five 04:43
11. Low Twelve 03:58