Sons of Arrakis - Volume II (2024)
By Flork
By Flork
Inspired by the Dune novels by Frank Herbert, Montreal-based Sons of Arrakis recently released their second album dedicated to the epic books and films. And what’s interesting about the group is that their sound might surprise those expecting a contemporary stoner doom album, at least one that adheres to the genre, yet Volume II is on a much different (and possibly higher) level, especially compared to its predecessor. In fact, it strays far beyond the boundaries of doom or stoner doom, leaning more to a classic rock sound influenced by Thin Lizzy or the now-defunct sludge metal Acid Bath, and compared heavily to King Buffalo. Like Volume I, Volume II expands on a lyrical style that shares similarities from Neil Peart of Rush, an iconic Canadian band that employed Sci-fi themes of robots or AI and the near and distant future in the themes of their songs and albums. Don’t get me wrong, Sons of Arrakis are hardly a bunch of copycats, they are simply huge fans of the Dune story and find inspiration by incorporating its themes in their songs and relay it in the form of music. Being influenced by the musicians you love and respect is what motivates rockers to do what they enjoy most. And so, the final product of both Volume I and Volume II is a collection of original tracks that mirrors the images one would conjure from the myriad of moments portrayed in the stories with varying degrees of intensity.
Released in early June, and still fresh and under scrutiny of critics (the Florkman included), Volume II seems to be meeting both widespread appraisal and criticism. The dual guitars are amazing (Frédéric Couture and Francis Duchesne), both complementing each other in both rhythm and lead, although there are no solos per say, just short riffs that add drama and highlight to the emotion of the compositions. All of it is fully supported by a “motorcycle” and “groove” bass (Victor Lepage) and anchored by Mathieu Racine’s heavy but rhythmic drum style. You can almost feel the heat of the desert while listening to tracks like Scattering and Burn into Blaze. In fact, the former, which opens the album is such a cool song, you wonder whether the band confused Dune with Mad Max. But no matter, if you listen closely to the music and lyrics, you won’t care too much either way, regardless of whether you have read the books or not, since the album is a musical adventure that portrays a dystopian and chaotic future, simultaneously devoid and occupied by human spirit and soul.
Some of the tracks like Blood for Blood, Metamorphosis, and Interlude I and II fuse together a bit, staying away from the contrasts of the earlier tracks that hook the listener right from the get-go. These moments of optimism are found early in High Handed Enemy and Beyond the Screen of Illusion and of course, Scattering. And although the first half of the album might be more alluring than the second, I would have to say the latter shows off the band’s skills and musicianship. The energy does progress here, although the album ends in stark contrast to the speed and frenetic tempo of Burn into Blaze. The final track Caladan is more of an atmospheric Black Metal instrumental bit, and whether it is a suitable conclusion to Volume II or not, I’ll let other listeners be the judge to that.
Technically, the album is first class with superb musicianship and production. I think there is huge potential for this group and can only see them grow and evolve further. No one can doubt the diversity in their sound, whether it is authentic psychedelic stoner doom or not. I still appreciate the incorporation of elements of classic rock, southern twangs and Doom itself, the end result being thought-provoking and enjoyable. Volume II is an interesting creation and perspective on the Dune story, and Sons of Arrakis shares it the way they know best, with good energy and clean vocals that leave nothing to be guessed at, just pure contemplation.
And the Flork’s prognosis? Volume II may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it will attract those looking for variety and spice in psychedelic and stoner rock. And as I mentioned just above, there is a load of potential for this group and they play and experiment and further develop their identity and sound. Definitely a band worth keeping within your radar this summer.
Some of the tracks like Blood for Blood, Metamorphosis, and Interlude I and II fuse together a bit, staying away from the contrasts of the earlier tracks that hook the listener right from the get-go. These moments of optimism are found early in High Handed Enemy and Beyond the Screen of Illusion and of course, Scattering. And although the first half of the album might be more alluring than the second, I would have to say the latter shows off the band’s skills and musicianship. The energy does progress here, although the album ends in stark contrast to the speed and frenetic tempo of Burn into Blaze. The final track Caladan is more of an atmospheric Black Metal instrumental bit, and whether it is a suitable conclusion to Volume II or not, I’ll let other listeners be the judge to that.
Technically, the album is first class with superb musicianship and production. I think there is huge potential for this group and can only see them grow and evolve further. No one can doubt the diversity in their sound, whether it is authentic psychedelic stoner doom or not. I still appreciate the incorporation of elements of classic rock, southern twangs and Doom itself, the end result being thought-provoking and enjoyable. Volume II is an interesting creation and perspective on the Dune story, and Sons of Arrakis shares it the way they know best, with good energy and clean vocals that leave nothing to be guessed at, just pure contemplation.
And the Flork’s prognosis? Volume II may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it will attract those looking for variety and spice in psychedelic and stoner rock. And as I mentioned just above, there is a load of potential for this group and they play and experiment and further develop their identity and sound. Definitely a band worth keeping within your radar this summer.
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