Pale Grey Lore--Album Review

Hey all!  Been a while since I reviewed some music, but this is absolutely worthy of getting me back on that

wagon!

Album:  Pale Grey Lore
Artist: Pale Grey Lore

• Michael Miller--guitar, vocals, theremin
• Adam Miller--drums, percussion
• Donovan Johnson--bass

 A powerful trio from Columbus OH, Pale Grey Lore combine some rock elements that might surprise your average metal-head.  Fuzzy, crunchy, spacey and thoughtful all at once,and with a theremin.  Seriously, a theremin people. I've heard them described as Doom Rock and that might be accurate to a point--but they are also what I'd call delicately heavy.  Lyrically there is much to think about long after the music stops, and you will think about it, trust me. Their sound is no buzz-saw guitar scream, but a deliberate heavy tread that somehow gently stomps its way into your brain and doesn't let up until it bores its way into your soul.
As good as the album is--and it is good--you simply must at all costs see this band live.  The chemistry among these three coupled with their outsize sound leaves me awestruck every time I've seen them.

Some highlights from their debut:

Life in the Hive--If you work in an office, I guarantee you will find yourself humming this song ceaselessly.  The doomy dystopia of the lyrics seems to speak directly to those of us laboring in our own hives, and that chorus!  Heavy with a goregous descant over top--be still my heart.

The Conjuration--not going to lie, this is probably my fave song on the album.  It has earned a spot on my running playlist, which believe me is saying something.  Guitar so fuzzy it crackles on a kick-ass riff that pushes me to sprint on hills, I could (and have) listened to this on repeat.

She Radiates--If you were wondering when a metal band was going to maximize the theremin (and if you weren't, I'm not sure why we are friends) this song does just that.  With none of the edge of slight menace evident in the rest of the album, this is nearly sweet and a lovely romantic song.

Woe Betide Us and Black Sun Rise showcase the band's clear love for early Black Sabbath while putting their own distinctive stamp on the sound.  These two also feature vocalist Michael Miller at his Osbourne-iest.

You can stream the album on bandcamp as below--but I suggest getting your own copy.  You'll want to listen to it over and over.