Fuck me, this took me by surprise. Philadelphia's Mose Giganticus is not a name you may have heard previously but based upon 'Gift Horse', their Relapse debut, you'll be hearing a great deal more of them. 

Opener 'Last Resort' brings to mind 'Remission'-era Mastodon, with an epic feel underpinning the monstrous sound they seem to produce with ease. 'The Left Path' adds a little Deep Purple to the mix, with its subtle Hammond touches. 'Demon Tusk' sees a bit of Baroness intensity come to bear. And what's more this is the work of the brainchild of one man namely Matt Garfield. He's accompanied on 'Gift Horse' by guitarist Joe Smiley and drummer Dan Eppihimer, and together they have produced a hell of an impressive soundscape. Apparently this album has seen Matt pursue a much heavier style of music than previous releases and I must say, that decision is a sound one. Having the ambience at times of a concept album (indeed there is a common theme of Christian mythology throughout), it certainly rises way above the usual snorefest associated with such releases. Indeed 'Days Of Yore', 'The Great Deceiver', 'White Horse' and 'The Seventh Seal' all take turns in blowing your mind and your bollocks off.  Not afraid to throw all sorts into the mix there's really not a duff song on here.

If you'd told me I'd be reviewing a progressive metal album and enjoying it I'd have laughed my bollocks off, but here I am doing that very deed and enjoying it a great deal..

Give this a spin and get as pleasant a surprise as I did.

http://www.myspace.com/mosegiganticus

http://www.relapse.com/