Jess and the Ancient Ones – Astral Sabbat (2013)

After blowing us away with their self-titled debut album last year, today we have Jess and the Ancient Ones and their follow-up EP titled “Astral Sabbat”. In this release the band further refines their amazing Psychedelic Occult Rock/Metal music and presents three very engaging tracks that will satisfy any fan of the band and of the genre. With so many bands playing this genre nowadays, it is refreshing to hear this band excel at it.

The band immediately jumps into things with the highly intoxicating and playful “Astral Sabbat” song. We got immediately transported into psychedelic times with the crazy keyboards and super catchy song structure. Jess’s vocals are as amazing as ever and carry this song with a dramatic performance. Immediately following we have the band’s cover of Shocking Blue’s “Long and Lonesome Road”. While imprinting the band’s unique sound to this song, they also managed to say very true to this highly addictive song. Look it up on YouTube so you can judge for yourself.

“More than Living” is the EP’s longest and best song. For over 14 minutes the band delivers a very melancholic rock ballad that is quite relaxing. The music is quite mellow and it just makes you want to lay on a couch and smoke a cigarette while relaxing to this tune. The sultry voice of Jess and the dramatic guitar leads create a perfect atmosphere that is greatly carried for a long time by the band. This song almost feels like a perfectly synergized long jamming session more than a planned track.

Overall, we are quite impressed by the band’s ability to deliver catchy and intoxicating songs so easily. Now that our favorite Psychedelic Metal band has disbanded (The Devil’s Blood), we officially declare Jess and the Ancient Ones as the best band in the genre. If you liked their self-titled debut release, you NEED to buy this excellent release for your collection.

Release: February 22nd, 2013

Genre: Psychedelic Occult Rock/Metal

Country: Italy