Onward Strides Colossus

by Merlock

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Kirk Gauthier This album embodies just about everything there is to love about stoner metal. Their sound is somewhere between the monolithic heaviness of Sleep and the psychedelic bloodhaze of High on Fire. If you have even so much as a passing interest in either of these bands, you’ll love Merlock. TRUST ME. 🤘🏻 Favorite track: Onward Strides Colossus.

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Full art, 6-panel CD of Onward Strides Colossus. First run of 100.

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1.	Sovereign Throne 04:25	buy track
2.	Sunnbarrenn 09:18	buy track
3.	Behold! The Sword of Lock 05:34	buy track
4.	Where No One Goes 07:44	buy track
5.	Somniloquy 03:51	buy track
6.	Onward Strides Colossus 10:02	buy track

about

Exploring gloomy realms, MERLOCK produce imposing soundscapes that embrace the murky depths. Seeing multiple genres converge, MERLOCK manifest a compelling doom, psychedelic and stoner mix in the new record Onward Strives Colossus.

"Onward Strides Colossus is a sort of “hero's journey” set in a posthuman, postdoom atmosphere. Sonically and lyrically, it explores cycles of death and rebirth, notions of hell, and of self-actualization. Seeking truth is the primary urge of the album, and that urge becomes, at times, colossal, which is where the name comes from. Heady pretension aside, the album is also very much about the three of us building this monstrosity that is Merlock. Writing albums, touring, failure & victory — all of those intense experiences that continually shape and reshape us as people. We all had to grow into new, more powerful versions of ourselves to create this album. We know the colossus doesn’t stop here." — Taylor D. Waring

Introducing the release is "Sovereign Throne", a groove rhythm powered track with a bluesy side. Lead guitars emerge out of the shadows with bright intricate solos that interweave. An injection of energy sees the pace increase and elevates the music as the vocals soar above. "Behold the Sword of Lock" brings an aggressive onslaught seeing harsh vocals combined with noisy guitar tones to unleash a fully immersive sound. MERLOCK pull out all the stops with the album's title track. Eerie, droning fuzz and wandering vocals evoke a haunting, otherworldly air. Playing with dynamics, the tracks builds up into explosive rhythmic guitars and percussion — "Onward Strides Colossus" delivers a powerful and impressive impact.

credits

released February 24, 2023

Engineering and Mixing: Nic Wilbur
Mastering: Adam Tucker
Album Art: Leoncio Harmr
Album Layout: Taylor D. Waring
Photography: Adam Darling

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Merlock Spokane, Washington

Merlock is psychedelic stoner metal band from Spokane, WA. Email merlockspokane@gmail.com for any inquiries.

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