The second return album from Swedish godfathers of progressive stoner rock, Mammoth Volume, finds them in familiar territory—that is to say, they are busy sounding like no one else. On the opener, “Battle Of The Lightwedge,” singer Jörgen Andersson finds some Chris Cornell-ish vibes, yet by “Black Horse Beach,” they are in some prog-type place.
If they’ve proudly been messing with heads since ’96, then even for them, “Scissor Bliss” is a trip, and “Lisa” is a vehicle for the flutes and keys of Daniel Gustafsson.
“Serpent In The Deep” combines some ’80s keys with some Grateful Dead jams, and the metal riffs come out for “Cult Of Eneera.”
A record where anything could happen and frequently does, ends with one in their native language, “Sången Om Ymer,” and whether you speak Swedish or not, it sort of makes sense.
The same can be said about the album. “Raised Up By Witches” is quite a trippy brew.
Rating: 7/10
