“Gozu IV” recreates the spirit of the late 1970s and early 1980s when Metal music was still shaping its image and sonancy with some touches of more modern features as 1990s grunge got stuff from the low overtones of the guitars. I, personally, like a lot this kind of music because the guitar overtones and the spirit of that epoch. Music was different then, I have to say. Well, needless to say it. To simplify our analysis, I guess it is fair to say that the album has two distinct moments being the first with album warmer “Corinthian Leatherface“ and its aforementioned blend; the second being with “Midnight Express” which is the pure 1990s music.
Gozu (牛頭) literally translates to “cow head” or “ox head” in Japanese. It most commonly refers to a demon guardian of hell in Japanese Buddhism and folklore, or a notoriously terrifying urban legend. Gozu is often paired with Mezu (horse-face) as a protector and punisher in the underworld. The band, on the other hand, was formed in 2007 by vocalist/guitarist Marc Gaffney and guitarist Doug Sherman. Over the years, the lineup has evolved, with key contributions from bassist Joe Grotto, while the band’s core creative identity has remained steadfast. Musicwise, Gozu describe themnselves as modern Stoner Rock, Fusing 70’s groove-driven fuzz, 90’s alternative grit, and contemporary metal weight. From what I heard here, give it or take it, I happen to concur.
As a full-length, “Gozu IV” delivers all the moments the band stated before. There are cool and tranquil moments as “Corner Lariat” states. The contemporary Metal weight comes with speed-up tracks as “Banacek“ with some good guitar leads that keep away the awful modern metal influences where guitar leads are prohibited. Another thing that just passed my mind is how Gozu blend their kind of retro music with such contemporary themes.
Gozu “Gozu IV” will be released on May 15th via Metal Blade Records.
Track Listing:
2. Midnight Express
3. Killer Khan
4. Corner Lariat
5. Banacek
6. They Did Know Karate
7. Gimme the Lute
8. Corvette Summer
Watch “Banacek“ official music video here:
I’m just a lucky guy who has chosen metal to live with for a long time. Metal changed my life for good. It made me more confident and stronger. Metalheads are naturally far away from the mass mediocrity and don’t accept impostures from anybody else. Metal is more than music, it’s a life changing oportunity!