ninehertz

Their storytelling of space travel, through the medium of doom, shows no sign of exhaustion of material to Vinnum Sabbathi, and hurrah for that, this time focussing on the relationship between man and the machines that aid our adventures to the stars, particularly satellites as described in the EP's title. It is a concept piece focused on the launch of two satellites that had a profound effect on Mexican communication and delivered the first Mexican astronaut to space.

This is a short, three track EP, with the first a sample laden introduction. From their beginnings, their use of the launch control room samples and cosmic effects, within the instrumental heavy end space rock has been perfect, and it is of course evident again on the following Sistema de Satélites Morelos, enlivening the whole, placing your mind firmly in the great expanse of outer space, so what is essentially a base template of post-rock - this doesn't get as heavy as they can - becomes so much more.

The closing Rodolfo Neri Vela, named after the aforementioned pioneer astronaut, has a slow burning beginning leading up to launch - you're fully strapped in for the imminent voyage, before it gives way to a Spanish-language countdown sample from the mission control. From there we launch, the g force kicks in and the track matches, becoming heavier, a pressure, a weight on our shoulders, the riff starts to revolve, turning quicker and quicker.

Vinnum Sabbathi have always had this theme but this feels like another level, matching the musical steps to the images created, wonderfully expressive instrumental music that utilises its shades and varying levels of heaviness to immense effect. As ever with this special band, it is heavy psych doom as concept art, beautifully and lovingly realised.