ninehertz

The first song on Pira’s Las raíces del abismo is essentially a mere intro track, at under three minutes comfortably the shortest on the album. But it is an informative entry point for what is to follow, as a drone guitar line and interesting percussion are joined by throat singing. They are flagged as a stoner, doom and sludge band, but there’s a lot more to this Madrid duo.

Engendro oculto follows on, with cool, harsh vocals leading in a slow guitar enlivened by squeaking feedback on the turns, a bitter minded doom track elevated through its effective, pained delivery. Hosco Paraje is dominated by a loud and crunchy riff that is so powerful you feel it rattle your bones.

Only on Luna Salvaje can you tell this is a duo, the song the weakest as it struggles for weight and traction. But it is a sole blemish on the album, which ends on its highest peak with the twelve-minutes of Al fin. It begins with a delicious doom tone and essentially jams along on that for a few minutes, at which point it breaks down into something more delicate and considered. This allows space for an epic rebirth, incredibly grand even as the coarse vocals beseech.

It brings a tangible emotional response as it heads to its (and the album’s) end – a fitting high to close on what is a fascinating doom record full of individuality.