Orange Goblin – Science, Not Fiction

Sometimes at MER, we want to show that we can do more than just review the most brutal and godless albums the internet can throw at us. We also enjoy some good Sludge or Stoner Rock. Yes, it’s even more niche and bad for our pathetic money ambitions, but for now, we have principles. Orange Goblin is what happens when you combine Mastodon, Sleep, and Electric Wizard. You’re going to feel the spices going up your bloodstream and down your toilet seat. So, where to put Science, Not Fiction in a long and illustrious career? Let’s see!

Science, Not Fiction is so muddy and slimy you could drown in its thickness. I mean, just look at that cover art. It’s a trip into a planet made out of sand and all its derivatives. The tracks are short yet have lots of twists and turns that keep you spinning like underwear in the washing machine (I’m doing my best to get fired as a reviewer right here!). There’s a lot of old Cathedral in Science, Not Fiction, but forget about the Doom—this only focuses on the Rock N’ Roll part. So, for those of you who hate slow music (you need help!), this is what you always wanted from the genre.

There are two main protagonists in this album. The first is the crusty and organic production, which, despite feeling authentic and “working class”, doesn’t sound like a cheap bootleg cassette. That’s hard to achieve. The second is the combination of harsh vocals and memorable guitar solos and bass lines. Nothing in Science, Not Fiction is pretentious, and though usually Sludge isn’t my thing, I enjoy and respect a band that can cut all the snobbery for once. Yet, there are things that I can’t let pass, and we’re about to jump in them.

Remember when I told you the tracks move around a lot? Well, that unintentionally made them feel much longer than they were. I couldn’t believe sometimes I was listening to a six-minute track because every minute there was a major mood change. All the tracks are enjoyable, but I must say that they do feel like individual songs put together in an album, more than an album that has several parts working cohesively. This doesn’t have to be negative, but in an era where all the albums attempt to be one piece of work, Science, Not Fiction might feel old-fashioned.

I’d recommend Science, Not Fiction to my friends who miss Sludge without Post-Metal influence, or in simpler words, music that you can drink beer with and hang out with your friends, instead of sinking into the deepest sadness and agony your heart can feel during commuting. Hence, if you want to stay positive, this album has a few things to show you. While you wait for it to be out, good luck with that traffic jam!

Label: Peaceville Records

Release date: 19 July, 2024

Website: https://www.facebook.com/orangegoblinofficial

Country: UK

Score: Traveling into uncharted planets on acid. Or maybe 3.5/5.0 if you need to make it boring!