The art of the single-song full-length album is something that many people are sadly not aware of, and that’s because it’s, for the most part, rarely performed other than by the most talented and daring bands. It’s an idea that most people associate with “Dopesmoker” since that’s the most popular example but it’s thanks to bands like Inter Arma, Bell Witch, Kauan, and more that the art is being brought to light and to a much wider audience than ever before. But that’s all with a strong core of doom metal. What if it was more rock-centric? As if to answer that question, it’s with their latest work that Saint Karloff sets forth to give us an answer in less than in the most exquisite fashion.

There’s something that’s oddly fitting with putting such a long track in the never-ending reaches of cosmos, and I was more than game to see just what exactly such a combination could create when I saw what Saint Karloff was bringing to the table when I first stumbled upon this randomly on Bandcamp. Naturally, given my love for the concept, I dove right in not expecting much more than 40 minutes worth of what I can only hope would be goodness. What ensued was some absolutely immaculate rock that could have very well been pulled from the 70s that’s done with great musicianship and even with select moments of doom that really makes “Interstellar Voodoo” a work that doesn’t drag on in a negative light but, instead, marches on with victory constantly in hand. It all starts off with a fantastic groove whose quality is nigh on excellent before the vocals work all of their magic at a steady pace before the rest of “Interstellar Voodoo” plays out to give us a staggering array of instrumental forrays that are just gripping to listen to and Saint Karloff always knows the perfect moment to change things up in order to keep the song incredibly interesting minute by minute. Then they work in the calculated heaviness that’s a real treat to listen given how seamlessly Saint Karloff pulls it off going from intoxicating and riff-filled 70s-esque rock to doomy vibe that’s incredibly fun from the moment it bursts forth to where it gives back to the rock riffage. And no matter what “Interstellar Voodoo” throws at us, it’s all fucking splendid to listen for anyone willing to sit through the entire song which is the only true way to experience this marvelous work that bounces between styles.

Such a work like this requires a godly amount of musicianship and talent to pull of correctly, and to say Saint Karloff did it would be a true understatement to the power that they wield at every turn and the exquisite nature that’s on display for the entirety of this song. If “Interstellar Voodoo” isn’t hailed as one of the most intriguing works of its kind this year then we need to take the entire scene to court for the criminal behavior that was shown to this release!

LISTEN to “Interstellar Voodoo” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Saint Karloff on Facebook here.

FOLLOW Saint Karloff on Twitter: @SaintKarloff