There are simply some albums out there that you need more time with. I have been doing these reviews for a good number of years now, but it is every now and then that I still find myself coming before a record that I simply cannot find the words for at first with the adjectives eluding me at practically each given turn no matter how hard I try. Thus, time is needed to allow the experience to properly marinate and allow the flavors to really take hold to become their own without getting lost in a mess of a soup. Such is the case I found with Morag Tong’s latest work, and it’s only now that I find myself feeling prepared to tackle such a work.

Right from the get-go, it’s clear that Morag Tong wasn’t holding anything back in the crafting of this imposing creation. Just as intense as it is unequivocally astounding in practically every category it runs through, “Grieve” is an evocative effort that demands the full attention of its listener so that nothing is lost in translation nor is the listener robbed of the very soul of the metal in question. Morag Tong have their feet planted firmly in the world of doom for the entirety of the work, but in no way does that restrict them from trying to really show us how diverse and dynamic their sound is across four monolithic tracks. The finale is the clear crowning jewel of “Grieve”, though. Taking up half the 4o-minute runtime in one magnificent track that sees Morag Tong’s entire spectrum on display in such a form that leaves the jaw on the floor, but to focus on that would be not give the whole of “Grieve” its fair due. We’re constantly given a vast array of what it means to be a truly deadly act in the modern doom landscape with Morag Tong effortlessly able to bring forward heaviness, grooviess, psychedelia, and even a little bit of a progressive nature to the mix to ensure that “Grieve” is far more than a mildly heavy listen. Rather, the album has vigor and tenacity that simply cannot be denied!

Despite only having two pieces of material to call their own before this year, Morag Tong has already proven itself to be a force that should not be underestimated in the slightest. The power and grandeur of what’s been bought forth here is nothing short of outstanding from virtually every angle as Morag Tong allows “Grieve” to become a beast whose claws are immeasurably sharp and with a bite force ready to crush boulders. Morag Tong is now poised to do great things in the future. The only questions remains now is where we’ll be when they strike again.

LISTEN to “Grieve” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Morag Tong on Facebook here.