Review: Big Game Hunt – Goliath (2009)

Wow, Eastern Canada is really pumping out the bands! Nova Scotia’s own Big Game Hunt has recently released their album Goliath and seeks to bring the southern stoner sludge Canadian style. Does have Canada have what it takes to make their own New Orleans? Well, they already have the French influence, so all they need is a bit of Southern grit and we may get just that.

Goliath is almost on key in every department. We have the hard hitting tracks combined with the freewheeling fun grooves so evident in southern rock, as well as acoustic experimentation in “Before Long.” Big Game Hunt wear their influences on their sleeve, but it doesn’t harm their sound one bit because they can construct riffs that bring the power and the fun. This isn’t some local bar band, these guys really have potential and I’d personally love to see them play live. Unfortunately, there is one minor set back.

It’s very clear that Big Game Hunt have taken a lot of inspiration from the dirty, southern sludge style of Down, especially vocalist Jordan Rose who attempts to take on the style of Phil Anselmo. Unfortunately for Jordan, Phil isn’t exactly the best vocalist to mimic as he hasn’t been a good vocalist in almost 20 years despite fitting rather well into the Down mold. Jordan on the other hand, isn’t as fitting. While the groovy sludge feel of Big Game Gunt is really good and even rivals the last Down album, the vocals bring a “cover band” quality to what would have otherwise been an excellent chunk of metal. Jordan isn’t a terrible vocalist, but his style is too reliant on Anselmo’s stylings that it hurts the effectiveness of the band. Goliath is definitely an album worth checking and some may find my criticism of Jordan to be a bit harsh as he is competent and the music really stands on its own.

GOOD

Top Tracks: On the Scene, Before Long,

Similar Artists: Down, Corrosion of Conformity, Clutch, The Sword, Kylesa

1. Dave and Big C
2. Seeing Red
3. Heavy Blues
4. Revelation
5. Blue Devils
6. Leaving
7. Lucky 13
8. Raise A Glass
9. Embrace
10. Reprieve
11. Heaven Falls
12. Wisdom in One
13. Lesson Learned
14. Search Party
15. Before Long
16. On the Scene

Jordan Rose – Vocals
Wayne Muise – Guitars
Matt Duncanson – Drums
Jared McInnis – Bass

Self Released

http://www.myspace.com/biggamehunt

Review by CODY