STONED JESUS is just the second Doom/Stoner band from Ukraine I can think of (the other is ETHEREAL RIFFIAN) . Ukraine might not be proliferant when it comes to Doom bands but what it lacks in numbers makes it for quality! STONED JESUS debut “First Communion” received warm comments by both fans and reviewers and over one night established the band as a major player on the Stoner scene. Two years have passed since then and the questions is can the Ukrainians repeat the success?

Unlike many Stoner bands I never considered STONED JESUS music something you can have fun with. Don’t get me wrong the music is more than descent but it’s meant for more serious situations. It gives you food for thought. This is the case with “Seven Thunders Roar”.

In their second album “Seven Thunders Roar”, the band is following a more personal style drifting away from the clichés of Stoner rock. What you get is still Stoner rock all the way but a bit different. There is definitely a more melancholic note on the new album and pinches of Grunge every now and then. One more notable difference with the debut is that the Doom elements are minimized!

As with the case of the debut you will find really interesting material and I think I am allowed to use the term “hits” for a couple of songs like “Bright Like a Morning” and “Electric Mistress”. Of course the album reaches its artistic peak in the 16 minutes long “I’m the Mountain”! Indeed this song might the best the band ever wrote. Yet, I can’t say it’s the most representative example of what STONED JESUS are. Actually, after 3 or so years I know the band I can’t say for sure what STONED JESUS are all about! What I know is that they play good stoners and heavy music and that’s what counts. Since you can stream it there are no excuses! Highly recommended this one!