‘’Traveller’’ is an album (the fourth full-length) from the band of THE LORD WEIRD SLOUGH FEG, that was released in 2003 and is considered a classic – one of the best in their discography, which extends from the early ‘90s up to now.
This year, the band returns with an EP that is the continuation, the sequel of the saga of the album of 2003. It is a continuation from multiple aspects, since the band recorded at the same studio, with the same producer (Justin Weis), with the same microphones. The only difference are the years (more than two decades) that have elapsed. From the word Supplement 1 in the title, we can comprehend, that in the future another supplement will follow, in the form of an EP or in the form of a whole new full-length album.
Actually, the fans which were looking forward to know what is happening into the initial weird sci -fi space story, with all the space pirates, the asteroids and the vegetable spores, can be assured that the storyline continues where the original ‘’Traveller’’ left off. Thus means, the exiled Professor Rickets, is still transformed to a Vargr, living in exile on his secret asteroid ship and Baltech Budapest is hiding out on the icy planet Mithril.
The EP lasts around 22 and a half minutes and this maybe looks kind of small in duration but in reality, it isn’t like that and I am going to explain why I am writing that.
The band decided to choose the best ideas for this release and leave the rest on the cutting room floor. They kept only the ‘’hot juice’’ and ‘’eliminated’’ – ditched all the parts and riffs that felt mediocre to them. Afterall the good material is not supposed to arrive always in quantity. The quality is what really matters and I totally respect and agree with that decision.
In this new EP, the band is kind of returning back to the roots of the old days, to the sound that established their name as an emblematic underground traditional metal band. I feel that this dive into the past, will satisfy first and foremost the old fans of the band, which I believe they will love this one as they loved the album of 2003.
Yes, it is obvious from what I have already mentioned, that you should prepare yourselves for all the hooking Maiden-isms (especially from the early era of IRON MAIDEN) you adored in the music of THE LORD WEIRD SLOUGH FEG, with the twin guitar harmonies, the multiple galloping riffs in the style of BROCAS HELM and the astonishing THIN LIZZY-isms, with all these beautiful Irish folk tune passages in the soundscape. The sound is warm – organic and the production is again very vivid, like in the album of 2003 and what everyone would expect from the successor of the original ‘’Traveller’’.
I firmly believe, that the emblematic Mr Mike Scalzi (Vocals, Guitar) and his company: Angelo Tringali – Guitar, Adrian Maestas – Bass and Austen Krater – Drums, have delivered a release, that continues and extends the legacy of their classic album.
My recommendation is that you should embrace this intergalactic new blast from the past!
‘’ Traveller Supplement 1: The Ephemeral Glades’’ will be released on the 11th of April 2025 by Cruz Del Sur Music and will be available on LP, CD and Digital format.
Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
