Reviews

Album Review: "The Glass Eye" - BOZO

by The Metalverse

Updated December 02, 2024

Tracks:

Road Salt
Woo
Murgatroid
Septic
Ba'Hee
Woodpecker Lips
Spikes
Ass Pennies
Dichotomy
Rhubarb
Hard to Breath
Clumsy Epilogue

Review

Forming in 2020, BOZO just released their latest album "The Glass Eye" on November 10th. The album starts off with no filler–blasting into fuzz-ridden distorted riffage and brutal screaming with the first track "Road Salt". With their signature sound that mixes stoner doom metal and psychedelic fuzz-rock, BOZO blends screams with deeply atmospheric distorted instrumentals.

"Woo" starts off with intense screams while the instrumentals take a more hard-rock approach. Bending and sliding instrumental melodies further establish the band's psychedelic and experimental overtones while fitting in a dynamic and short song format that makes for easier listenability.

"Murgatroid" is like if surf rock and doom metal got really high and had a baby. The song's bright leads overlap with sludgy riffs while blended screaming and singing take the forefront. BOZO's upbeat and exciting energy creates a unique vibe with their wide array of musical influences.

The 4th track, "Septic" begins with singing before launching into grooving riffage and taking on a more experimental sound with repeated lyrics and melodies that slowly change slightly in tempo and tone. In an atmospheric bridge with multiple delayed vocal tracks, BOZO creates a haunting yet deeply ambient sound before launching into an epic guitar solo and fading out with screams.

"Ba'Hee" sets itself apart from the get-go with rapid thrash-pacing and harsher screams than the majority of the album. Speeding palm-muted leads make way for full-band destruction while melody is still balanced equally with heaviness. With "Ba'Hee" BOZO showcases another dimension to their sound and keeps the album fresh and varied.

The 6th track "Woodpecker Lips" as the name might imply, takes on a more experimental sound. The track starts off with fuzz-driven bass and eccentric singing that quickly transitions into explosive screams and distorted chugging. BOZO displays their ability to be comfortable with the uncomfortable in music, featuring intentionally unorthodox ambience, audio effects, and vocals. After a gradual fade-out, "Woodpecker Lips" ends with a finale of slamming heavy metal.

"Spikes" starts with a nostalgic classic heavy metal style riff as screams join the mix alongside thumping bass lines. As the longest song of the album at 4 minutes, "Spikes" takes a more traditional metal sound with dramatic guitar chords and alternating screaming/singing.

1-minute interlude track, "Ass Pennies" features a wacky acoustic guitar that mixes styles like an old-west guitar with country rock.

Track 9 "Dichotomy" starts with brutal screams and bending stoner riffage as impactful drums fill the background. Distinct wah-wah pedal effects create a nostalgic old-school rock sound before the band returns to sludging, heavy riffs, and powerful screams.

"Rhubarb" starts with rapid guitar trills, death metal-esque screams, and fuzzy guitar tones. Dramatic syncopated riffs create an intense sound that builds contrast between full-speed sections. After an explosive ending, "Rhubard" fades into buzzing distortion.

"Hard to Breath" brings back the old-school thrash sound found in "Ba'Hee", blasting off with high-octane riffs and shrill screams. The song catapults a barrage of speeding drum beats and ferocious leads at the listener before ending with a screech.

The final track of the album, "Clumsy Epilogue" shows more of the humorous personality of the band as clipping vocals thank listeners for listening to the album and announce song credits as the band plays a distant track underneath the announcer. The speaker proceeds to spend the next minute listing a funnily random list of side effects that could happen to listeners of BOZO. Overall "Clumsy Epilogue" is a creative and personable way to close out the album that showcases the band's self-awareness.

Fans of psychedelic rock, doom metal, stoner metal, and experimental rock/metal genres are certain to enjoy BOZO's distinct brand of music. You can stream "The Glass Eye" out on all platforms now!