I am not normally a fan of labels reissuing albums. Usually they are just a cash-grab and offer nothing new for the fan. However in the case of the recent reissue of Earthride's début EP, it is all worth it for two reasons. For one, the EP is an underrated, under-appreciated gem and two, this reissue features three killer live tracks as a bonus which push the playing time out to near-enough full-length status. It goes without saying that Earthride are truly one of America's classic doom, stoner, sludge metal bands. The mix of Saint Vitus, Black Sabbath styled doom with a Motorhead level of grit and attitude is essential listening for any doom fan. Dave Sherman's raw vocals has more than a passing resemblance to Lemmy and is just as charismatic while the thick, slow to mid-tempo grind of the guitars are the stuff of legends.
Any doom fan of any standing should already know this EP but of course there are many people who don't. This EP was released and then kind of disappeared of the face of the earth it seemed. The following full length albums 'Taming of the Demons' in 2002 and 'Vampire Circus' in 2005 are what most people know as "Earthride" but this début EP is also very good. The original EP was just 4 tracks and 23 minutes of essential bluesy doom and equally as good as anything that was released in the year 2000. Since then the EP has become highly collectible and that is unlikely to change with this reissue because this release is limited to just 500 hand numbered copies. The main interest for Earthride fans is of course the bonus live cuts.
The fan gets treated to blistering versions of 'Fighting the Devils Inside You,' 'Hacksaw Eyeball,' and 'For Mere Remains' and while the sound is not 100% perfect, it still captures the band in all their ear-shattering glory. The vocals, guitar riffs and grooves are thundering, explosive assaults and the songs have a classic 70's meets modern doom vibe that still sounds fresh. If you like guitar work with a Iommi quality and feel mixed with crooning, whiskey-soaked vocals, it is impossible to go past Earthride. I think it is true that the band did go on to much better things after the release of this EP. Their latest full length 'Something Wicked' is a monster release for example that leaves this EP in the dust but the self-titled EP is still very good and still remains an (almost)essential addition to any doom fans collection. It is good to see this has been re-released by Totem Cat Records and I can see these 500 copies selling fairly quickly so you better get a jump on it.....8.5/10.
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