Review: Stoned Jesus ‘Songs To Sun’
Back in 2023, I had the opportunity to review the newest album by one of my elite selection of bands, one who I’ve followed for years, the almighty Stoned Jesus. At the time, it seemed essential to cover it, especially considering what was going on in their homeland, Ukraine. It had seemed doubtful that the album, Father Light, would ever see the light of day.
It was recorded in 2022, the initial studio work was completed mere hours before the Russians invaded, and so it had taken a year to get ready for release. Considering Ukraine had been invaded, releasing albums probably wasn’t too high on the priorities list. For me, it was a way to show, regardless of what was going on with the Russians, the Ukrainian people were still living their lives, were still functioning, and weren’t beaten by any means.
Father Light was one of my favourite albums of 2023, but listening back to it now, there was a real sense of impending trouble which could be felt. Maybe it was the escalation of issues which added that air to it, maybe it was the beginning of addressing the line-up too, but either way it felt quite imposing.
With this new album, Songs To Sun, it has a different feel. It’s still very much a Stoned Jesus album, there’s that brooding doomy mood like every Stoned Jesus album, but this time it actually feels a bit lighter in intensity. It’s as if there’s been a resolution and a newfound calmness within the camp.
Now, I may be wrong on that judgment, but one thing I’m not wrong on is what an awesome album this really is. It cannot be overstated how incredible Stoned Jesus are, everything from songwriting to technical ability, the one thing I never tire of is how great this band are. Heavier passages are venomous, quieter moments are considered and serene, and everything in between those two polar opposites is fused together effortlessly.
Another element that they are truly masters of is making even the quietest, calmest moments feel huge. Ever since the first time I heard I Am The Mountain many many years ago, I’ve always been left breathless by the sheer scope of the band’s sound, and their ability to create a monolithic soundscape with the sparsest of elements. They’ve always embodied this dynamic, but I feel like it’s never been as fully realised as it is here on Songs To Sun.
larger, denser, and more exciting than ever…
Right from the opening seconds of New Dawn to the dying moments of Quicksand, they make every second count. There isn’t any point where it sounds like it hasn’t been meticulously designed, and the culmination of all of this is an album that is aurally rich throughout.
Another welcome evolution is what feels like a reset, and new ideas becoming a reality. As an example, the vocal performance on Quicksand is a revelation. Never has this approach been part of Stoned Jesus skillset, but here its used for maximum devastation. It builds and builds into an emotional outpouring that you can feel, it leaves you breathless.
Elsewhere on the album, it’s apparent that chances have been taken, new concepts embraced, and risks have paid off. This isn’t an album that rests on the band’s legacy, it’s something new, yet at the same time, it’s one hundred percent Stoned Jesus. The familiar smoky air that hangs low any time they emanate from the speakers is evident, it isn’t a departure, thank God, and yes, you could argue that it’s a return to earlier albums stylistically, but for me, it’s three or four steps forward for their sound.
It has all the trademark pumping drums, that murky bass drive, and the muted guitar that they are recognised for, but this isn’t just another Stoned Jesus album, it’s brand new, 2025 Stoned Jesus, larger, denser, and more exciting than ever. I could try and point at highlights for the album, specific tracks, or breaks, but to prioritise any one area is impossible. All I can say is that if you like hard, heavy, quality stoner doom, then this is essential listening.
For a band that is this far into their career and considering everything they have to contend with, the fact that they’ve still managed to find time to put out such an epic album is frankly mind-blowing. It is a real testament to their abilities and commitment to their art that they are as vibrant as ever, and the proof is Songs To Sun.
Easily a contender for album of the year, such a welcome return, hopefully now is Stoned Jesus’ time to get the exposure that they so richly deserve.
Label: Season Of Mist
Band Links: Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram
Scribed by: Lee Beamish
