Stinking Lizaveta - Cassandra, Prophet of Doom

 

 

Stinking Lizaveta - Cassandra, Prophet of Doom
SRA Records – 2026
Rock, Instrumental, Punk, Stoner, Doom
Rated: ****

The reissue of their debut Hopelessness and Shame was magnificent, the tour that followed and their gig at Stoned From The Underground Festival was glorious and the new album continues with that victory march. Yes, thirty years on and the beast refuses to be tamed! Philadelphia’s instrumental power trio Stinking Lizaveta returns with Cassandra, Prophet of Doom, an eight-track slab of beautifully unhinged musical mayhem that proves some things only grow more dangerous with age… 

There’s still that off center story telling two step here and there, there’s still that punk spirit whispering through the songs and there’s still an arc and majestic drops to contend with. The guitar is allowed to tell that story, with twists, howls, noodling and pure fire. The bass following the steps or rumbling like subterranean thunder. And Cheshire Agusta’s drums keep the whole magnificent contraption hurtling towards the abyss, or inching towards the edge… 

The ride has two faces and both of them are glorious! For it all comes together as their progressive touches collide with the psychedelic detours, powerful Cassandra, Prophet of Doom-laden riffs and flashes of something akin of mischievous exuberance. The instinctive understanding between these three musicians, who have spent decades sharpening their skills, give you all the muscle and madness you can handle…
 
Instrumental, no maddening cries, no vocals, no compromises. Just three individuals that move by the speed of inspiration and instinct, pushing, pulling and occasionally almost dismantling the very music they create. They offer no visions of the future, but show how Stinking Lizaveta became the unruly force of nature it has become. Cassandra. She maybe the prophet of doom. Of predictions of ominous events lying in wait. But Stinking Lizaveta, to this day, remains the soundtrack to surviving all of it… 

(Written by JK)

Bandcamp

Facebook

Instagram

SRA Records