Album's EP, Zephaniah, a 70s-tinged Hard Rock/NWOBHM offering, does something right out of the gate that few other records do; it starts with an engaging intro. "Prologue" is a spoken-word manifesto of the band's Old Testament, fire-and-brimstone storytelling (as if the title didn't make that obvious). The vocals are backed by the kind of creepy, ethereal keyboard melodies Geoff Nichols played for Black Sabbath during the first go around with Dio.
Three "proper" songs round out Zephaniah and they carry on with the 70s/80s worship. Thick, fuzzy guitars, unspectacular gruff shouts and a stripped down production add up to a raw sound but one that doesn't sacrifice melody. Album keeps the tempo moving along and the only real nod to Doom Metal is the Tony Iommi-inspired soloing. "The Ballad of Zephania" is the only song that flirts with slower pacing but still packs a punch.
Zephaniah takes the atmosphere of early Black Sabbath and marries it to the aggression of Orange Goblin. It isn't going to be for everyone but if those bands appeal to you, Album is a band worth checking out.
