Album Review: Gaupa – FYR (Nuclear Blast)

Sweden’s Gaupa return with a four-track mini album titled ‘FYR’, a play on words with multiple translations meaning “lighthouse”, “to set something on fire” as well as the number “four” in Swedish. The four-track mini album marks Gaupa’s fourth release, as well as the start of their next chapter as a four-piece band. It will be released on July 4th, via Nuclear Blast.

Don’t let the mini-album aspect throw you off, this record comes with some heft, in particular two tracks that have a substantial amount of depth. A great showcase of psych rock and stoner metal with tons of atmosphere and exciting twists and turns. It is a release filled with drama, and so much that comes from the vocals, which are incredible.

Personally, I find it at its most appealing when it heats up and takes on a more familiar stoner feel, especially as that gives us more range both vocally and instrumentally.

Lion’s Tom is very addictive, but the trippy touches within Heay Lord are even better. However, my jam is Ten of Twelve and its staggering bassy throb. Alongside layered vocal lines, potent melodic guitar moments, and a kickass heavy outro. Although I can’t say I don’t enjoy the hell out of Elastic Sleep too as it’s Gaupa at their most eclectic and electric sounding. Progressively clever, psych infused but impressively passionate. It’s the most dramatic, cinematic, gloomiest and heaviest track of all, and ends up feeling half its length.

A daring release, it’s so good to have Gaupa back, but even better to see where the future of the band is heading.

Gaupa – FYR Track Listing:

1. Lion’s Thorn
2. Heavy Lord
3. Ten Of Twelve
4. Elastic Sleep

Links

LinkTree | Website | Facebook | Instagram