Album Review: Godwatt’s L’Ultimo Sole – A Stoner Rock Odyssey with Doom Metal Swagger
Alright, buckle up, because we’re diving into L’Ultimo Sole, the 2016 brainchild of Italy’s Godwatt. Released under Jolly Roger Records (pirate vibes approved), this album is a heady mix of stoner rock grooves and doom metal gloom. It’s like that one friend who shows up late to the party but still steals all the attention—loud, brooding, and impossible to ignore.
Let’s cut to the chase: there are nine tracks here, including two CD bonuses (Venus and Scheletro). But what sticks? For me, it’s Condannata and Nostro Veleno. These aren’t just songs—they’re experiences.
Take Condannata, for instance. The riff slaps you awake faster than an espresso shot on a Monday morning. It’s heavy, yeah, but not in a “I’m gonna crush your soul” way—it’s more like a slow-motion avalanche rolling over you. You feel its weight, sure, but also its inevitability. Plus, the vocals? Imagine someone shouting poetry at a funeral while holding a beer. Weirdly compelling, right?
Then there’s Nostro Veleno. This track sneaks up on you like a stray cat in an alleyway—you think it’s chill, then BAM, claws out. The guitar work has this hypnotic quality, looping around your brain until you’re nodding along even if you don’t wanna. And those lyrics? Dark as heck, but poetic enough to make you Google translations mid-listen. Props to Godwatt for making existential dread sound so damn catchy.
The rest of the album ain’t half bad either. Songs like Cenere and Catene keep things fresh without overstaying their welcome, while the bonus tracks add a little extra flavor for collectors or folks who love hidden gems. Honestly, though, the whole thing feels cohesive—like a sonic journey through smoky bars, ancient ruins, and maybe a cursed forest or two.
Here’s the kicker: listening to L’Ultimo Sole feels like being let in on a secret. It’s not trying too hard to impress anyone; it just does its own thing, unapologetically loud and proud. Sure, some parts could use a trim, and yeah, the production isn’t exactly slick—but that’s kinda the point. This album doesn’t need polish; it thrives on grit.
So, would I recommend it? Absolutely—if you’re into riffs that hit harder than your ex’s goodbye text and atmospheres darker than your future after 3 p.m. coffee. Just don’t blame me when you can’t stop humming Condannata during awkward family dinners.
Final thought: If stoner rock and doom metal had a baby, it’d probably grow up listening to Godwatt. Wait…does that make sense? Eh, whatever. Turn it up anyway.
