Review, Prog-Reviews April 2000
HALF MAN - The Complete Field Guide For Cynics
SWEDEN
Rating: * * * * *
May 1999
SKIVFABRIKEN BORDER MUSIC HMCD 001
Half Man is a Swedish Stoner Rock band that has been around since 1986 in different
line-ups. In 1999 they released their debut CD "The Complete Field Guide For
Cynics". It is also available on LP (HMLP001) which is rather unusual for such
a new production.
Their music is a mix between blues-rock, heavy stoner rock, progressive rock
and psychedelic rock with the emphasis on heavy guitar riffs. It's easy to compare
them to bands from the late 60's and the early 70's such as Atomic Rooster,
Black Sabbath, Captain Beyond, Culpeper's Orchard, Free, Gift, Icecross, Incredible
Hog, Jane, Led Zeppelin, May Blitz, November and Toad. But they're also reminiscent
to Raging Slab and the best stoner rock band today: Bigelf. The Black Sabbath
influences is very obvious in my favourite track "Ain't ya coming home, babe?"
which is a total reminder of early Tony Iommi & Co.
"The Complete Field Guide For Cynics" is the best album I have heard in this
genre since Bigelf's debut CD "Closer to Doom" in 1997. Not only because of
the heavy guitar riffs but also for their great sense for memorable melodies
and choruses. Almost every track is essential on this album and there are very
few weak moments.
The band is currently in the studio mixing their second full-length album for
a May 2001 release. I can hardly wait!
Reviewed by Greger R�nnqvist
