Orange Goblin are back, with Science, Not Fiction, an album we have been patiently waiting for since 2018’s The Wolf Bites Back. This is the first recording with Harry Armstrong on bass, although his many live performances with the band mean he is far from a Goblin virgin.
The album starts with a Sci-Fi type throbbing that immediately opens your ears, before Harry slaps his bass into your face. Drums and guitar kick in and the familiar “Ahh Yea” of Ben Ward rings out - we are off with third single The Fire at the Centre of the Earth. It’s perfect Orange Goblin, riffier goodness is all-encompassing, and it’s cool. The splendid guitar work and frenetic soloing of Joe Hoare makes the listener instantly want to pick up their air guitar and join in. The mood and style carry on into another single release, the powerful (Not) Rocket Science.
It’s packed full of the familiar Orange Goblin that we know and love. A wonderful stoner riff leads through into this track, Ben’s vocal talent and style is perfectly placed in the mix of this album. He is the main focal point of the Orange Goblin live experience, but the band is always the main point of Orange Goblin. The song slows down as the dirty riffs crunch along, in true stoner doom fashion, but the energy never dwindles. A kind of psychedelic feel opens the track False Hope Diet adding variety to this metal album, but in my opinion, Orange Goblin has never been the one-trick pony that the ill-informed often state. There’s a horror film intro to Cemetery Rats. Armstrong’s bass once more provides the vibes while the guitar whirls around the atmosphere, creating a menacing sound. The riff then kicks in and we are off at full tempo once more. The Fury of a Patient Man (an excellent title for a track) ploughs straight in and the foot-tapping, head-bobbing tunes continue.
Gemini and The Justice Knife keep the atmosphere alive with excellent rock/metal vibes. There is no doubt that the transfer of these songs to the live setting should be incredible. I have seen many bands live, and I would suggest that Orange Goblin are one of the best at their craft. The final track, the aptly named Final Transmission is Orange Goblin encapsulated in one tune. It’s a well written song, pleasing in feel, and with more variation which adds to its overall delivery. Chris Turner’s laid-back and smooth drumming style fits this music perfectly. The throbbing that bookends the album returns, and the album concludes. There’s a good feeling after listening to Science, Not Fiction, and I am truly excited for some live shows. Orange Fuckin Goblin Baby are back!
Science, Not Fiction is released on 19th July via Peaceville Records
Review by Neil 'Thrashtash' Bolton
Harry Armstrong photo - Hutch
Band photo - Tina Korhonen
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