The music Matadoroffers sounds like it time traveled out of a 1970s jam session. The guitars and bass are fuzzy and thick, enveloping listeners in a cloud of smoke that would do Black Sabbath or Pentagram proud. Despite this, Zoroaster's not peddling retrogression – the trio's penchant for pulsing space rock interludes and gravely vocals is too strong. The final product recalls bygone eras in metal history while retaining a sense of freshness, a gnarly trick for a band formed in 2003.

It's an identity Zoroaster seems comfortable with given the confidence Matadorexudes. "D.N.R." initially crackles like fireworks, only to sizzle into a languid rocker befitting a summer BBQ. Its guitar tones are warm, droning and cozy, but Zoroaster keeps things lively by throwing plenty of distorted melodies at listeners, giving the track a sense of spontaneity.

"Ancient Ones" thus feels like a gut-punch as it's a classic case of switched gears. Zoroaster turns their sound down into a dull rumble, the churning riffs and pounding drums combining into thunderous waves of sound. In contrast, "Odyssey" remains true to its namesake by meandering through vistas of ethereal guitar chords. It's a worthwhile journey, the group's soaring solos and hypnotic vocals providing a soothing soundtrack for one's ears.

"Trident" picks up the pace with a foot-tapping number heavy on unforgettable, mesmerizing riffs. It's a feel-good tune, mainly on account of its fiery fretwork and shout-along chorus. "Firewater" is an instrumental which finds Zoroaster showing off its jam band potential by piling loops of buzzing feedback over twisting percussion rhythms. "Old World" drifts by like a billowing storm cloud with thick, hazy guitars backed by plodding cymbal beats. Between the dirge-worthy pace and the solemn vocals, its sense of purpose seems on par with a religious procession.

"Black Hole" charges like an enraged bull, its booming guitar chords and raspy vocals accentuated with stabbing, speed-picked melodies. "Odyssey II" proves a fitting successor to its excellent forerunner, letting a lush acoustic guitar passage stroll alongside restrained drumming.

Last but not least is the title track, a song listeners could easily mistake for an instrumental. Starting with a trance-inducing drum beat, it slowly layers distortion onto the guitars, building them into a climatic wall of crushing noise and howled vocals by record's end.

Matadoris a good album of gargantuan music. Though massive, it features a recurring sense of calm that borders on the meditative. For those looking for new avenues where their mind can wander, give these hallucinogenic metal titans a try.

Tracklisting
D.N.R.
Ancient Ones
Odyssey
Trident
Firewater
Old World
Black Hole
Odyssey II
Matador