The Summary Judgment Review:
Title: Trampled Under Hoof
Artist: Goatsnake
Label:Southern Lord Records
Release Date: 8/10/04

Rating: 3 Skulls
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    • Reviewed by Requiem (9/17/04):
    Kinda like Exit 13 is to Relapse, comes Southern Lord's Goatsnake, project of Greg Anderson. Doom and stoner rock have been getting a bit tiring these days, but it's no doubt that a man with that much clout can get it done right. Goatsnake pool all their influences and output something that is not lackluster, but Goatsnake goodness. Equal parts doom, stoner and rock, this is sure a soundtrack to guzzling Schaefer in a trailer home down in the deepest depths of the south. And what more could you ask for with appearances by Scott Reeder (ex-Kyuss), JR (Cave In), Pete Stahl (Scream), plus Greg Rogers and Guy Pinhas from the Obsessed. Not bad eh?

    Trampled Under Hoof is just a teaser EP of sorts, with three originals and a cover song of Saint Vitus ("Burial at Sea") and Black Oak Arkansas ("Hot Rod"). Doom traditions are kept intact with the lengthy compositions and the ketamine-influenced tempos. Musically, Goatsnake sound like a cleaned up Warhorse with more rock influence and a much better singer. It's rather ironic that they do a Saint Vitus cover, because the similarities between the two bands are astounding. That's not a bad thing, kudos to them for achieving this. The guitar tone is notably distinct, like a cross between the traditional Kyuss fuzz and the Entombed chainsaw buzz. Pete's vocals are all too fitting for the setting and actually sung quite well, which sets Goatsnake ahead of the Sabbath clones with barking dogs for singers. The material seems genuine as well, and not the flavor of the week.

    Trampled Under Hoof is a worthy release in the often-boring world of stoner/doom. It's a little teaser of things to come, while bowing down to the classics of the past that made it all happen. It's music that meets metal and rock eye to eye, and makes not showering and drinking cheap beer feel OK. If you like your doom dirty and rockin', this is the place for you. Best results are acquired after six beers or more.
    3 out of 5

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