Album Premiere: Desert Storm – ‘Death Rattle’

Oxford rockers Desert Storm have been a mainstay in the UK stoner doom scene since 2007. During their 15+ year tour of duty they have shared the stage with the likes of Orange Goblin and Crowbar. Their 2020 record Omens was unfortunately perfectly titled for the pandemic looming ahead. Unable to tour and support that album, Desert Storm forged ahead with writing instead. The result is Death Rattle, their sixth LP and another killer collab with the volume addicts at APF Records. Today we share Death Rattle a few days ahead of the album’s March 31st release date.

From the album’s bouncing opening riffs, Desert Storm crafts a catchy and cohesive album with Death Rattle. In a record packed with memorable choruses, “Cheyne Stoking” emerges as an early earworm. If you’re more into fuzz-fueled demolition, “Melatone” bashes out ginormous grooves before “Insomniac” sends you rollicking into the night. Desert Storm doesn’t shy away from clean guitars throughout, especially on the restrained but flavorful “Salt of the Earth.” Recorded and mixed by Steve “Geezer” Watkins, the album was then mastered by sludge sage Brad Boatright (High on Fire, Torche, many more). With their talents combined, Desert Storm’s sixth record is a dynamic record that’s pensive but packs a punch.

“Death Rattle is an album that leans to Desert Storm’s strengths in songwriting ability,” shares vocalist Matt Ryan. “It is cohesive and flows with each song telling an individual tale, bound by common topics throughout. Genre traversing, musically progressing from the extreme and hard to softer palettes, moments of the ethereal. The light and dark shades are synonymous with the Desert Storm sound, as that which is completely light or dark is neither truly without contrast. This is true also for the lyrics which span thematically. The core string section of two guitars and single bass are complemented by an array of other instruments throughout the album, but act as a solid foundation for heavy groove, licks, and riffs. Death Rattle is best served loud.”

Press play below and blast Death Rattle.