Band : Wheel Of Smoke
Album Title : In Sense
Label : Own Release
Distributor : /
Release Date : July 2011
Review : CD

Leuven, Belgian’s Wheel Of Smoke play 70s tinted prog covering metallic space/psych/stoner territory, as well as calmer and more melodic songs.There might be a slight similarity to the melancholy side of Opeth’s latest offerings, but even that would only account for a few small elements at play on here. I have to say this 5 track CD has really captivated me and got me hooked right from the start with it's addictive guitar leads. A mix of Opeth, Ozric Tentacles, King Crimson, Agalloch, Pink Floyd,  and a bit of Comus-like folk and you have quite a tasty mix.

The first song, “Social constructions” with its simple yet catchy lead, defines the musical style as a mix of progressive and 70s heavy rock with tinges of psychedelic and jazz. “Always awake” is a standout track with floating guitars, steady drumming, and the sparely used organ that gives an extra cosmic element to the mix. “Endorphine” and “The Fool”, start out with quiet melodic guitars and then combines heavy riffing with mid-paced rhythm, yet always staying very atmospheric, with a great performance by both guitar players Filip Remans (guitar) & Erik Heyns (guitar). As they only rarely use heavier passages, the mostly quite calm parts create an almost hypnotising effect.
“Hallucinations”  takes things even further into the depths of space rock. It works itself into a looping trance, instruments come tumbling forth, slow and tantalizing, the music stretching and slithering behind.

In  Sense doesn't disappoint. Bear in mind that this is a debut and of course the band sounds a bit green at times, but overall, a damn fine heavy rock set of tunes with lots of variety, making it thankfully hard to pigeonhole this band.

88/100

Cosmicmasseur.