SANDVEISS Sparks 3rd LP, ‘Standing In The Fire’

We’ve been tracking Quebec City four-piece SANDVEISS since at least 2015, when they contributed a track to the compilation Doomed & Stoned in Canada and have featured them throughout the years on The Doomed & Stoned Show.

‘Standing In The Fire’ (2024), their latest, bobs and weaves different stylistic elements together for something that could be classified progressive heavy rock. What remains consistent and gives the band its signature sound is a bravado rhythms from drummer Dominic Gaumond, guitars that growl and a bass that bruises, fantastic atmospheric elements, and a certain metallic vocal sheen of frontman Luc Bourgeois.

I dig the opener with its pulsating sci-fi synth effects of opener “I’ll Be Rising.” It reminded me of scenes from Panos Cosmatos’ 2010 surreal retro flick Beyond the Black Rainbow, and I’m sure producer Karl Daniel Lidén (Dozer, Greenleaf, Demon Cleaner) had a hand in it. Eventually it goes full-on with electrified crunchy guitar action. The energy is undeniable and could suit up comfortably with anything currently on Sirius FM and modern rock/metal charts, especially the chorus. As AI “art” is all the rage these days, it’s refreshing to see the band turn their attention on human talent for the music video to this song (collage artist and album art contributor Amanda Morely).

“Standing In The Fire” is a song about our modern way of life. “No one knows where it’s going, no one has control.” The world Each generation inheriting the problems of technology and development run amok. “Confusion is eating your mind day by day, your anger consumed heart is now fading away.” This was also one of the singles and a music video, and is a stage-maker for sure with rainy, dark rock spirit.

“Wait And See” is a rip-roaring rhino on the loose, with a rolicking heartbeat that brings emphasis to the words “we are running out of time.” Meanwhile, “No Love Here” has a misty, mysterious air about it, the longest track of the record, with elements that dovetail well with Elder and Alice in Chains on a mixtape.

“Fade (Into The Night)” has a hard driving revolution, and I can easily imagine myself listening to this wheeling along a sparse I-5 returning from a show in Portland, windows rolled down, cold midnight air pouring in.

“Gone Away” is one of the most appealing songs of the album with a dynamic pulse that will capture you in its sway. It’s classic Sandviess, especially at 2:29 when the chorus kicks in and we have those glorious guitar strains from Shawn Rice (ending with some glorious two-guitar harmonies at 4:32, as Luc Bourgeois joins the fray) .

Maxime Moisan’s basswork is a standout on the relentless penultimate “These Cold Hands, and "Bleed Me Dry” is a fantastic close to the album, with its sinister sounding doom-touched opening and a vocal attack that gives me David Draiman (Disturbed) vibes, rhythms that intensify into groove territory, and a extended stretch of solo and dual guitars that really transports the listener into epic realms of imagination.

The new Sandveiss album Standing in the Fire comes out October 11th on Folivora Records, available for pre-order on vinyl, compact disc, and digital format (get it here). Stick it on a playlist with Mastodon, Baroness, Retronaut, and Greenleaf.

SOME BUZZ

Heavy rock titans Sandveiss, from Quebec City, Canada, are proud to announce the release of their highly anticipated new album “Standing in the Fire”, which comes out on October 11th, 2024. This new release returns with their most ambitious and diverse album to date, it features eight powerful tracks that showcase the band’s evolution and musical prowess. The band comments on the album:

“Five years after the release of our sophomore album “Saboteur”, we are stoked to finally present our new offering, “Standing in the Fire”. Musically, it showcases diversity but also, we hope, homogeneity and coherence. We draw from a wide range of influences, from metal to stoner rock, from prog to punk rock. While some are more apparent than others, they all play a key role in shaping our sound.”

The production of “Standing in the Fire” has a modern feel while still incorporating vintage sounds and instruments, and the mix by Karl Daniel Lidén (Greenleaf, Dozer, The Ocean Collective) adds depth, texture, and power to the album. Lyrically, the songs were mostly written in response to, or sometimes as a grim reflection on, human and social issues, including politics and environmental problems.

The band cites that they’ve pushed their boundaries on all sides. The heavy is heavier, the prog is proggier, and the catchy is catchier. They’ve allowed themselves to explore new territories while staying true to their core sound. They are recommended for fans of The Sword, Dozer, and Baroness.