UMUR
This is a split EP between UK doom/stoner metal acts Electric Wizard and Orange Goblin released through Man's Ruin Records in December 1997. The split features the two tracks from the "Chrono.naut (1997)" EP by Electric Wizard merged into one long track and the two tracks from the "Nuclear Guru (1997)" single by Orange Goblin.
the 17:06 minutes long version of the "Chrono.naut" tracks is a treat to my ears. Starting out über distorted, heavy and raw and closing in a jamming psychadelic fashion. While heavily influenced by especially Black Sabbath, Electric Wizard had a really distinct sound in those days. The Orange Goblin part of the split is also well worth the money. The "Nuclear Guru" track which later appeared on the band´s second full-length studio album "Time Travelling Blues (1998)", is a great stoner/doom metal track heavily influenced by Black Sabbath. As if I hadn´t mentioned Black Sabbath enough in this review, the second track by Orange Goblin on the split is a cover version of "Hand of Doom" by Black Sabbath. It sticks pretty close to the original, but it´s an enjoyable and well performed cover.
At 30:55 minutes this split is well worth you money if you look at quantity alone, but when you add to the equation, that the music by both artists are of high quality, I´d not hesitate to call this a great release too. A 3.5 - 4 star (75%) rating is deserved.