Nebula & Black Rainbows Split – In Search Of The Cosmic Tale:Crossing The Galactic Portal

by Mark 'Yeti' Richard · August 28, 2024

Another split release courtesy of Heavy Psych Sounds recordings. This one features three songs each, first from stoner rock pioneers Nebula and and then Italy’s grand masters, Black Rainbows. This is the second split release from Heavy Psych Sounds this year. The first one featured Geezer and Isaak which came out this past May. This record was released on June 28th, 2004.

Nebula start things off with “Acid Drop,” a cool rocking song that sounds like trademark Nebula. Heavy guitar driven riffing with psychedelic and spacy leads mixed in. The style is somewhat similar to their last record 2022’s Transmissions From Mothership Earth. The sound is raw with swirling guitar leads drenched in cosmic flurry. The next song “Eye Of The Storm” has a laid back feel with clean guitars and a mellow vibe. The bass sound is a little clunky but works well with the music. At around the midway point, the song breaks into an acoustic bridge that kicks into a cool rhythm and leads from Eddie Glass. Finally, the third track is called “Ceasar XXXIV.” This one’s a little strange with bizarre singing and musical structure. The music has some interesting elements of distorted guitars, drug laden effects, and drum fills throughout. The production quality is somewhat raw with this recording which is probably what the band intended on. They have enveloped the heavy psychedelic sound with their last two records and continue to push further into that territory. The lineup for Nebula is: Eddie Glass (Guitars / Vocals), Ranch Sironi (Bass), and Michael Amster (Drums).

Black Rainbows are up next and don’t disappoint. “The Secret” leads off into familiar riff rock glory that was produced on last year’s classic, Superskull.(review here) They evoke the classic sound of seventies rock and crank it up at least ten notches. The guitar rhythms and leads are smooth as butter and the rocking groove has become a mainstay in the Black Rainbows sound. “Thunder Lights On The Greatest Sky” starts with guitar and breaks into another heavy groove of rifftastic ecstasy. Pure harmony of a band ready to take over the world. Finally, they close out the record with “Dogs Of War.” The band dials things back on this song and harmonizes their softer side. Gabriele Fiori utilizes his talents with excellent vocals and guitar playing. The band is rounded out with the rhythm section of bassist Edoardo Mancini and drummer Filippo Ragazzoni. Together, all three musicians are playing in unison and creating some of the finest heavy rock music today. Being a newer fan of Black Rainbows, I can’t help but wonder where this band will go next. The output of quality material that they have released thus far just keeps getting better.

My last thoughts about In Search Of The Cosmic Tale is that it’s a varied and interesting listen from start to finish. Crossing The Galactic Portal has been achieved with this record. Both Nebula and Black Rainbows are expanding the musical spectrum with the direction in which these songs are traveling.