Search - Las Cruces :: Ringmaster

Kenneth W. (Eyesore) from TAUNTON, MA
Reviewed on 12/4/2007...

Chances are, if you're not a fan of Solitude Aeturnus, you may never have heard of Las Cruces. In 1996, Brainticket Records (founded by Solitude Aeturnus founder and guitarist John Perez) released a monstrous slab of southern doom metal called S.O.L. by the then unknown band Las Cruces. The album made huge waves throughout the underground doom metal scene, and two years later Ringmaster was met with great anticipation. It was called one of the heaviest albums of that year, and remains a doom metal classic to this day, as does the debut. Unfortunately the band disappeared for the most part shortly thereafter, only managing to self-released an EP called The Lowest End in 2001. Since then rumors of a break-up often persisted, but a few years back the band announced plans to release their third full-length album, Dusk, once again on Brainticket Records.

For those who have not heard Ringmaster, if you're a fan of up-tempo doom metal (i.e. mid-tempo) like Solitude Aeturnus, Wall Of Sleep, and the obvious Black Sabbath, then Ringmaster is one you should seek out. Unfortunately it's not so easy to find these days. The debut even harder to find. The Lowest End EP harder than that.

History lesson aside, Ringmaster is a classic doom metal album. The aptly titled "Behemoth" simply crushes, while "Killer Kane" brutalizes in a mere two and a half minutes. Mark Zammaron's vocals stand out here as quite unique in the doom genre; not only can he lay down epic wails like those heard by the almighty Robert Lowe (Solitude Aeturnus, Candlemass), but he also has an underlying gritty stoner rock style (see the self-titled debut by Blood Of The Sun for reference). Those two combined make for quite an interesting texture, as evidenced on the progressive dirge "Cascades Of Phantoms" and the pounding "Human Form."

Like I mentioned, it's not the easiest album to come by (unless you wish to spend a decent amount of cash), but if you happen across it, pick it up! You won't be disappointed. Las Cruces are preparing to release their upcoming album entitled Dusk sometime in the near future. The album will feature Zammaron on vocals, but it's unclear whether or not he'll continue as a member of the band, as it was previously reported that he chose to not continue on with them. Either way, while we await the coming of Dusk, Ringmaster remains an unsung classic; an oft overlooked masterpiece of crushing, southern-influenced doom metal. Find it!

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/lascruces

Excellent, heavy "desert doom."

08/11/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"With the almighty Kyuss no longer amongst the realms of the living, other sources need to be sought. With Fu Manchu taking the surfer/stoner side, we also need someone to take the dark/doomy side. That someone is Las Cruces. Sabbath/Candlemass-type riffs, (almost) early-Soundgarden-type vocals with an overall production and feel of the aforementioned Kyuss. Lots of fun. Recommended tracks: Behemoth, Doomed, Ringmaster, Human Form..."

True Powerful Riff-Doom Metal

J. Palumbo | Florida, U S A | 01/21/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Dense. Thick. Crushing! All words that describe, yet fall short of the weight of Las Cruces' sophomore release Ringmaster. Doom has become a genre watered down by "stoner" references and made tepid by derivative death-metal leanings. This is where Ringmaster is such a revelation ! Soulful vocals provided by an actual singer (Mark Zammaron) and classic riffs abound, building tension and allowing temperance where many of their peers only know slow and fast. Las Cruces has heart and exhibits an above all natural feeling cohesiveness. They live and breathe doom metal expression. Check out "Cascades of Phantoms" and album opener "Behemoth" if you want to hear how it should be done !"