This Friday, October 27, Polish progressive psych doom and stoner act, Tortuga, will celebrate the release of their third studio album, Iterations, via Napalm Records.
With their 2017 self-titled debut, Tortuga took the heavy stoner and psychedelic doom metal scene by storm, followed by their sophomore offering, Deities (2020). Compared to its predecessors, their forthcoming album Iterations moves from monolithic stoner-doom to progressive and experimental facets, enriching its listeners’ auditory experience while managing to mature the band's epic doom and stoner trademarks. Songs such as the previously-released single "Lilith", kicking off with its raw drum beat and turning into a melodic groove anthem, showcase the authentic sound and unconventional songwriting of Tortuga.
In a world of over-polished studio productions, it's even more exhilarating to discover Iterations. It's a haunting trip through time and space, full of light and shadow, that culminates with the epic album closing track and official single, "Epitaph".
Tortuga comments: "'Epitaph' is our reinterpretation of the timeless Seikilos epitaph, known as the world's oldest surviving complete musical composition with notation. This composition strikes a delicate balance between melancholy and optimism, carrying a message that underscores the importance of cherishing life as a precious treasure, given its fleeting nature. We've tried to retain the essence of the original piece, but we also wanted to infuse it with our own musical interpretation.
"The music video for 'Epitaph' draws from our band's adventures during tours, gigs, and parties, offering a glimpse into our life as a band. It encapsulates the essence of the song, conveying our mission to extract as much joy as possible from life, all while recognizing its inevitable conclusion."
Anyone who may have previously mistook Tortuga as a Lovecraftian themed band should make no mistake - they are storytellers, and Iterations proves the Poznan-based outfit puts as much effort into said storytelling as their songwriting. This time, the band digs deep and delivers a concept album about the whole history of the universe (from beginning to the end), which is also applicable, metaphorically, to the history of a person's lifetime. Each of the seven new tracks are related in context to the theme of the entire record, but every one of them is a standalone story.
With Iterations, Tortuga has passed the challenge of album number three with a grade A. The album is a thrilling, free-spirited, deep and enthralling ride, and one that will ultimately establish the band at the top of the current stoner doom and progressive psych rock Olympus!
Iterations will be available in CD Digisleeve, 1LP Gatefold Purple and Digital formats. Pre-order Iterations here.
Iterations tracklisting:
"Init"
"Lilith"
"Laspes"
"Interlude"
"MALACA"
"Quaus"
"Epitaph"
"Lilith" video:
Tortuga are:
Pablo - Guitar, Vocals, Sampler
Krzysiu - Guitar, Synth, Vocoder
Heszu - Bass
Marcin - Drums
(Photo - Wojciech Kasprzak)
