There’s some metal at root in Elephant Bell‘s self-titled debut the deeper you go. The Finnish four-piece released the album five years ago digitally and have worked to find a home ever since for its classic-stonerly ways, and it would seem time has caught up to them — admittedly, there’s way more of a market for the Dozer-ish now than there was when, say, Dozer were putting out records — since Italy’s Argonauta Records will have a revamped version out early next year. This is my first exposure to the band, so I’m just digging in as well, but the original release of Elephant Bell‘s Elephant Bell is streaming below, and that seems as good a way as any to get introduced if you haven’t. Check out “Mojo Filter” if you want to know from whence the PR wire gets its Lowrider comparison.

And it should go without saying that Elephant Bell are not to be confused with UK outfit Elephant Tree. It should. I said it anyway.

Argonauta sent the following:

Finnish Stoner Rockers ELEPHANT BELL sign to ARGONAUTA Records!

The label says: “We’re thrilled to start this collaboration, Elephant Bell are a stunning band highly influenced by the first ‘stoner’ era and by bands as Monster Magnet, Fu Manchu, with a touch of grunge-like sonorities as Soundgarden – whereas, moreover, the band features in its ranks our old friend Tomi Mykkanen of LOWBURN”.

As for the band, being part of the second wave of Stoner Rock movement had its highlights. Lots of cool bands like Dozer, Lowrider, Greenleaf, QotSA, Unida, Devillac and new friends, songs and gigs and beers and fun… After releasing a few EPs and playing a few dozen gigs, the band felt ready to record their first album. It was recorded by the band themselves and finally released in digital format in 2011. The album was received very well around the world but it never got a proper release.

Being part of the third wave of Stoner Rock has its perks too; lots of new friends and bands and labels. And the still lingering interest towards Elephant Bell… So, the band decided to re-mix and master the album and add two previously unreleased songs from the album sessions to it and release it as a proper release. After some discussions the band got in touch with high soaring Italian record label Argonauta Records and finally the deal for the album was made.

The album is mastered by the great Karl Daniel Lidén (of GREENLEAF and DOZER fame) and will be released in the first part of 2017.

Elephant Bell is:
Tommy Waits – vocals, guitar
Tom C. Johnson – guitar, vocals
J.J. Strangler – bass, vocals
Migis Thunderthrone – drums

www.argonautarecords.com
www.facebook.com/elephantbell
https://elephantbell.bandcamp.com/

Elephant Bell, Elephant Bell (2011)