(RockAndMetal.com) (03/12/04)

By Michael Bennett

LONDON, UK - ORANGE GOBLIN are back in the saddle again.

Not only are they surviving, but they continue to uphold the traditions of great British heavy metal and forge forward.

Orange Goblin have returned with the release of their new album, "Thieving From The House Of God," which manages to encapsulate all of the unique traits that fans have become so familiar with from their previous four albums.

From the psychedelic noodlings of 'Frequencies From Planet Ten' to the greasy, biker groove of 'Time Travelling Blues.'

The crushing cosmic doom of 'The Big Black' right through to the aggressive punk-metal fusion of 'Coup de Grace' -- it's all evident here.

"Thieving From The House Of God" is a definite progression which sees Orange Goblin continue to motor onward, freeing themselves from any stagnant pigeonhole that may be thrown their way.

Over the last nine years, since their formation in the late night drinking holes of London's Soho, Orange Goblin has risen to the very pinnacle of what they do, and have played a major role in inspiring a whole crop of today's upstarts including Raging Speedhorn, Charger, et al.

The Orange Goblin reputation as an awesome live band has seen them share the stage all over the world with the likes of Queens Of The Stone Age, Danzig, Monster Magnet, Nebula, Unida, Dio ... even an arena tour with the mighty Alice Cooper.

Also no strangers to controversy, the Orange Goblin live show brings back memories of classic metal cliches such as headbanging, unison hand-clapping and quite often out and out violence and chaos.

Since their last album, 2002's "Coup De Grace," Orange Goblin have gained great maturity, due, in part, to the gruelling touring schedule that saw them conquer firstly Europe...again, and then headline a hugely successful first U.S tour that saw them play sell out shows in New York, Chicago and the famous Troubadour in Los Angeles.

August 2002 also saw the departure of former rhythm guitarist Pete O'Malley, who left the band to pursue a career in art.

But, as the man said, "what doesn't kill us only makes us stronger," and with this in mind the band decided that -- rather than look for a replacement -- a stripped down approach would suit better.

Time to play the ace in the hole: Joe Hoare - whose guitar performance on "Thieving From the House Of God" is nothing short of spectacular, brings a more layered, textured sound to the proceedings.

Orange Goblin have never been afraid to wear their influences on their sleeves (or on the back of their studded-denim jackets in this case) and on "Thieving From The House Of God" they take elements of all that was great from the world of Rock 'n' Roll over the last 30 years, and inject it with the patent Orange Goblin brand of booze-sodden riffs and attitude.

This time around the band recalled the services of the master of all things heavy, Billy Anderson.

The man responsible for producing the likes of Eyehategod, The Melvins, Cathedral, Sleep, High On Fire, Fantomas, and many more.

As with his previous effort, 2000's "The Big Black," Billy's sledgehammer production showcases all the Orange Goblin trademarks perfectly.

he thunderous drums of Chris Turner and the low-end rumblings of Martyn Millard's bass provide the perfect foundation for the aforementioned bludgeon of Joe's guitars, and the roar from the deep that comprises Ben Ward's best vocal performance to date.

On fire? Driven? Too fucking right! Never has the band sounded so charged up.

So saddle up, crack open a cold one and fall into Orange Goblin's "House Of God."

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