Danava

(Kemado)

Just as Shakespeare invented every good plot, so too did the “Spiral Architect” Tony Iommi lay down every almighty riff. Portland, Ore.’s Danava was first rolled out by Kemado Records with last year’s Invaders compilation and “By the Mark,” alongside hipster metal counterparts Witch, Witchcraft, Dungen, and ATX’s the Sword. Where others pick up the “Sweet Leaf,” this fourpiece strives instead toward Technical Ecstasy, adding glitz and glam to a doom-laden groove. On the band’s self-titled debut EP, an even more galactic version of “By the Mark” opens, leading to the space dementia of the 13-minute snoozer “Eyes in Disguise.” The robotic chanting and paranoid time signatures in “Longdance” levitate toward prog-rock, while vocalist and guitarist Dusty Sparkles steals the show in the album’s apex, “Quiet Babies Astray in a Manger” and “Maudie Shook.” Obey the Sabbath. (Thursday, March 15, Bourbon Rocks, 11pm)

**.5

This article appears in March 16 • 2007.

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