The artwork almost speaks for itself. If the sounds on this album don’t groove or tremble in my stomach, then something just isn’t right. And they do rumble, tremble and groove. The album opener “Grebo Mentor” blew out of my speakers, and immediately one thought (name) emerged. This sounds like…. Really, I shouldn’t mention the band name, nor should I remind you of their work. So I won’t. Because this review is about Honcho, a 5-piece from Norway that gives us stoner rock that rumbles, trembles and grooves. A musical style with originality issues. But who cares, right? The raw, drenching in fuzz guitar riffs seem to march on endlessly. Like an army on parade. And yet, Honcho still packs all of these monstrous attacks in catchy songs; never too long, never too short. You can smell the ’66 Chevelle engine fuel and the burning rubber, and you can bite the tasteless sand in your mouth.

Lead singer Trond Skog effectively uses his powerful, clear with an edge voice. Right in front of the parading troops. As if he’s the flag bearer in a battle so hard to win. Albums like this one have a tendency to groove on and on and on. This is both its strength and its weakness. Placing the best songs (“In The Woods”, “Grebo Mentor”, “Frontside Disaster” and “Peyote”) at the beginning of the album doesn’t change that. But it’s not all stoner on Corporate Rock. Classic rock influences take over on the second half of the album. Songs like “Loco Steam” and “Dark Tunnel Of Love” take things easy and slow down the groove. By that time you’ve already figured out these guys have talent, know how to write a decent song, and basically have what it takes.