Planet Hunter – Soothsayer
Release Date: 30th January 2026
Label: Sharkhound
Bandcamp
Genre: Stoner
FFO: Red fang, Clutch, All Them Witches, QoTSA.
Review By: Paul Cairney
With a name like Planet Hunter, you pretty much know what they are going to sound like. Their 2nd album, Soothsayer, is rooted with a stoner vibe that it subtly infused with courser grunginess, helping to spread the depth of their sound.
The result is a rather enjoyable listen. Opening track, ‘1000 Years from Now’, eases itself in with aplomb. Catchy, with a head-nodding riff, vocalist Cormac Ferris reminds me Jason Perry of the UK band, A. Ferris doesn’t have the most powerful voice, but it utterly fits the bill for Soothsayer. Perhaps he is even singing within himself to suit.
Soothsayer is not a long album. It is only 28 minutes long and it absolutely flies along. It is over before you know it, ‘Kaikora Lights’ is an atmospheric beast that is more intricate than the opener. ‘Ouija’ is what the name suggests, a darker tone flows throughout. ‘Unholy Union’ is catchy – seriously catchy with a nice riff. ‘You’ll be Happy’ will make you happy, probably. ‘Cataract’ is slightly heavier, benefiting the album and allowing Planet Hunter to expand the album. Album closer, ‘Lazarus’ has a glorious ending, bringing Soothsayer to a disappointingly short end.
Planet Hunter have promise. Soothsayer is their sophomore album and so the band are still progressing. It isn’t perfect, too short and perhaps slightly naïve sounding in sections. But, and it is a big BUT, it is a very enjoyable listen and a great way to spend half an hour.
(3.5 / 5)
