Vol. #209: Kirk Windstein – “Ethereal Waves”
Rustbelt Rock Review
By: Z.M. Delgado
Rustbeltrockreview.com
Volume #209: Kirk Windstein – “Ethereal Waves”
October 3rd, 2025
Greetings Metalheads! Welcome to the two hundred and ninth installment of the Rustbelt Rock Review. I am Z.M. Delgado, your narrator on a quest for the heaviest matter in the universe. This week we are taking a look at some new music by a man who certainly has taught us a thing or two about heaviness over the years. The living legend I speak of is none other than “The Riff Lord” himself, Mr. Kirk Windstein. Groundbreaking Guitarist, Vocalist and songwriter; Frontman of Crowbar, six string wizard in Down and Solo Artist. He has a massive catalog to his credit. (Without looking it up, I just counted on my fingers and came up with 17 albums.) Yes, his resume is impressive to say the least. Lucky for us, with tens of thousands of years of human history to draw from, we were born in a time when The Riff Lord lived! So strap in and get ready because we are about to take a look at his latest offering: “Ethereal Waves.” The follow up to 2020’s “Dream in Motion,” “Ethereal Waves” is an album I have been waiting for in quiet desperation. The very instant it dropped I had my headphones in and I was Rocking it. My signed vinyl copy arrived today in the mail and I can’t wait to throw it on the platter. First things first though, we have an album to discuss. So without further adieu here’s some of my favorite tracks from the collection.
First off, as is so often the case, we have to start with our album opener: “Ethereal Waves.” This kicks off with a nasty little piece of Guitar work that is 100% Windstein without question. It has that slippery New Orleans style that Kirk helped to pioneer. The tone is a sort of middle intensity, depending on your perspective…until it picks up at the end and really punches you in the gut. This is a great track and great beginning to what will turn out to be a great record. It sets the tone for what is to come and places the bar pretty damn high.
“Eulogy” begins as a slow, melodic piece with a sorrowful tone. It opens with gorgeous riffs, heartfelt lead licks and some light strings for effect. The song is bleak and desolate; a palpable loss captured within it’s notes. The riffs crush. They drag you down almost like your drowning, yet the lead Guitar lays out this amazing layer of activity that keeps you from being consumed completely. It is honestly pretty brilliant songwriting. Then with about a minute remaining, it picks up, takes off and soars; coming to a conclusion on a much more lively note.
“Sinners Truth” is the real ass kicker of the collection. It is power packed with a driving tempo and roaring Vocals. This song slams along, crushingly heavy, pulse pounding in it’s rhythm. Then abruptly drops into an amazing melodic breakdown. From then on it’s all intricate notes and layers of Guitars that carry the listeners away. Once the melodies run their course, it gets nice and heavy again, bringing the song full circle. This is just another example of Kirk’s fantastic and every increasing songwriting potential.
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“Rise from the Wreckage” is another one that really impressed me. Melodic and beautiful, with a message of strength, this song is a powerful composition. It has a great lyrical pattern, a Vocal melody that I really dig and some amazing Guitar work throughout. In addition there is some extra special licks tucked away on it’s back end as the song builds towards it heavy conclusion. Doubtless, I find this song to be simply gorgeous and the lyrics to be uplifting.
“Eternity’s Call” is the records magnificent closer. I feel like this song is the culmination of everything we’ve heard up to this point. It will certainly sound that way when you read this. Alas, there are only so many ways I can describe brilliance and not begin to sound repetitive. This has all the hallmarks of Kirk’s best work: Strong riffs, crisp leads, haunting Vocals, deep lyrics. Add in some nice strings for effect and a healthy dose of good old American passion and you’ve got yourself one amazing song… and the way the leads carry it off at the end is well worth the price of admission alone.
So ultimately, what do I really think about “Ethereal Waves?” I probably don’t have to tell you that I love it. But I really and truly do. Understand that I am a devote follower of Kirk Windstein’s work. Be it Crowbar, Down or his first solo collection, I cherish the entire catalog. I am steeped in his riffs and soothed by his voice and I tell you this is a damn good album. It is not only a worthy addition to catalog… It is not just a fantastic successor to “Dream in Motion…” It is a thing of beauty. The music is a blend of “tough as nails” compositions and drifting melodies that are sure to haunt the listener. I believe the Guitar work is honestly some of the best Kirk has yet to produce in his long and distinguished career. It is hard edged and heavy, yet never afraid to show a softer side when necessary. Always chugging along it has a style that can only be attributed to the Riff Lord himself. From the melodic “Eulogy” to the back breaking “A Sinners Truth” this album walks a huge emotional spectrum and guides you on a sonic journey well worth taking. I highly recommend this and really do proclaim it a must listen. It is such solid piece of Rock N’ Roll that you’d being doing yourself an injustice if you were to miss out on it. All Hail the Riff Lord!!! And with all that being said... Thank you for reading. Bang your head, hoist your horns and always wear your earplugs.
Until next time, Rock on, Rustbelt,
-Z.M. Delgado
Rustbelt Rock Review
Rustbeltrockreview.com
10/4/2025
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