Wovenhand – Star Treatment (2016): Album Review, Tracklist, Credits & Trivia
Introduction to Star Treatment
Star Treatment is the eighth studio album by American gothic Americana band Wovenhand, released on October 21, 2016 via Glitterhouse Records.
The album is noted for blending gothic Americana, rock, and industrial textures, combining the band’s trademark spiritual lyricism with rhythmic intensity and layered instrumentation.
Background and Recording
Following Refractory Obdurate (2014), Wovenhand sought to refine their heavier sound while exploring more textured and groove-oriented arrangements.
Recording sessions emphasized:
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Tight, hypnotic rhythms
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Layered guitars and percussion
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Full-band interplay with live energy
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Spiritual and symbolic lyrics
Star Treatment continues the band’s evolution toward a more experimental and sonically expansive style.
Musical Style and Sound
Star Treatment blends:
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Gothic Americana
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Alternative rock
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Post-punk and industrial influences
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Experimental and atmospheric textures
Key characteristics:
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Dark, layered instrumentation
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Driving, hypnotic rhythms
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Intense, expressive vocals by David Eugene Edwards
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Balance of melodic and heavy passages
The album is heavier and more atmospheric than earlier releases, highlighting the band’s full-band cohesion and sonic experimentation.
Star Treatment (2016) Tracklist
The album features 10 tracks:
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Your Russia
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Your Blood
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Fear
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Cradle
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Fractured
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Run Wolf Run
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Surrender
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Let’s Burn
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Heart of Stone
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Star Treatment
The tracklist offers a darkly immersive journey, balancing intense energy with contemplative moments.
Album Credits
Band Members
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David Eugene Edwards – vocals, guitar
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Chuck French – guitar
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Neil Keener – bass
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Ordy Garrison – drums
Production
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Produced by Wovenhand
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Released by Glitterhouse Records
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Recorded in the United States
The production emphasizes hypnotic repetition, rhythmic drive, and textural depth, giving the album a layered yet powerful sound.
Reception and Legacy
Star Treatment received positive critical acclaim, praised for:
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Its immersive soundscapes
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Strong band cohesion and dynamic arrangements
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Edwards’ intense and spiritual vocals
Critics and fans view the album as a continuation of Wovenhand’s darker and heavier sonic evolution, bridging Refractory Obdurate with later releases like Hiss Spun (2018).
Most Popular Songs from the Album
Your Russia
A dark, hypnotic opener with driving rhythms and expressive vocals.
Fractured
A standout track featuring layered guitars and intense atmosphere.
Star Treatment
The title track encapsulates the album’s spiritual and musical themes, serving as a climactic closer.
Fun Facts About Star Treatment
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The album continues Wovenhand’s shift toward rhythmically driven, heavier rock.
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Tracks emphasize groove and repetition, making them highly effective in live performance.
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The album explores themes of faith, identity, and transformation, central to Edwards’ songwriting.
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Star Treatment solidified Wovenhand’s international reputation for experimental gothic Americana.
Trivia
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The album was recorded to capture both studio precision and live band energy.
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Critics note its balance between melodic accessibility and dark intensity.
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The title track reflects Edwards’ symbolic use of celestial and spiritual imagery.
Did You Know?
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Star Treatment helped bridge Wovenhand’s heavier, industrial-influenced albums with the more hypnotic, experimental style of Hiss Spun (2018).
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Songs from the album are often performed with ritualistic intensity during live shows.
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The album represents a refined and fully cohesive band effort, highlighting Edwards’ vision as a songwriter.
