Archive for Sludge metal

Desert Gatan -Mental War

Posted in Review with tags , , , , , , on 2nd June 2022 by Mickelrath

Desert Gatan
Mental War
Stoner Metal, Sludge Metal
Released: 5th April 2022
Self Released

On my global travel through the metal world, it seems I have ended up in the great nation of Switzerland and the band Desert Gatan. I’ve had an opportunity to really dive into their new album Mental War. When I saw that five songs were going to be forty minutes long. I thought to myself that I would be in for a treat. I mean long songs aren’t for everyone. However, I always think that as long as the composition and pacing are fine, then the song is overall good. So I was interested in how this would come across in terms of a full album. Also, I have always appreciated the art of stoner rock and the like of this genre. So let’s see what these Swiss metallers bring to the table.

Opening up the album is the mammoth title track “Mental War”. A powerful commanding track that really sets up what you’re in for. The production is great with the sludgy guitars and heavy bass hitting your ears. It’s everything you could want, the heavy tones the growling vocals and all packaged in this atmospheric, mesmerising record. I love the way the guitars sound on this record. The riffs feel so natural and sound great to the ear. It’s one of those records that just kept me engaged throughout. The spacey out there production and the excellent composition and sound mixing make for a well balanced and interesting record. The album is book-ended with two gargantuan eleven-minute long tracks that show off the versatility, talent and creativity. 

I have to say this is definitely one of the more compelling and artistic albums I’ve had the pleasure of listening to recently. Desert Gatan are a genuine delight to listen to. It’s one of those albums that you can just sit in a dark room and listen to the moody, brooding tones and just enjoy the atmosphere that band present. If you’re not one for dark stoner rock then this might not be something to get you into the genre. However, for veteran listeners of stoner and sludge metal. This album will keep you engaged. It rewards you for the listening experience time and time again. 

8/10

Mick Birchall

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White Virgins–No Safe Word

Posted in Review with tags , , , on 21st September 2020 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

White Virgins
No Safe Word
Released 2020
Sludge Metal
Self-Released

Hailing from Germany, White Virgins formed in 2019. No Safe Word is the band’s debut EP.

The EP opens up with Glitter Dick. Though the track’s name may sound like some dodgy porno, the track is anything but dodgy as it hits hard and heavy with an assault of riffs., and thundering bass lines. Leatherwhip comes in with a gritty, almost offensive sound, whilst Double Slut Experiment fails to entice the ears with its trying-hard-to-be-crunchy riffs. Snuff Rider features more prominent percussion work but the riffs feel and sound very mismatched, leaving the track with much to be desired. Pussy Melter is another track that sounds like a dodgy porn title but there is definitely nothing pornographic about the lacklustre riffs or unexpected tempo changes. The EP ends on I Want To Have Sex o Marilyn Manson, which has a total change of a pace from the rest of the release. The sound of this track is much darker than the rest of the EP, with a certain melody running through the guitars.

No Safe Word is a very hit and miss release, with some tracks feeling rushed and written last minute. White Virgins show potential but overall the EP feels very lacking.

5/10

Nico Solheim-Davidson

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New EP from sludge metallers Skeleton Screen

Posted in Misc., News with tags , , on 4th September 2020 by izaforestspirit

Here is something for fans of sludge and doom metal. Introducing the American sludge/ doom metal duo Skeleton Screen. The band was formed last year by guitarist and vocalist Mark Johnston. Their debut EP ‘Conditions’ is out now and available from the Bandcamp page.

For more information visit:

https://skeletonscreen.bandcamp.com/releases

https://www.facebook.com/skelescreen

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Corrosion of Conformity – IX

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , , , , on 23rd June 2014 by hammersmashedlauren

Corrosion of Conformity

IX

Released: June 24th, 2014

Stoner/Sludge Metal

Released via Candlelight Records

 

 

With the release of IX, Corrosion of Conformity have delivered another hard hitting album filled with crushing riffs and distinct vocals that are enough to please any old or new school fan. While this kind of metal isn’t my particular favorite, this album kept me interested and wanting more the whole time I was listening to it. The songs vary from super slow, heavy riffs that almost sound doomy to fast finger taps and harsher vocals with a hint of thrash and punk traces throughout.

My particular favorite songs on this album are the faster songs, specifically, Denmark Vesey and The Nectar, since they were the most memorable and the easiest for me to bang my head to. However, I was quite surprised at how much I liked the slower stuff as well.

The only problem I had with this album was with the first song, Brand New Sleep. It was my least favorite only because I felt like it dragged on too long. With it being the first song, I had doubts about how interesting IX was going to be. I gave it a chance, though, and ended up loving the rest of the album. I feel like it’s one of those albums that will eventually grow on me the more that I listen to it.

Overall, I found this to be a great listen. The production and musicianship were both solid on this album and I hope Corrosion of Conformity continue to put out heavier music.

 

4/5

Lauren Gowdy

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Demonic Death Judge – Skygods

Posted in Review with tags , , , , , on 9th October 2012 by tobiasgray

Band: Demonic Death Judge
Album: Skygods
Release date: 5th October 2012
Genre: Stoner/Doom Metal

 

Down & dirty.  If that’s how you like your doom, you’re in the right place!  Demonic Death Judge’s fifth release is a metal stoner’s dream. Looping progressions of down tuned, dirty riffage, extended swirling freakouts and a varied vocal performance from despairing screams to wizened clean singing.

Both stoner & doom are definitely ‘headspace’ genres – in so much as you won’t be playing this album in the sunshine, getting psyched up for a night out; but when it’s time to come down, kick back and dim the lights, Skygods brings the tunes you need.  Demonic Death Judge have just supported Entombed, and while they are traditionally received by a more death metal based crowd, fans of Entombed could easily get into these eight tracks – especially live, where the wall of noise & powerful grooves are strongest.

If you aren’t feeling sludgy, this album is very much a take it or leave it, but with patience & repeated listens, the subtle beauty & message woven into Skygods is revealed.  Fans of Eyehategod, Raging Speedhorn and the like will feel comfortable enough to accept the chant like clean vocals when they manifest, and the jazzy drum breaks interspersed throughout the album offer enough of a ‘different’ flavour to catch the attention of those not listening to this through a haze of smoke.

Finally, the 70’s psychedelia tinged cover is gorgeous, props to the designer, for raising expectations of the music before a note is even played!

4/5

Tobias Gray

 

 

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Skin The Pig – Article XIX [2011]

Posted in Review with tags , , , , , , , on 23rd December 2011 by underthenorthernstar

Band: Skin The Pig
Album: Article XIX
Release year: 2011
Genre: Progressive Sludge Metal/Metalcore

Skin The Pig are a Manchester-based six-piece who play a mixture of Progressive Metal and Hardcore. Formed in 2000, they have since released their latest effort “Article XIX” in March 2011 and have been hailed by fans and critics alike.

It is apparent from the very outset that the album is incredibly well produced, the sound clarity being excellent and mix being just right. This is particularly apparent in the drumming, which sounds like it’s been recorded onto water a la Metalocalypse, and is clearer than polished mountain air. The guitar work sounds just as excellent whether the task is an ambient, clean passage, a crushing, chugging riff or a swooping solo. The vocals are handled brilliantly. There’s nothing to be asked for in the production department at all.

The songwriting ability of Skin The Pig is, for the most part, excellent. The beautiful ambient passages and grooving, sludgy riffs are a joy to listen to. However, it is a frustration for your humble reviewer whenever they incorporate their “Hardcore” edge into the songs. In some cases, it works, but, for example, the use of a breakdown at the end of “I Rise, You Fall” seems completely unnecessary. I can’t help feeling that the songs would be improved by scaling back on the use of fairly unoriginal Metalcore elements in favour of their more progressive approach. I’m sure the style will appeal to many, and if you like Metalcore more than anything else in the whole world then this album will be great for giving you that bit of musical variation. That said, the use of the Metalcore sound is justified on “Yet Nameless”, as the contrast emphasises the solo work and the groove of the more sludgy parts. The songs on which a more Mastodon-like sound is incorporated are the more enjoyable, from my point of view, as they feel so much more like the band is showing off its real talent. And although I can’t help feeling reminded of Bullet for My Valentine for the first three minutes of “Room 121,” the lyrical content is resolutely great.

However, it must be said that the musicianship is Phenomenal. The band has more talent than a greedy ancient Egyptian tax collector. The soloing is incredible, particularly on tracks like “In Loving Memory” and “Factory Factory,” and the drumming on “No Man’s Land” is eargasmic.  The way that the band play as a whole makes me think that they must be a brilliant band to see live, and that is something I certainly plan on doing.

I think that Article XIX is a solid album by a great band. I hope to hear more of them in the future, and I know that there will be hundreds of fans of this style, and it really is a great example. Definitely check it out if you’ve always dreamt that one day Lamb of God would meet Mastodon, get to know them and eventually have a screaming child together.

3.9/5

Alasdair Dunn of Norderobring

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