 |
| Original artwork TBA |
Album Type : Full Length
Date Released
: 7/2014
Label : Church of
Fuck/Sell Your Soul
Dormiveglia,
tracklisting :
1. Into The
Abysmal Future [07:23]
2. Become
Joyless [06:31]
3. Tilikum
[01:04]
4. Thickening
Fog [06:12]
5. Barren Grey
[06:47]
6. Devoid
[01:41]
7. State Of
Constant Slumber [07:15]
8. Morgued
[07:51]
The
Band :
Richard
Matheson | Guitar
Jack Kavanagh
| Guitar
Michael
Parkinson | Bass
Chris Leak | Drums
Chris Parkinson
| Vocals
Review
:
Trudger
is a young band that is on a path to greatness, but they aren’t there yet. Very
clearly inspired by sludge and “sludge-like” bands at the highest level, they
still seem ready to carve out a more admirable niche for themselves, rather
than being a high quality sound-a-like of their influences. Their album
announcement mentions bands like Neurosis, Mastodon, Old Man Gloom and more,
and I certainly hear all of those bands woven throughout the album. But, as I
said, I think the real promise in Trudger is when they leave those influences
behind and navigate their own course. At various points of ‘Dormiveglia’ you could
specifically point out “here’s a Mastodon part” or “here’s a Neurosis part”.
While those moments are certainly performed well, the similarities often invite
comparisons that are insanely tough to live up to.
Let
me be more specific: The opening of “Become Joyless”, the second track on
‘Dormiveglia’, is reminiscent of the opening of Mastodon’s
"Megalodon", only once the initial build-up concludes; it simply
kicks into a heavier variation of the build-up at its climax. The
ultra-barbaric, everything-all-at-once drumming choice, not unlike what you’d
hear on Goatsblood’s ‘Drull’ album, doesn’t quite compliment the guitars as
nicely, and feels a bit too flat for the atmosphere the guitars are creating
otherwise. It also continues in the same basic rhythm with only slight
variation for the first third of a six and a half minute song. Things do pick
up once they finally relinquish their death grip on that idea. The riff is more
lively, with wonderfully placed palm muting and the drums explore more creative
arrangements. Sadly, that time is brief, and they return to their earlier
theme.
That’s
one of a few places throughout the album where Trudger shows that they’re a hot
prospect rather than a starting player. With a bit of self-editing, everything
changes for the better! Now, you might be saying “I thought you said these guys
are destined for greatness, but you just shat in their mouths for two straight
paragraphs!” Fair enough. Let’s look at why they have such a great future ahead
of them.
As
players, they’re top-notch. With a few quirks that don’t gel well with my
personal taste aside, they have great instinct as song writers. They vary
things dynamically without relying on an obvious soft verse to loud chorus and
repeat formula. They layer their guitar parts excellently and know how to
create a riveting build up to a big moment, which is essential for a band
pursuing the style they’re choosing. I’m also a big fan Chris Parkinson’s vocal
style, as it adds a slight death metal influence to the vocal style of Tragedy
and Fall of Efrafa.
Another
big reason I can see Trudger being a big deal down the road is the album’s
standout track: “Morgued”. The gargantuan second half of this song is the kind
of stuff that’s going to put them over the top. The unconscionable heaviness of
the song's crescendo would cripple Atlas and Hercules both, as its weight
defies mythological strength. It’s fucking heavy. In fact, it’s bafflingly
massive when compared to the rest of the album.
Getting
away from a moment I could go on about for ages; there are bright spots like
“Morgued” all over ‘Dormiveglia’, in smaller doses. Their skill with a dramatic
build is tremendous, as on the opening minute of “Thickening Fog”. The key for
Trudger is going to be to learn to raise our collective blood pressure like the
opening of “Thickening Fog”, and then have it end in a massive fucking coronary
episode, like the end of “Morgued”. It’s all there; it’s just a matter of
recognizing where their bread is buttered
Words by : Daniel Jackson
This
record will be available from July
For
more information :
