6 NEW BANDS: The Sludgelord's "666 Pack Review" (March 2020)

By: Nikos Mixas

Ah, March....(yes we know it’s April but the editor is slow) Normally I’d be writing something quippy regarding the onset of spring but in times of a worldwide pandemic, I won’t pretend not to notice that things are very different today in music or otherwise.  THE SLUDGELORD will still continue to call out lame bands, but at the same time, it’s still entertainment in the grand scheme of things and we need all we can afford during this epoch in time. BTW, if you’re new to this, each and every month we handpick 6 review submissions and critique them by only using 6 words, then we rate them on a scale from 1 to 666!  Check out our current events themed rating scale below: 

1 – So, why don’t you do us all a favor and self-quarantine your band until you’ve practiced some more.  
2 – Do your instruments a favor and don’t touch them anymore!
3 – Being average in times of hyper self-promotion will not bode well for this band. 

4 – You should live stream your practices, this is good stuff.      

5 – Have you thought about touring once this blows over?  

666 – THE SLUDGELORD commends your hard work, talent and overall persistence to bring joy to our ears in times of gloom.  Congrats again! 

Caveat:  Even though the “666 Pack Review” is meant to offer humorous critique, there are no safe spaces here and your gripes will only make you sound like a bellyacher.  THE SLUDGELORD is a picky listener…and doesn’t care what you think of his opinions….

1). Sundowner “Sundowner” – (Adelaide, Austrailia)    ating: 4

If Sleep and Weedeater made love.

2). Matador “They Were Here Before Us” – (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)   Rating: 4

Russian Circles and Pelican lovers rejoice. 

3). Charmstone “Charmstone” – (Valley Stream, New York, U.S.A.) Rating: 3

Non sludge rock band with balls.

4). Enshrine “Dying Bed w/ Fallen Prey”– (Belfast, Ireland)   Rating: 2

If The Cult tried to metal.

5). Dendrites “Grow” – (Volos, Greece)   Rating: 5

They make a nice souvlaki soundscape.

6). Vault “Dread Within” – (Fortaleza, CE, Brazil) Rating: 2

Genre confusion reigns supreme here.

Band info: Sundowner || Matador || Dendrites || Vault