ALBUM REVIEW: Clutch, "Sunrise on Slaughter Beach"

By: Richard Maw
 
Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 16/09/2022
Label: Weathermaker Music

“Sunrise on Slaughter Beach” CD//DD//LP
 
1. Red Alert (Boss Metal Zone)
2. Slaughter Beach
3. Mountain Of Bone
4. Nosferatu Madre
5. Mercy Brown
6. We Strive For Excellence
7. Skeletons On Mars
8. Three Golden Horns
9. Jackhammer Our Names
 
The Review:

Clutch are one of those reliable bands- an album every couple of years, all of them at least good, no bad records… they have their own sound and style and operate in a league of one. In a sense, they operate in a similar way to Motorhead or Overkill: you kind of know what you are likely to get. The only question that remains is how good it will be?
 
I’m of the bracket of Clutch fans which thinks that the similarly-produced-trio of “Blast Tyrant”, “Earth Rocker” and “Psychic Warfare” are their best albums. Sure, “Robot Hive/Exodus” was great, “From Beale Street To Oblivion” was cool… but “Strange Cousins From The West”, “Pure Rock Fury” and “Elephant Riders” are merely worthy albums and so on.
 
So, with “Sunrise on Slaughter Beach” Clutch have the perfect opportunity to roar back with a high energy record after the more meandering “Book of Bad Decisions” and please members of their fanbase such as myself who enjoy the quirky themes and lyrics, the preaching vocal style and the bluesy/stoner-ish riff work that runs like a river through their best work.
 
Well, first off, the production is pretty punchy- not maybe Machine punchy- but punchy nonetheless. The record is short- these are focused songs and a playing time that would not fill one side of a TDK90 tape. So far, so good. However, it lacks something to make it stand out. Across the nine tracks, there are good and catchy/hooky songs here- all well formed and played. “Red Alert (Boss Metal Zone)” is a strong opener, elsewhere, “Nosferatu Madre” really stands out with its loping groove and creepy story telling. The band play superbly, as usual.
 
However, other tracks just happen and pass by- “Mercy Brown”, “Mountain of Bone”, “We Strive For Excellence”- all perfectly serviceable, all Clutch but just lacking that killer bite that their best material has. In a sense this is a lot like a latter day Motorhead album- nothing wrong with it, a few great standouts and then the sound of the band you love, comfortably and competently delivered.
 
If the above sounds negative, it isn’t really. This is a decent album- a good album, even. To my ears it just lacks something- spark, inspiration… maybe even a little danger? So much has happened since the “Book of Bad Decisions” record that could have made it into the lyrics here, but instead the lyrics reference nostalgia rather than current events- a missed opportunity? Or a deliberate move so as not to distract from the band’s key manifesto of groove and good times.
 
Overall, this is, by Clutch’s standards a mid-table record. By other band’s standards, this is of course excellent- but other bands are not Clutch. Fans of the band will enjoy it but may not love it. Those new to the band may love this- the frame of reference will not be there, so that is a possibility. Have a listen and hear for yourself.
 
“Sunrise on Slaughter Beach” is available HERE 

Band info: facebook

ALBUM PREMIERE: Disrule deliver riffs with more fat than Danish Bacon on sophomore "Sleep In Your Honour"

The world has many things to thank Denmark for over the years, not least its incomparable sense of style and Copenhagen is home to some of the world’s most sought-after designer brands and classic products. My kids would say the piece de resistance is Lego, however they probably haven't stepped on it with no socks on, if they had I am sure they’d change their tune haha.  Have you done it?  Hurts like fuck doesn’t it

When I was a kid the most famous Dane I was aware of other than Lurpak butter was Jan Molby, then when I got into metal, Lars Ulrich was obviously a name associated with Denmark and is arguably one of the countries most recognisable faces, reviled and loved in equal measure, when you trace the roots of Danish heavy metal he is probably top of the tree.

Hailing from Denmark, you’d be mad(s)(Mikkelson) to overlook the band DISRULE., because they are a diamond (King), a doom/stoner heads wet dream, because these guys can groove and rock out with the best of 'em. Clutch, Down, Fu Manchu and the mighty Black Sabbath all come to mind upon listening to their second record “Sleep In Your Honour” and in keeping with the spirit of legendary bands such as Sabbath, it was recorded live at Dead Rat Studio in just two days. 

Streaming in full today exclusively, ensure you turn this one up loud(drup) with a bier (Susanne) in hand.    “Sleep In Your Honour” is released this Friday via Seeing Red Records and is available HERE

Band info: facebook

TOP 16 ALBUMS: THE SLUDGELORD'S SOUR 16 (August / September 2018)

Allow yourself to indulge in a hefty dose of riffs; because it is time to present 16 of the best albums from August & September, it is time for your SOUR 16. 

You know the drill by now, every couple of months you the reader are unwittingly compiling a list of the top16 records, covering all genres of metal.  Is it not a chart, in which reviewers or contributors extol their opinion about their favourite music.  To put it simply, THE SOUR 16 are the records that have been trending the most at SLUDGELORD HQ.

The results are compiled based on the amount of page views the reviews have received and are then calibrated into the list below.  All reviews can be viewed by clicking the artwork and we have included album streams wherever possible. (Total views since their publication are highlighted brackets)

16). Craft, “White Noise and Black Light” (387)

15). Clutch, “Book of Bad Decisions” (399)

14). Satan, “Cruel Magic” (425)

13). 1968, “Ballads of the Godless” (437)

12). Organ Dealer/Nerve Grind/Invertebrate, “Split” (442)

11). Allfather, “And All Will Be Desolation” (481)

10). Chubby Thunderous Bad Kush Masters, “Come & Chutney” (503)

9). Brant Bjork, “Mankind Woman” (549)

8). Forming The Void, “Rift” (550)

7). Sumac, “Love in Shadow” (662)

6). Thou, “Magus” (791)

5). The Secret, “Lux Tenebris” (1100)

4). Kurokuma, “Dope Rider” (1272)

3). Conan, “Existential Void Guardian” (1910)

2). Famye, “Famyne” (2561)

1). KEN mode, “Loved” (2776)

ALBUM REVIEW: Clutch, "Book of Bad Decisions"

By: Victor Van Ommen

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 07/09/2018

Label: Weathermaker Music

Clutch just keeps releasing one quality album after the next, each one incomparable to the one preceding it. Each album has that classic Clutch sound, yet each album looks forward and takes the listener out for one helluva good time. This new album, Book of Bad Decisions is no different. It’s a rip roaring, rock and roll party. And you’d better get yourself on the guest list.

Book of Bad Decisions CD//DD//LP track listing:

1 Gimme the Keys                          

2 Spirit of '76                     

3 Book of Bad Decisions                               

4 How to Shake Hands                  

5 In Walks Barbarella     

6 Vision Quest                  

7 Weird Times                  

8 Emily Dickinson                             

9 Sonic Counselor                           

10 A Good Fire              

11 Ghoul Wrangler                      

12 H.B. Is in Control     

13 Hot Bottom Feeder                               

14 Paper & Strife          

15 Lorelei

The Review:

There are two types of people in this world; those who love Clutch, and those who don’t know Clutch yet.

If you know Clutch, then you also know that last Friday, September 7th, was marked in everyone’s calendar as a holiday. After all, this was the date that Clutch released their umpteenth album, Book of Bad Decisions. And because this is a Clutch album, you know it’s going to be good.  And for those who don’t know Clutch yet, listen up: check out this new album. It’s just as good of an entry point as any into the band’s vast discography.

Sure, there isn’t a single Clutch album – in my humble opinion – that lacks in quality. Once upon a time these boys from the great state of Maryland got together in a jam room and made some tunes. They spent some time finding their voice and sound. Then they changed the face of stoner rock with the release of Blast Tyrant. It was at this moment, sometime early on in 2004, that these beasts from the east really found their stride. Robot Hive/Exodus and From Beale Street to Oblivion followed, making for a 3 album run the likes of which haven’t been seen since Led Zeppelin made the scene.

Am I talking the band up too much? Maybe. But I’m one who can throw on any Clutch album at any time and dig in. So let’s rap about this new one.

Before the album’s release, Clutch released 4 singles. And man, if these singles don’t rile you up, then what will? Anyway, “Gimme the Keys” led the charge with that famous Clutch march. A great song that walks that fine line between aggressive rock and a downright, dirty party. Singer Neil Fallon spits rhymes and wails away behind the mic in top form. Preaching? Sure is. Preaching the rock!

Then came “How to Shake Hands”, a song that’s as much a rager as it is indebted to John Lee Hooker. Wild lyrics fly around, the beats are pushed forward and the guitars are tastefully crunchy. The subject matter might seem questionable, but when you hear Fallon’s plans to put Jimi Hendrix on the 20 dollar bill, there’s nothing else left to do than to throw your fists in the air, jump around in the mosh pit, and sing along.

My favorite single came next, the tasty “Hot Bottom Feeder.” Here, Clutch shows that they can literally read out a recipe and by doing so, knock yet another song out of the park. Not long after, came the single “In Walks Barbarella;” a rompin’, stompin’ barn burner of a song, complete with horn section, comic book references and a hook so big that you could take this song fishing and catch a whale.

But then I wondered, has Clutch blown their load on these singles? What’s left of their story to tell?

Well, the album’s 15 songs long and there’s not one moment in which the energy drops. “Spirit of ‘76” is a short, sweet ditty with a sticky chorus. The title track follows, stomping along in true blues style as Fallon paints a pretty vivid picture. And that bass line, man, listen to that!

“Vision Quest” and “Weird Times” are in the 6 and 7 spot of the track list, and break things up nicely. “Vision Quest” rides a sweet roll on the piano, an element that really rounds out the song. “Weird Times” has a cool call and response chorus, and I gotta say, if Fallon can pull this chorus off with as much gusto in a live setting as he does he on record, then things are going to go nuts.

More hits follow in the second half of the album. The slower “Emily Dickinson” is about just that, and it’s no surprise that “Lorelei” tells a mythological tale. “Ghoul Wrangler” makes its mark with the “woo!” that starts the chorus, and “Sonic Counselor” really puts Clutch in that gospel church setting. “A Good Fire” is going to be off the hook when taken to the stage, as will the groovy “H.B. Is in Control.” So yeah, hits, hits and more hits.

Yeah, I’m a fan of Clutch. Seen ‘em take to the stage over 30 times. Sometimes, I spend more time sitting in a car getting to and from a Clutch gig than the gig itself lasts. And there’s not been one single time that I’ve regretted doing so. This review is written as a fan of the band. A fan who hasn’t stopped listening to the album since its release last Friday. Who knows, maybe you want to take this review with a grain of salt.

But hear this…

Clutch just keeps releasing one quality album after the next, each one incomparable to the one preceding it. Each album has that classic Clutch sound, yet each album looks forward and takes the listener out for one helluva good time. This new album, Book of Bad Decisions is no different. It’s a rip roaring, rock and roll party. And you’d better get yourself on the guest list.

Book of Bad Decisions is available now

Band info: facebook || official

ALBUM REVIEW: Grizzlor - "Destructoid"

By: Charlie Butler

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 15/08/2017

Label: Hex Records

“Destructoid” is a record that fully lives up to its title. Grizzlor have served up a sumptuous platter of riffs that effortlessly lays waste to the opposition.

“Destructoid” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1). Fruitloopville

2). House in the Woods

3). Tooth Pain

4). Miserable Jerk

5). Stupid Shit

6). Too Many People

7). Fighting Aliens With No Gravity

8). Wade’s Notes

9). Feeling Like Shit

10). Simulation

11). Quit And Die

The Review:

New Haven’s Grizzlor continue to carve out their own bizarre niche in the world of noise rock with debut LP “Destructoid”. The band achieve a perfect balance of lurid absurdity and nasty heaviness like opening up a kids comic book to discover it has been used to harbour dark top-shelf material.

The album lurches into life with the gargantuan “Fruitloopville”. Imagine a 50 foot Clutch after having their drink spiked by the Melvins and you have an idea of the monstrous, city-levelling riff Grizzlor unleash here. This sets the scene for the next thirty minutes of mayhem. While on previous releases the band have ripped through seven songs in ten minutes, here they have managed to lengthen their attention span in order to wring maximum impact from their bottomless arsenal of weapons-grade riffs. “Tooth Pain” and “Simulation” prove they can rock hardcore punk tempos without losing their edge but it is the relentless attack of closer “Quit Ad Die” that captures the band at their peak.

The fact that Grizzlor can achieve this and maintain their unhinged acid-fried intensity is no mean feat. Key to this are the vocals and lyrics of guitarist Victor. His barked maniacal delivery is the perfect vehicle for his darkly comic rants on tooth pain, crippling paranoia and feeling like shit. The air of weirdness is enhanced by outbursts reverb-drenched lead guitar that lend the likes of “Feeling Like Shit” a warped surf edge.

“Destructoid” is a record that fully lives up to its title. Grizzlor have served up a sumptuous platter of riffs that effortlessly lays waste to the opposition.

“Destructoid” is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Timeworn - "Venomous High"

By: Charlie Butler

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 02/06/2017

Label: Fysisk Format

Some of the most engaging moments on “Venomous High” come when Timeworn move slightly away from their core sound.  “All Chiefs” finds the band at their most unhinged as they unleash an arsenal of spidery math-metal riffs with breakneck rock’n’roll abandon. Anyone missing Swiss behemoths Kruger will find a lot to enjoy in this killer track. “Venomous High” is a fine offering from Timeworn that takes an array of well-worn modern metal influences and blows them up on a grand scale.

“Venomous High” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1). Measure of Gold

2). All Chiefs

3). The Trail

4). Black Peak Blues

5). The Infectious Gloom

6). Ur Syntax

7). Night of Owls

8). Traitors to the Crown

9). Venomous High

The Review:

Timeworn’s new LP “Venomous High” is a slab of burly Mastodon-style complex sludge injected with a shot of post-rock grandeur. The albums production is perfectly pitched to capture the Oslo quintet’s strengths – smooth and polished enough to distil their rich melodic side but nasty enough to harness their weighty crunch. Opener “Measure of Gold” display all of these elements over seven epic minutes and provides a strong foundation for the bands sonic explorations over the rest of the album. “The Trail” provides a welcome moment of calm in the form of a brief piano-led instrumental that acts as an extended introduction to the hulking “Black Peak Blues”. The slowest and heaviest track on the record, it is both crushing and darkly melancholic

Some of the most engaging moments on “Venomous High” come when Timeworn move slightly away from their core sound.  “All Chiefs” finds the band at their most unhinged as they unleash an arsenal of spidery math-metal riffs with breakneck rock’n’roll abandon. Anyone missing Swiss behemoths Kruger will find a lot to enjoy in this killer track. The band bring some no nonsense stoner rock attitude to “The Infectious Gloom”, particularly in the infectious refrain that carries a little bit of Clutch’s swagger.

“Venomous High” is a fine offering from Timeworn that takes an array of well-worn modern metal influences and blows them up on a grand scale. It is a record that could have a wide appeal while remaining true to its underground roots.

“Venomous High” is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Gurt - "Skullossus"

By: Andre Almaraz

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 01/05/2017

Label: When Planets Collide

 

This is some quality music that draws from many influences and I feel any metal fan should be able to enjoy it…. possibly even as the soundtrack to their next doom party.

“Skullossus” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Welcome to the Shit Show
2. Gimme the Night, any Day
3. Battlepants
4. Double Barreled Shot-pun
5. The Crotch Wobbler
6. Existance is Pain
7. Broken Heart Heroin Man
8. Meowing at the Fridge
9. John Gar See Ya Later
10. The Balled of Tom Stones and Reg Montagne (Part 1)
11. The Balled of Tom Stones and Reg Montagne (Part 2)

The Review:

Gurt is a four piece metal band from London, UK. Their new full length album is called “Skullossus” and it is set to be released on May 1st, 2017. Gurt is a self proclaimed “party doom” band but based on this album alone (it is all I know of the band), I would have to somewhat disagree with that categorization. While it is true that everyone loves a good party and that this album gives off an air of playfulness and sleaze with its song titles, sound, and lyrics, to my ears, there seems to be only slight traces of doom to be found within this volume of their music. Instead, the sounds I hear on it are more like a mix of Black Breath, Pungent Stench, and Clutch; bands that are not very doomy but bands that most metal heads hold in high regard nonetheless. Subgenre classifications be damned - let’s get down to business…. 

The album opens with a short intro track called “Welcome to the Shit Show,” which consists of a cryptic spoken word message that warns of the end of the human race as we know it over what seems to be some type of warping carnival organ notes setting the stage for what is to follow. Shortly thereafter, the recording kicks off the embarkment with a boot stomper called “Gimme the Night, any Day.” This tune initiates their heavy buzzsaw sound and begins with a sludgy pounding groove before a middle section breakdown gives way to a storm of phasers that eventually leads us to a flurry of tortured screams and grim chords which sound like they could have been pulled right from a classic Swedish death metal album. This is a great, no nonsense opener to get the album rolling off to a good start. 

Third track, “Battlepants,” is a rock solid death march loaded with nothing but slam, stomp, and pound, that will pulverize your speakers in a militarized procession for the entire duration of the song. Some eerie and haunting background vocals in the post-chorus part are a very nice touch and give the song that little extra something to show us that Gurt is not just another one-dimensional, ugly face. Fourth song, “Double Barreled Shot-pun,” is another stone-faced groover of classic rock and roll revolutionary riffs. This one, however, has a bit more of a bouncy 80s crossover feel. Being a child of the 80s myself, the song quickly got my blood pumping and my feet tapping with its permeating rhythm. The fifth track, “The Crotch Wobbler,” has a sexy and seductive saunter to it. It is chock full of big stoner rock riffs and I can definitely hear this one being played at numerous strip clubs in the Southern and Midwestern United States as some freckled farmer’s daughter butters your corn cob amidst a back drop of soiled Confederate flags.

Sixth track, “Existence is Pain,” is a playful little instrumental number, almost Primus-like in its funk and silliness. It also comes complete with a cameo appearance by none other than MTV stars, Beavis and Butt-Head to end the song. The track may seem a bit out of place, stuck in the middle of all these heavy ragers but fuck it - this is art and the artist is free to express themselves any way they choose. I salute the band for flying their freak flag high and letting everyone know that they don’t take themselves too seriously. Honestly, to me it’s a breath of fresh air in today’s modern metal climate, especially for a band this heavy. Rolling right along to the seventh track; “Broken Heart Heroin Man,” is a raging, straightforward punk blast that will blow your hat off as it stays in high gear energy for the entire eighty-three seconds of its duration. “Meowing at the Fridge” is a thick and chunky, slow to mid-tempo chugger. The vocalist really gets guttural on this one as he croaks, bellows, and screams his way through almost the entire four minutes of the song.  “John Gar See Ya Later” is another straightforward riff rocker with an extremely catchy chorus which I found myself inadvertently humming after the first listen. Its dominating chorus coupled with a funky and psychedelic middle section featuring some tasteful soloing by both guitar and saxophone making this one a unique and interesting stand out track of the album for me. Tenth track, “The Balled of Tom Stones and Reg Montagne (Pt. 1),” is where we finally get the doom side out of Gurt; death-doom to be more exact. The song is suffocatingly heavy with moroseness, and serves as another nod to classic Swedish death metal.

The closing track, “The Balled of Tom Stones and Reg Montagne (Pt. 2),” consists of little more than some faint gypsy music set to a background of howling winds and is an interesting way to bring the album to a close. It is the final brick in the shit house and brings to light yet another side of the band’s many faces. Although the heart and soul of “Skullossus” proves to be straightforward, lighthearted, tongue-in-cheek, rocking songs, the band also has many other distinctive sounds and quite a bit of depth when they feel like showing it off to us. Many fragmented bits and pieces of death metal, doom, punk, sludge, thrash, stoner, and funk also make their way into the album’s well rounded repertoire. I really enjoyed “Skullossus” and although many others may already be familiar with Gurt as they’ve apparently been touring and releasing material for the past seven years, I was not previously familiar with the band and I’m glad I was given the chance to review their newest offering and become enlightened. This is some quality music that draws from many influences and I feel any metal fan should be able to enjoy it…. possibly even as the soundtrack to their next doom party.

“Skullossus” is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

ALBUM PREMIERE: Calgary, Alberta’s Woodhawk deliver their riffmatronic new album "Beyond the Sun"

Fans of Black Sabbath, The Sword, Clutch, Truckfighters, Priestess, Mastodon,
Red Fang, Thin Lizzy take note, from the foot of the majestic Rocky Mountains comes Calgary, Alberta’s Woodhawk. Masters of straight ahead riff-rock wizardry, the power trio released an EP in 2014 and have continued forging ahead. Made of equal parts 1970s Birmingham and a myriad of 21st century heavy metal royalty, Calgary trio Woodhawk are purveyors of riff-centric rock and roll. Capable and original, the band is able to craft anthemic fist-pumping songs while forgoing tired stoner rock clichés. With time travel tested themes of science fiction, swords and sorcery, the band’s lyrics are born from snowy winters, hot practice spaces and pages of dog-eared paperbacks. While the musicianship reinforces recollections of Black Sabbath, modern influences that have helped you smash air drums or highway speed limits are undeniably present.

In their brief existence, Guitarist Turner Midzain, bassist Mike Badmington and drummer Kevin Nelson have taken the stage at The Commodore Ballroom, as well as landed slots supporting Elder and The Shrine. Expect their upcoming album ‘Beyond the Sun’, recorded with Jesse Gander at Rain City Recordings to official drop on Friday 7^th April, however you can stream this riffgasmic riffmatron only here at your no1 riff station, The Sludgelord.  Check it out below, drool bibs are advised.  You can preorder/buy the album here

Band info: official || Facebook || Bandcamp

Live Rituals

Apr 7 - Edmonton, AB - Sewing Machine Factory (CD Release Show)
April 8 - Calgary, AB - The Palomino (CD Release show)

Vagabonds of The Western Gig Tour:

May 4 - Vancouver, BC - The Cobalt
May 5 - Nanaimo, BC - The Queens
May 6 - Victoria, BC - Logan's Pub
May 7 - Kelowna, BC - Doc Willoughby's
May 8 - Edmonton, AB - Rendezvous Pub
May 9 - Saskatoon, SK - Vangelis Tavern
May 10 - Winnipeg, MB - The Handsome Daughter
May 11 - Regina, SK - The German Club
May 12 - Calgary, AB - Palomino
May 13 - Fernie, BC - Northern Bar