Monday 18 February 2013

Clamfight - "I Versus The Glacier" (Album Review)

By: Matt Fitton
 
Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 22/1/2013
Label: The Maple Forum
 

 
I'm of the opinion that most heavy music should be dangerous. That's one of the main reasons we listen to it, right? The new Clamfight album 'I Versus the Glacier' may well be one of the most dangerous sounding records ever. It's like the audio equivalent of a bar fight. This is a well crafted second album with which you can gorge yourself silly on monster riffs, thunderous drumming and truly aggressive vocals. I highly recommend you check out Clamfight if somebody just vexed you. This is music to plan revenge to!
 
 

I Versus The Glacier” track listing


1) The Eagle
2) Sandriders
3) Shadow Line
4) I vs. the Glacier
5) Age of Reptiles
6) River of Ice
7) Mountain
8) The Green Gods of Yag
9) Stealing the Ghost Horse

Clamfight is

Andy Martin | Drums & Vocals
Sean Mckee | Lead Guitar
Joel Harris | Rythyn Guitar
Louis Koble | Bass

The Review

I'm of the opinion that most heavy music should be dangerous. That's one of the main reasons we listen to it, right? The new Clamfight album 'I Versus the Glacier' may well be one of the most dangerous sounding records ever. It's like the audio equivalent of a bar fight.
 
Seriously, bring a knife.
 
Clamfight occupy that common ground between thrashy, punk stylistics and sludge. It's confrontational while retaining elements of groove. You can hear the southern influences here; heavyweights like COC, Eyehategod and other luminaries of the New Orleans scene. Clamfight put just as much of their own bark into the bite though. Blues, classic rock - the harmonising guitar pieces evoke Thin Lizzy in their technical accuracy. I might be making this sound like fighting music but it's no less sonically proficient. These gents have some serious chops.
 
Album opener 'The Eagle' features a fuzzed out build to a classic, slow juggernaut of a riff. The solid backbeat lends weight to the more soulful elements. The vocals of drummer Andy Martin offsets these moments by being insanely aggressive. It's almost like he's arguing with you, determined to show you the error of your ways. And if you're smart, you'll listen.
 
'Sandriders' has more of a classic metal vibe to it while not sacrificing any of that righteous hardcore fury. Built for headbanging in its purest form, the only respite it offers toward the end is that slow tempo change that all sludge fiends adore. The churning, chugging pace will finish off what little you have left of your neck.
 
'Age of Reptiles' is another album standout that again features those filthy, deep-fried guitar licks. But my favourite cut from this effort is 'Mountain'. This slow, colossal piece features everything I love about Sludge: the pace, the soul, the grim intent. It drones solidly onwards with immense rhythms towards its goal and you get the feeling that nothing can stop it from inflicting it's will upon its desired target. Throw in a good ol' boy solo at the end that an evil Skynyrd would be proud of and you have a winner on your hands.
 
My hope is that with some national tours under their belts in their native land and some well deserved coverage from metal press that this group has the ability to be potential future stars of the scene. This is a well crafted second album with which you can gorge yourself silly on monster riffs, thunderous drumming and truly aggressive vocals. I highly recommend you check out Clamfight if somebody just vexed you. This is music to plan revenge to!
 
“I Versus The Glacier” is available here
 
 
 
 
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