Monday 7 October 2013

Degradations - S/T - Album Review



Degradations is a Sludge/Doom/Stoner Metal Band from Atlanta, USA

The members are:

Dylan Kilgore - Vocals (Withered, waited)
Micah Vaughn - Guitars (Grave of Man)
Brad Paul - Guitars (Grave of Man)
Terry Walker - Drums (Iron Whip)
Allen Keller - Bass (Iron Whip)

Degradations are a band who I have been keeping a close eye on for the last 6 months or so. As their Southern Sludge based Stoner Metal is very different from bands coming from the legendary Atlanta scene.

Degradations feel they belong to the NOLA scene instead of being from Atlanta. Their stunning debut S/T album is a collection of 7 hard-rocking tracks that runs for about 30 mins or so. These guys don’t mess around. The band is loud, brutal and heavy from the word go. Influenced by bands such as Down, Pantera, EyeHateGod, and Corrosion Of Conformity but with added Stoner Metal riffs to stand out from the crowd.

First track – Through Hauntings We Burn – is a 5:05 minute affair that starts with a blazing riff before exploding into loud volumes of noise with vocalist Dylan on fine inspired form through out. Degradations are in a relentless mood from start to finish. This song is perfect head-banging/mosh-pit material. Embrace the powerful riffs that Degradations will soon be destroying your soul with…

Second track – I Hate This Place – sees the band in an even angrier mood as they add a more brutal style of hardcore vibes for great measure. It may be one of the albums shortest tracks at 2 mins in length but it’s still packed full of great riffs to shatter your entire world. Play this track as loud as you can.

Third Track – The Sleep – is a volatile mix of Stoner and Sludge Metal riffs where the results are highly dangerous. Degradations don’t mess about here. The NOLA riffs will put you through your paces, as it can be breathtaking to listen to at times. Just sit back and enjoy the ride. Degradations will be taking you on brilliant and thrilling ride you won’t forget in a hurry.

The band continues their all out assault of blazing riffs through excellent tracks – Underwater and Sea Of Void. Sea Of Void is probably the albums standout track. Full of riffs that any NOLA band would be proud to call their own. In addition, you have vocalist on fine form as well. He makes you care and think about the lyrics he is shouting at his enthusiastic audience.

I think you get the idea where I am going with this album. It’s a superb album from start to finish. If you’re looking for a heavy and brutal combination of hard-hitting NOLA/Southern Sludge Metal riffs then Degradations is the band and album for you. It will knock you out from the very first listen.

All I can say to you all is this: Hunt this down when it’s released on October 22nd 2013 as it's an essential purchase.

Excellent and Highly Recommended

Thanks to the band for sending me a copy to review. Much Appreciated.

Check The Band From Links Below

Facebook
BandCamp