The Pitch: Proggy Swiss sludge band Herod drop a new apocalyptic concept album (ft. appearance from Carcass' Bill Steer) via Pelagic Records. FFO: The Ocean, Wovoka, Gojira
What I Like: If Gojira had swung in a heavier direction and become a sludge band, they would probably sound a lot like Herod. These two bands have actually shared a stage, and there's a reason why they compliment eachother so nicely. Not only are there similar progressive influences on the overall song structuring, Herod even pull out some of those trademark squelchy guitar slides here and there on bangers like "Reckoning." This perfect union of proggy riffing with groovy, sledgehammer sludge makes for a very potent combination that is as intense as it is engaging. Furthermore, former The Ocean vocalist Mike Pilat screams his f#$king face off on this thing. This is apparently Mike's first album with the band, and I can't say I would have it any other way. A number of eerily quiet post-metal interludes keep the pacing just right and really allow sudden sucker punches like the djenty closing riff on "Don't Speak Last" enact maximum damage. Gotta love that tribal drumming on "Silent Truth" as well.
Critiques: For what they set out to do, I think Sobre Dessein nails it perfectly. The only thing that might push this album higher than a 9 is toying with a few more original ideas.
The Verdict: The album carries the crushing weight of a thousand suns. I absolutely love the balance of straightforward, hard-hitting distortion with the proggier elements. Herod are a band ready to make a name for themselves, and this album deserves your attention.
Flight's Fav's: Reckoning, Silent Truth, Fork Tongue
- Review by FlightOfIcarus
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