This is one of those releases that, when it works, it flat out crushes everything in its wake like a runaway brontosaurus. When it doesn't, look for the potential to meander aimlessly. The band is called Blutch, and Materia is their second release, and first for At A Loss Records. Taking their cue from early 70's Black Sabbath, as well as giants of the stoner/doom scene like Saint Vitus, The Melvins, and Khanate, Blutch, when they are on, are perhaps one of the heaviest bands you will ever hear. Listen to their bone crunching torrents of doom riffs on songs like "Beguiling Comer" and the massive "Masamune", so heavy you'll be well ecquipped to tear down walls and level small cities in a single swipe. The guitar work of Djinn Alaimo needs to be heard to be believed-it's not as if this guy is playing any lead guitar, but he unleashes one humongous dirge after another, drenched in distortion and feedback. Just delicious stuff. However, sometimes these lads from Belgium can come across as a little chaotic and spiral out of control, like they do on "Stigma" or the disjoined "Moving Ground". That being said, it's hard to ignore such powerhouse behemoth pieces like "Slaughterhouse", "Cut a Hand", and the mind-blowing closer "Confutatis" (Boris anyone?). This album is so friggin' heavy...yep, it's that heavy. I'm giving this a thumbs up because of it. Vocals are somewhat weak, but who cares! IT'S THAT FRIGGIN' HEAVY!
Track Listing
1. Smile
2. Cut A Hand
3. Beguiling Comer
4. Burst
5. The Black Caped Man
6. Masamune
7. Stigma
8. Slaughterhouse
9. Moving Ground
10. Confutatis
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