Slabdragger - Rise of the Dawncrusher
By simply staring at the wonderfully colourful psychedelic apocalyptical-onslaught that fronts the second Slabdragger LP, Rise of the Dawncrusher, you almost start telepathically channelling monstrous guitar riffs without even having heard a single note. Perhaps this album musically does resemble an intergalactic war machine pummelling a feeble planet to smithereens with an Extra-Terrestrial Robotic Underground Munition, but what is definitely clear is that such a terrifyingly calamitous theme for a Metal record can only be inspired by a band hailing from the dark pitiful depths of a place called Croydon. It’s ambitious in length and scope, with four out of five tracks surpassing the eleven minute mark, creating a conceptually-driven narrative battling with chaotic relentless Armageddon and catatonic destruction.
This record throws all the classic doom riffs straight into the mix, with elaborate musical changes decorated with brimming guitar noise and quirky sci-fi sound bites. The thoroughly impressive vocal performance from bassist Yusuf Tary should be applauded for its flexibility and ferocity, his range evolving from clean melodic harmonies to an angry death growl and a hardcore punk snarl all within a single song, such as on the opener Mercenary Blues. A promising opener which includes a brilliant transformation around the six minute mark into a minimal robotic groove which creates a psychedelic progressive tone concluding with an all-out riff frenzy. All bloody eleven minutes of it.
Evacuate! ‘They want us for our blood!’ You can just about make out the frantic screams of this sludge-punk number which clocks in at only four and a half minutes. The vocals in this track along with others are buried so far under the crushing wall of sound it sounds like you’re listening to your neighbours having a massive row down the road. Desperate pleas to ‘EVACUATE!’ towards the end accompanied with a speedy menacing musical attack sounds like the band are prophesising a future dystopian vision of Planet Earth, where Donald Trump becomes the next President of the United States, immediately declares war with the other 6.9 billion people on the planet, and elects Phil Anselmo as his National Security Advisor. Alright, well maybe not that morbid, but not far off.
Ultimately it’s a generally consistent performance from the trio with a determined and focused outcome. However, sometimes you can’t help but think you’ve heard all this riffs before if you’re fans of bands like Sleep, High on Fire, Electric Wizard; or the Stoner Metal genre in general. Having said that, all can be forgiven on the track Dawncrusher Rising, which showcases some dazzling guitar work from Sam Thredder and he produces some brilliant riffs and rhythmical sections in this fifteen minute monster of a track. Shrine Of Debaucery is executed in a similar vein, producing mammoth guitar bellows and soaring vocals in a riff-worship style jam.
For a three piece metal band, Slabdragger have excelled themselves on producing a grandiose Sludge/Doom concept record. This will generate new fans for the band and satisfying die-hard fans simultaneously. Despite the fact that it borders on the monotonous at certain times, and you don’t necessarily keep discovering new hidden nuances on repeated listens. A valiant effort though, with multiple reasons presented to capture your attention. Having seen them supporting High on Fire last year, Slabdragger will surely be able to bring this record to the stage with maximum intensity and power.