Monday 29 June 2020

ILS - Curse (Album Review)


Release date: July 4th 2020. Label: Self Released (USA) and POGO Records (Europe). Format: DD/Vinyl

Curse – Tracklisting

1.Bad Parts
2.Curse
3.Don't Hurt Me
4.No Luck
5.Noose
6.Whitemeat
7.Northstar
8.Casket Race
9.It's Not Lard, But It's A Cyst
10.For The Shame I Bring

Members

v. Tom Glose
g. Nate Abner
d. Tim Steiner
b. Adam Pike

Review

Sludge/Punk/Stoner Metallers ILS debut album Curse is the album that the world needs right now. With the band playing a fast-paced blend of Hardcore Punk, Noise Rock, Sludge Metal and Stoner Metal, things are aggressive, lean, mean and moody throughout the albums short 26 minute run time. Though this is a thrilling style of music with BRAINS and BRAWN to match.

ILS is a band made up of members from acts such as: Black Elk, The Days The Night, Red Fang and White Orange. So these guys are a hugely talented bunch with a lot to say.

I’ve seen the band been compared to EYEHATEGOD, Unsane, Kyuss and even Red Fang. Truth be told, the album sounds like those great bands but they also sound so FUCKING DIFFERENT as well. The socially aware lyrics offer a more “true-to-life” feel to the album and the music feels like you’re being punched into submission from a band truly pissed off at the world.

The funny thing is there is album is quite catchy in places with some great classic Sludge/Stoner Metal riffs to lighten up the mood. Lead vocalist Tom is primarily influenced the Hardcore Punk/Sludge Metal scene here with his vocals taking different elements from both worlds and offering a complex style of vocals. Nate, Tim and Adam lay down superb grooves for Tom to match his pissed-off vocals against.

Curse may put some folks off with it’s bleak and uncompromising style of different sounds. The album does take a few listens to fully understand the many different levels of music that ILS employ on Curse. The atmosphere can be quite progressive in places especially when the band play the faster style of music on the 2nd half of the album.

Most of the songs only last for 2 to 3 minutes each but ILS cover a lot of ground with each song that you’ll be surprised at how each song plays out.

The standout songs on the album are: Bad Parts, Curse, No Luck, Noose, Casket Race and It’s Not Lard But It’s A Cyst. With these songs having the catchiest riffs and heaviest sounds on the entire album. It’s a shame the album is quite short but ILS have still managed to release an album full of great songs and leave you wanting more.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Curse will be available to buy on DD from Friday 4th July. Vinyl for USA Customers is directly available from the band and POGO Records for European Customers.

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