Release Date: December 06th 2024. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD
Unrepentant Grin - Track Listing:
Depraved
My Eyes Learn
Truth Served
Final Proposal
Members
Vocals/Guitar - Will Rayner
Drums - Tino Di-Donato
Bass - Will Bond
Review
Sludge/Doom Metallers Iron Slug return with their new EP Unrepentant Grin which follows their previous excellent EP Debauched And Bored. The band play a mean sounding version of Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal that’s helped along by a bleak sense of nihilistic Grunge and NOLA melodies that appear throughout the record. Inspired by bands such as CONAN, DOWN, ALICE IN CHAINS, Saint Vitus and Goatsnake with a familiar down-tuned and seedy philosophy which is shown through every aspect of Iron Slug’s creative vision.
The EP is an essential part of the modern day Doom/Sludge Metal scene with seedy psychedelic guitars with that NOLA vibe appearing within the guitars which sees Iron Slug performing an element of Post-Doom surroundings along the way. There’s moments of HARSH vocals and sonic landscapes which adds a lot of guitar reverb and amplifier feedback which impresses very early on within the superb opening tracks of Depraved and My Eyes Learn.
Unrepentant Grin does have an OCCULT METAL appetite with moments of classic DOOM soundbytes that could have easily gone way over the top or too theatrical but Iron Slug avoid this pitfall by playing a non-stop style of classic sounding Sludgy Metal guitars with extra layers of menacing FUZZ that feels like you’re being punched right in the gut.
The final two tracks Truth Served and Final Proposal continues with the seedy exploration of fast-paced sludgy and weedian based instrumental passages that have a more demonic presence to them which once again puts Iron Slug outside the normal Doom/Sludge Metal structure and allowing them to create their own highly original style of music.
Unrepentant Grin is the type of EP the UK Doom/Sludge Scene will ultimately go FUCKING CRAZY for. As it’s packed full of “orrible” and “incredible” grooves from a band who have the talent and creative resources to make a huge name for themselves in the future.
Watch out for IRON SLUG as this EP proves these guys are really going places.
Words by Steve Howe
Thanks to Iron Slug for the promo.
Unrepentant Grin will be available to buy on Digital Download from Friday 06th December 2024.
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