Release Date: May 23rd 2025. Record Label: Thoughtcrime Records. Formats: Cassette/CD/DD
Grigori - Tracklisting
1.[INTERVAL> Grigori] 02:13
2.Catalyst Tongues 08:43
3.The Tide 07:34
4.Hunger and Haunt 05:05
5.[INTERVAL> Abrezta] 01:46
6.Dead Sea Teeth 08:05
7.The Silence That Follows 07:54
8.The Flood 09:16
9.[INTERVAL> Carenta] 02:46
Members
Brodie Belt - Guitars, Pedalboard, Aux Percussion
Joel Denton - Drums, Percussion
Dean Edington - Bass, Vocals, Junk Rig, Electric Cello
Review
Grigori is the debut full length album from Progressive Sludge/Doom/Post-Metal collective Drifter which takes the best elements of the underground scene where the band superbly craft in their own image which oozes style, melody, dynamics and supreme heaviness throughout. The record starts off slowly with moments of intricate Post-Rock, Noise, Psych and Ambient sounds that undergo a slightly Post-Metal transformation within the opening tracks of [INTERVAL> Grigori] and Catalyst Tongues.
Drifter takes similar themes and messages from bands such as Mastodon, ISIS, Neurosis, Shrinebuilder, Pelican and Russian Circles whilst still being completely different at the same time. It’s hard to explain until you hear the full album with Drifter performing uplifting and soulful Post-Metal melodies in places but they offset this balance with disturbing and sometimes nihilistic lyrics which comes through Dean Edington’s commanding vocals.
The added use of Post-Rock / Post-Metal interludes that slow the mood and melody right down sees haunting soundclips being added which adds another apocalyptic theme to the mix. Drifter directly taps into the bleak subconsciousness of Progressive Sludge Metal that NEUROSIS created the entire Post-Metal scene with back in the 1990’s with albums such as Through Silver In Blood.
Drifter add levels of twisted psychedelics which cause a sense of gloomy paranoia which becomes quite aggressive when a distorted level of Post-Doom optics appear. The sudden arrival of tribal sound effects within the outstanding third track The Tide pushes Grigori into a forgotten cinematic style of Post-Metal which reminded me of TOOL and ISIS with its slow-paced and foreboding melodies.
The lyrics once again are quite subversive especially with its “NO HOLDS BARRED” approach with the music forming a destructive Atmospherics Sludge landscape for DRIFTER to unleash HELL ON EARTH with. The music is once again aggressive but with a certain level of Psychedelic melodies giving the record a sense of divine purpose once everything is said and done.
The aquatic themes and destructive way of the whole planet's ecosystem sounds become more apparent as the record moves through sublime tracks such as Hunger And Haunt, Dead Sea Truth, The Silence That Follows and The Flood. Drifter showcase a wide array of haunting complex Post-Rock / Post–Metal rhythms which fully transforms into a heavier, thicker and brutal style of Atmospheric Sludge where the “thuggish” grooves allows Grigori to be quite technically brilliant and forward thinking at the same time.
Drifter have a formidable reputation within their hometown of Lawrence, Kansas where they have performed with Godflesh, Pallbearer, Glassing, John Garcia of Kyuss. Grigori could easily see the band gain wider and prominent recognition within the Heavy Metal scene as this album is an absolute MONSTER that reaches an epic and action packed conclusion with the final moments leaving the listener fully satisfied on all levels possible.
Grigori is a record you need to fully experience right now as this could be a game-changer for the band and has the makings of a future classic in the making.
Words by Steve Howe
Links
Official | Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram
