Ape Vermin - Andormedas Colossus (Album Review)

Release Date: May 17th 2024. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Andromedas Colossus: Tracklisting

1. Obliteration Imminent - 5:12

2. Colony - 7:00

3. Solaruss - 5:30

4. Pulse Driver - 3:47

5. Mining The Colossus - 8:06

6. Signal Transmissions - 2:45

7. Motherlode - 8:32

8. Awakened - 3:17

9. Unearthing the Artifact - 7:43

10. Return to Andromeda - 7:57

Band Members

Guitarist/Vocalist - Brett Lee

Drummer - Seth Lynn

Bassist - Jared Edge

Review

Adromodes Colossus sees Ape Vermin return in a big way from their acclaimed 2021 EP release Arctic Noise and six years since their debut album. This time round Ape Vermin aim solely for the Progressive Sludge Metal sound with major Cosmic Overflows with the band blending harsh vocals and fantastical storytelling which perhaps uses Mastodon and High On Fire are creative influences here and there. With an expanding backline of sublime drumming and ferocious drumming from Seth Lynn on Drums and Jared Edge on Bass.

The opening two tracks of Obliteration Imminent and Colony has that Mastodon (Crack The Skye) heaviness with the distorted and Doom heaviness of CONAN and BEASTWARS but still being purely original with Ape Vermin’s primal and psychedelic grooves having a more muscular tone. Both tracks show different sides to Ape Vermin with a mixture of harsh and clean vocals working in perfect unison with the sludgy instrumental parts that can be quite Progressive with a deft raw-sounding Stoner Metal sound that has echoes of CROWBAR running AMOK within the excellent second track Colony. 

Ape Vermin do employ a more thrash laden supply of never ending aggressive melodies and non-stop Psychedelic beats which does offer something different compared to their previous releases and allows the band to employ that classic style of Progressive Sludge Metal that seen most bands of their day align themselves to Relapse Records back in the day. 

I mean that as a huge compliment as Ape Vermin at least weave Psychedelic and Cosmic patterns into their music which can be a more hard-hitting style of Cosmic Doom that make the next three tracks of Solaruss, Pulse Drive and Mining Colossus being some of the most mind expanding, heaviest and catchiest parts of the album. There’s still a sense of bleak nihilism and darkness hidden within the bands lyrics and overall storytelling aspect of the album which becomes quite outlandish and Thrash Metal based on this part of the album.

Screeching guitars have a slow down and stripped back sound that reminds me of Motorhead but without the Speed Metal aspect but the whole tone is there. Ape Vermin decided to switch things around within the experimental sixth track Signal Transmissions which is a long drawn out Drone based Doom/Sludge Metal offering with a hellish and nightmarish induced sound that becomes more unsettling when the song reaches its natural conclusion.

The next part of the album sees Ape Vermin return to a world of Progressive Sludge, Thrash Metal, Groove Metal and Psychedelic Metal that all collide for a collection of tracks that move across the multiple areas of distorted gloomy pastures and melodic instrumental grooves. The vocals from Brett Lee are impressive throughout and he employs a variety of different styles that feels like Ape Vermin have multiple vocalists on the whole album.

Out of the final batch of tracks - Motherlode, Unearthing The Artifact and Returning To Andromeda is where Ape Vermin really coming into their own creative vision with complex musical structures and progressive melodies woven in with a first rate narrative which leads to mighty impressive results for the band to become more known for within the scene.

Andromedas Colossus is an intense and bleak Progressive journey into the darker depths of Doom, Sludge and Thrash Metal which has an a wholly original Cosmic sound which should hopefully allow Ape Vermin to build up a fearsome and bigger reputation within the underground Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal scene.

Ape Vermin have delivered a bone-crunching album that pulls no punches with it’s fearless attitude and exploration into SONIC and PSYCHEDELIC manipulation of the highest order.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Asher Media PR for the promo.

Andromedas Colossus will be available to buy on Digital Download from Friday 17th May 2024.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

APE VERMIN Release Intergalactic Sludge Single “Awakened” Off Upcoming Album “Andromedas Colossus” and Tour Dates

Ape Vermin, the formidable 3-piece act hailing from the depths of Valdese, North Carolina, USA, is gearing up to conquer the cosmos with their latest sci-fi-infused album “Andromedas Colossus” on May 17, 2024, with a US tour to follow the release. Your journey into otherworldly realms begins with their new single “Awakened”, which guitarist/vocalist Brett Lee comments on:

“My personal favorite. We’re back, and we’re making up for lost time. Hell has come back to life. The Colossus is awake, prepare for your imminent obliteration. “Ten thousand years, through portals of time. Awaken this hell, Your world will be mine. Destroyed to extinction by hellish invention, made up for lost time, Hell has come back to life.”

In “Awakened”, sludge metal meets thrash in fine form. Double bass so crushing it could cause another world war. Guitar leads reminiscent of Dimebag Darrell and Kerry King in their prime and enough low-end to destroy planets.

Since its inception in 2017, Ape Vermin has pledged to push the limits of its craft, blending colossal riffs with amplifier worship and masterful percussion. “Andromedas Colossus”, promises to be a tour de force, featuring ten tracks of unique and exciting metal. Building upon the foundation laid by their acclaimed releases - the 2021 “Arctic Noise” EP and the 2018 “Sonic Monolith” LP; “Andromedas Colossus” sees Ape Vermin usher in a new chapter of their intergalactic saga; it is recommended for fans of High on Fire, Crowbar, and Mastodon.

Listen to “Awakened” below or over at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4Chku6Ir64​

Album pre-order - https://apevermin.bandcamp.com/​

Track Listing:​

1. Obliteration Imminent - 5:12

2. Colony - 7:00

3. Solaruss - 5:30

4. Pulse Driver - 3:47

5. Mining The Colossus - 8:06

6. Signal Transmissions - 2:45

7. Motherlode - 8:32

8. Awakened - 3:17

9. Unearthing the Artifact - 7:43

10. Return to Andromeda - 7:57

APE VERMIN - Riders of the Damned Tour Dates:​

5/17 - Spartanburg, S.C - Ground Zero

5/19 - Tampa, FL - Brass Mug

5/21 - New Orleans, LA - The Goat

5/22 - Houston, TX - Black Magic Social Club

5/23 - Fort Worth, TX - Haltom Theatre

5/24 - San Antonio, TX - Paper Tiger

5/25 - Laredo, TX - Cold Brew Rock Bar

5/26 - Austin, TX - Valhalla

5/28 - El Paso, TX - Rockhouse Bar & Grill

5/29 - Tucson, AZ - The Rock

5/30 - Phoenix, AZ - Blooze Bar

6/1 - Richmond, CA - Baltic Kiss

6/2 - Reno, NV - Alturus Bar

6/4 - Salt Lake City, UT - International Bar

6/5 - Casper, WY - The Gaslight Social

6/7 - Ridgeway, CO - The Sherbino

6/8 - Denver, CO - Hermans Hideaway

6/12 - Asheville, N.C - The Odditorium

***More Dates to be added***

More info: Facebook.com/ProgressiveDoom | Instagram.com/ape_vermin_official

Thanks to Asher Media PR for all of the info.

Sludge/Stoner Metallers APE VERMIN Announce RIDERS OF THE DAMNED TOUR With Stoner Rockers MEAN GREEN

Sludge/Stoner Metallers APE VERMIN will be embarking the Riders of the Damned tour this summer with Mean Green as direct support. 

5/17 Spartanburg, S.C - Ground Zero
5/19 Tampa, FL - Brass Mug
5/21 New Orleans, LA - The Goat
5/22 Houston, TX - Black Magic Social Club
5/23 Dallas, TX - Haltom Theatr
5/24 San Antonio, TX - Bonds Rock Bar
5/25 Laredo, TX - Cold Brew Rock Bar
5/26 Austin, TX - Valhalla
5/29 Tucson, AZ - The Rock
5/30 Phoenix, AZ - Blooze Bar
6/1 Richmond, CA - Baltic Kiss
6/2 Reno, NV - Alturus Bar
6/4 Salt Lake City, UT - International Bar
6/5 Casper, WY - The Gaslight Social
6/7 Ridgeway, CO - The Sherbino
6/8 Denver, CO - Hermans Hideaway
6/12 Asheville, N.C - The Odditorium

More Dates To Be Added

Links

Spotify
Bandcamp
Facebook
Instagram

Ape Vermin And Twin Wizard Announce RIFF RIDERS USA Tour

Sludge/Stoner Metallers APE VERMIN and TWIN WIZARD are embarking on a joint USA Tour entitled RIFF RIDERS

All Dates Are Listed Below:

Feb 1 El Paso, TX @ The Rockhouse
Feb 2 Tucson, AZ @ House Of Bards
Feb 3 Phoenix, AZ @ Blooze Bar
Feb 4 San Diego, CA @ Til Two Club
Feb 5 Palmdale, CA @ Transplants Brewery
Feb 6 Santa Cruz, CA @ Blue Lagoon
Feb 7 San Francisco, CA @ TBA
Feb 8 Santa Rosa, CA @ 3 Disciples Brewing
Feb 10 Seattle, WA @ The Funhouse
Feb 11 Portland, OR @ The Six
Feb 12 Spokane, WA @ Mootsy’s
Feb 13 Boise, ID @ The Shredder
Feb 15 Salt Lake City, UT @ Aces High Saloon
Feb 17 Cheyenne, WY @ Ernie November
Feb 18 Colorado Springs, CO @ The Six Two

Ape Vermin Links

Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram

Twin Wizard Links:

Facebook | BandCamp | BigCartel

Ape Vermin - Arctic Noise (EP Review)

Release date: May 7th 2021. Label: Self Released. Format: DD

Arctic Noise – Tracklisting

Megaliths Of Echo
Ancient Ruin
Arctic Noise

Review

I was wondering recently when Ape Vermin would be making an appearance after listening to their 2018 release Sonic Monolith more and more. Well the guys have return with this mighty fine slab of Progressive Sludge, Doom and Stoner Metal. Still continuing with the heavy sounds first heard on their debut release, this time the band are more focused on Arctic Noise.

The 17:27 minute opening track Megaliths Of Echo takes influence from heavy hitters such as SLEEP, CONAN, High On Fire and Mastodon but with Ape Vermin injecting a heavier pre-historic influence compared to their debut album. This album starts slowly with heavy DOOMED OUT grooves before an ice cold and almost THRASH atmospheric sound appears. The sound is quite dense and superbly progressive with the band adapting to their “new” style of music. The vocals remind myself of High On Fire and Mastodon style growls and I’m fully on board wit that. With this song being on for such an epic time, Ape Vermin have a lot of ground to cover and they succeed on all levels, especially on the Psychedelic and trippier parts of the song.

Second song – Ancient Ruin – runs for around 5:30 minutes and the band carry on their cinematic blend of Sludge, Doom and Stoner Metal grooves but with a leaner Psychedelic drive from the band. The vocals are more “chant” based for this song and the music is played slow-paced before the faster riffs appear towards the middle of the song. Ape Vermin write some “out-there” lyrics for this song and it all builds up to a thrilling conclusion.

Third song – Arctic Noise – is perhaps the song that will become a “fan favourite” for people who listen to this EP. As it’s a brilliantly written song that allows Ape Vermin to continue with their fantastical tale of prehistoric monsters all told through the power of heavy music. The song moves effortessly from one style of Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal but keeping in the realm of Psychedelic Metal and Prog Metal.

Arctic Noise is a superbly produced record with Ape Vermin once again on fine form. The record sees the band try and succeed at many different things on this record. It may have taken some time for the band to return but it’s great to have them back and wreaking havoc along the way.

Awesome stuff…..

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Sheltered Life PR for the promo. Arctic Noise will be available to buy on DD from May 7th 2021

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp