Tuskar - Matriarch (Album Review)

Release Date: February 25th 2022. Record Label: Church Road Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Matriarch - Tracklisting

Matriarch

To The Sky

The Trees, The Trees, The Trees

Halcyon Gilt

Into The Sea

Shame

Grave

Members

Tom Dimmock - Guitars

Tyler Hodges - Vocals, Drums

Review

To say i’ve been looking forward to Tuskar’s debut album Matriarch is a bit of an understatement. I’ve been a fan of the band ever since their debut EP released back in 2017 and subsequent releases. I’ve featured them on the blog many times over the years and I have to say their debut album is a colossal release that sees Tuskar meet their huge potential but one that could see these guys reach the elite of the UK Sludge/Doom/Stoner Metal scene.

Matriarch is an album built on aggressive Sludge, Doom and Stoner Metal sounds whilst bringing a Post-Rock, Punk Rock and Psychedelic edge to proceedings. Can you remember when Mastodon and Baroness released Heavy Progressive Sludge Metal albums before settling for their modern day Hard Rock sound, well Tuskar are bringing that style of Sludge/Stoner Metal to the masses whilst still forging a heavy and powerful identity of their own.

Opening song is the stunning title track Matriarch which runs almost twelve minutes in length with Tuskar playing a style of heavy progressive Sludge/Stoner Metal that has elements of Drone throughout. The music veers slow-paced atmospherics to faster hardcore based aggression with the vocals being multi-layered. The instrumental work is powerful and quite subtle which makes for a more fearful experience. For a two-piece band, TUSKAR feel they have more members.. 

Second song To The Sky is classic sounding Prog Sludge/Stoner Metal with the band taking that classic Mastodon style once again but giving it more ethereal feeling with trippy vocals and lyrics to match. The Stoner influence is very strong with this song but Tuskar still doing their own thing with a mixture of harsh and clean vocals giving the band a more threatening position. The music can be quite deafening in places but there are a few cool Psychedelic touches that bring the volume down to more manageable levels of Post-Doom or Post-Stoner bliss. Though, the cool THRASH based beats and breakdowns will give listeners more to chew on.

The opening two songs allows Tuskar to show listeners what Matriarch is all about but still having the creative opportunity to try their hands at different things such as the wonderfully psychedelic third song The Trees, The Trees, The Trees which I would expect from Instrumental bands such as Yawning Man or Earthless. 

Maybe I’ve name checked too many bands in this review but it’s only to show what style of music that is held on the record.

Other standout songs include: Halcyon Gilt, Into The Sea and Shame. With Tuskar showing a wealth of creativity and different levels of Psychedelic and Progressive based heaviness. I also admire the raw production parts of the album that gives this album a more organic sound and atmosphere.

Matriarch will not only be one of the best debut albums you’ll hear this year but potentially one of the very  best albums of the year. Tuskar have released something special with Matriarch and I can see them playing on some of the biggest Sludge, Doom and Stoner Metal stages very soon. These guys are going to be HUGE in the years to come.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Primate PR for the promo

Matriarch will be released on CD/DD/Vinyl via Church Road Records from February 25th 2022.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp

BOSS KELOID Announce 2021 UK Tour With Support From TUSKAR

British prog psych giants BOSS KELOID have announced their headline UK tour in June 2021 with nuclear sludge duo TUSKAR. 

Commented guitarist Paul Swarbrick: "We are excited and proud to play live our brand new material across the UK to promote our forthcoming album. We are also delighted to have the mighty TUSKAR join us for the whole tour."

Tour Dates:

Fri 18th June - GLASGOW Ivory Blacks
Sat 19th June - MANCHESTER The Breadshed
Sun 20th June - STOKE The Underground
Mon 21st June - NOTTINGHAM The Chameleon
Tue 22nd June - BIRMINGHAM Dead Wax
Wed 23rd June - SHEFFIELD Mulberry Bar & Venue
Thur 24th June - LONDON Boston Music Rooms
Fri 25th June - CARDIFF Clwb Ifor Bach
Sat 26th June - BRISTOL Rough Trade
Sun 27th June - BOURNEMOUTH The Anvil

About BOSS KELOID

BOSS KELOID formed in 2010, Wigan, UK. Their latest and fourth album Melted On The Inch was released on Holy Roar Records to worldwide critical acclaim. It has been described as a “huge, complex behemoth with a surprising uplifting feel” by Terrorizer Magazine, an “enthralling exercise in uber-heavy psych” by Metal Hammer Magazine, a “masterclass in heavy, progressive metal” by Louder Than War, and a “lusciously produced, immaculately crafted piece of music” by Pure Grain Audio. James Scarlett (ArcTanGent’s organiser) cited Melted On The Inch as his No.2 album of 2018 and described it as “a wonderful melding of 70s prog and modern doom”.

Kerrang Magazine described BOSS KELOID’s 2019 performance at Bloodstock Festival as a “stunning set of unclassifiable, sort of techy, sort of prog-sludge”, with Metal Hammer Magazine declaring “like the very best bands, BOSS KELOID look and sound like a hotch potch of proper weirdos and outsiders. And they’re fucking excellent for it”.

BOSS KELOID online:

Facebook | Bandcamp | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube

About TUSKAR

Two-piece TUSKAR have been building their reputation as the band to watch in UK heavy music’s underground scene since the release of their debut EP, Arianrhod, in 2017. The “Nuclear Sludge” label started as a joke between Tyler Hodges (Drums, Vocals) and Tom Dimmock (Guitar), but nothing else has come close to describing the sound made by the duo as they draw from influences as diverse as early Mastodon, Sleep and Conan. Their 2018 EP The Tide Beneath The Wall has had more than 370k streams on Spotify, and they followed it up with the three track live EP The Monolith Sessions in 2019, recorded with Steve Sears Jr. (Gallows). One of the most exciting live bands in UK metal right now, their debut album is due out on Riff Rock Records in 2021.

Having teamed up with heavy music livestream specialists, Hotel Radio, you can also catch TUSKAR at their show with Ungraven this week on Wednesday October 15th, which will be available to stream via pay-per-view for only £3.99. Tickets are available from Hotel Radio’s website: https://www.hotel-radio.com/pay-per-view/the-blackheart/tuskar-ungraven-live

TUSKAR online:

Facebook | Bandcamp | Twitter | Instagram

TUSKAR - The Monolith Sessions (EP Review)

Release date: November 8^th 2019. Label: Riff Rock Records. Format: DD

The Monolith Sessions – Tracklisting

1.The Tide 08:00

2.Into The Sea 05:05

3.Beneath 05:03

Members

Tom Dimmock- Guitar

Tyler Hodges- Vox & Drums

Review

UK Sludge/Doom/Stoner Metal Duo – TUSKAR – return with a new Live EP called The Monolith Sessions. The EP features live versions of TUSKAR classics The Tide and Beneath which both featured on last year’s acclaimed EP – The Tide, Beneath The Wall. The EP is joined by a new song called Into The Sea.

The EP is a rough and ready sounding Live EP which demonstrates the full angry power of TUSKAR who play a pulverizing sound of Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal with a ferocious Hard Rock edge. The music is fast-paced, manic and doesn’t give a FUCK who it upsets. It’s quite cool hearing The Tide and Beneath performed live and they sound quite different to the studio recorded versions that were released last year.

The new song Into The Sea is quite good indeed with the band playing a non-stop style of Sludge/Stoner Metal grooves with a dark twisted edge to it. There is a lot of guitar reverb and feedback on this song which makes the song quite distorted in places. The song is not the most original but TUSKAR play Into The Sea with angry conviction whilst offering a few epic progressive guitar riffs along the way.

The Monolith Sessions is another welcome release from TUSKAR who are slowly proving to being one of the best upcoming bands within the UK Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal scene. I’m hoping a full length album isn’t too far behind. As I’ve said this before with TUSKAR but I want to hear what these guys can do on a full length record. As an EP is not long enough to contain the heavy whirlwind sounds of TUSKAR.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Richard at Sheltered Life PR for the promo. The Monolith Sessions is available to buy now everywhere digitally via Riff Rock Records.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

TUSKAR - The Tide, Beneath, The Wall (EP Review)

Release date: December 7th 2018. Label: Riff Rock Records. Format: CD/DD

The Tide, Beneath, The Wall – Tracklisting

1.The Tide 07:02

2.Beneath

3.The Wall

Members

Tom Dimmock- Guitar

Tyler Hodges- Vox & Drums

Review

Tuskar latest EP – The Tide, Beneath, The Wall – is their latest and perhaps finest attempt in creating a heavy stylized Doom/Sludge Metal sound with amounts of Psychedelic Stoner Metal riffs being played in the background.

The EP only lasts twenty minutes but Tuskar manage to create an exciting sound that most full length albums struggle to match. The band take influence from bands such as CONAN, SLEEP, Slomatics and Mastodon. So if you’re looking for heavy progressive Sludge/Doom Metal with extra bite then you’ve came to the right place.

Opening song – The Tide – sees Tuskar play a fast-paced style of Sludge Metal with evil amounts of FUZZ pounding your ear-drums. Imagine early era Mastodon playing a more modern unsettled style of Doom Metal and you have the basis for this song. As Tuskar blast, kick and scream their way through a heavy bombastic wall of sound. The vocals from Tyler are firmly rooted in Hardcore based growls. Though you can easily understand what Tyler is singing about. The song is quite intense and angry from the start.

Second song – Beneath – is the most standard Doom/Sludge Metal song on the EP. As Tuskar get straight down to business of playing a more riff-centric style of music. There are elements of Psychedelic noises being added to Tuskar’s overall sound. You can feel the heavy pounding Stoner Metal grooves slowly creeping behind you before unleashing heck. The final few moments are some of the most relentless and angriest sounds on the entire EP.

The final song – The Wall – starts off slowly before continuing Tuskar’s heavy volatile mix of Sludge, Doom and Stoner Metal. This is the standout song on the EP as the band create loud bursts of angry FUZZ style rock/metal. The mood is quite sombre to begin with but soon changes into a more nightmarish based sound. The vocals are sometimes hard to understand as their drowned out by the heavy and distorted guitars. Though it’s the music that is the main highlight here. Tuskar play long passages of Drone Metal on this song and this style of music serves them well.

The EP is expertly produced and allows Tuskar to create a more realistic sound compared to their previous EP. Tuskar are now two EP’s into their career. I’m hoping there is a full length album within the next year or so. As the band have proved they have an original and exciting style of music all of their own. We need to see what Tuskar can do with a full length album. Until then, The Tide, Beneath, The Wall is not only one of the best EP’s released this year but one of the best records as well.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Richard at Sheltered Life PR for the promo. The Tide, Beneath, The Wall will be available to buy on CD/DD via Riff Rock Records from December 7^th 2018.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Tour News - HIGH FIGHTER EUROPEAN TOUR

Born in the summer of 2014 by former band members of A Million Miles, Buffalo Hump and Pyogenesis, this band is a volatile cocktail of heavy as hell riffs! Add a heavy dose of the blues and these deadly schizophrenic vocals and HIGH FIGHTER offer something new to the sludge, stoner, doom & metal scene to fuel your appetite with.

After their critically acclaimed debut EP 'The Goat Ritual' released end of 2014, followed by numerous shows all over Europe including festivals such as Wacken Open Air, Summer Breeze, Desertfest Berlin & Antwerp, Stoned From The Underground, Sonic Blast, Up In Smoke and many more, as well as several gigs and tours with Ahab, Conan, Crowbar, Corrosion of Conformity, Elder, Downfall of Gaia, Mammoth Storm, Brant Bjork, The Midnight Ghost Train, Mantar or Earth Ship to name just a few.

HIGH FIGHTER released their first full length album 'Scars & Crosses' in June 2016 with Svart Records.

It's been three years ago since the band toured the United Kingdom while on their first European tour ever back in early 2015. This August, HIGH FIGHTER will bring their latest record 'Scars & Crosses' as well as some brand new material live on stage. Beside some dates with Mantar in Germany this summer, it will be one of the last tours HIGH FIGHTER will play this year and before they are going to release their second full length album in early 2019.

 

HIGH FIGHTER LINKS

Official website ⎮ Facebook ⎮ Bandcamp ⎮ Instagram

Tuskar - Arianrhod (EP Review)

Release date: October 20th 2017. Label: Riff Rock Records. Format: CD/DD

Arianrhod – Tracklisting

1.Fateweaver 05:47

2.Where Strides The Colossus 03:12

3.Toegrinder 03:55

4.Moon-Hooch 07:33

5.Crimson Skull 06:02

Members

Tom Dimmock- Riffsmith (guitar)

Tyler Hodges-Throat Lord and Skin Smasher (vox and drums)

Review

UK Sludge Metallers - Tuskar - have been gathering some major buzz recently before the release of their debut EP. Is the hype justified. You bet. Especially after listening to their debut EP - Arianrhod. So what can you expect. Heavy Sludge Riffs that bring back memories of Mastodon and The Melvins in places.

Opening track - Fateweaver - takes it time with Tuskar playing a heavy distorted and almost droned out riff before exploding into a doom based thunderous noise. Tuskar have elements of Ufomammut psychedelic doom appearing throughout the song. Vocals from Tyler are firmly rooted in the Sludge Rock arena. The vocals are mostly clean but sang in an angry fashion with hardcore style growls appearing towards the end. Fateweaver has a slight DIY approach but it still sounds remarkably clear and fresh.

Second track - Where Strides The Colossus - is a huge sounding song with Tuskar proving their worth by creating one of the EP's best songs. The fast-paced drumming adds real volume and weight to the band's overall sound. The mixture of the stop-start rhythms played against the Sludge/Stoner Metal backdrop sees the band playing their own sound. This is music to violently lose yourself in. Arianrhod is violent and it makes no apologies for that. Though Tuskar still bring moments of melodic Sludge/Stoner Rock at different parts of the EP.

Third track - Toegrinder - has a very cool sounding progressive sludge/stoner rock melody that will no doubt appeal to fans of Torche in places. The mood becomes very psychedelic in parts and it's good to see another side to Tuskar's angry personality. The music is calmly played with measured assurance.

The final two tracks - Moon Hooch and Crimson Skull - lay on the Mastodon-esque atmosphere with aplomb. As the riffs become heavier and dirtier in places. The progressive sounds adds a heavy touch of class with the distorted DIY approach to Tuskar's music makes them standout from the crowd. The vocals veer into more dreamlike and psychedelic territory especially Moon Hooch before the sludge/doom growls fully take over. Tuskar's debut EP is a winning combination of many different heavy Sludge, Doom and Stoner based sounds. Though it mainly shows that Tuskar are perhaps destined for bigger and greater things in the years to come.

The last time I was genuinely excited for a UK Doom/Sludge Metal band was the mighty OHHMS. Look how far those guys have progressed over the last few years or so. Tuskar have similar qualities to OHHMS as they strive to create music on their own terms and what is meant to be heard by the biggest audience possible. Tuskar are going places. Watch these guys soar!!!

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Richard at Sheltered Life PR for the promo. Arianrhod is available to buy on CD/DD via Riff Rock Records now.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

News - TUSKAR SIGN TO RIFF ROCK RECORDS

Tuskar​ ​sign​ ​to​ ​Riff​ ​Rock​ ​Records Milton Keynes “nuclear sludge” duo Tuskar have signed to Riff Rock Records. 

The two-piece’s debut EP, “Arianrhod”, will be available on CD from Riff Rock Records on October 20th. It was recorded at The Cro’s Nest studio by Sam Thredder (Slabdragger). 

Despite having formed less than a year ago, vocalist and drummer Tyler Hodges and guitarist Tom Dimmock’s chemistry is unmistakable both live and in the studio. The two 20-year olds have grown up playing together in bands and have struck out on their own with material that owes as much to Conan and Sleep as it does bands like Behemoth and Darkthrone. 

Drummer and vocalist Tyler Hodges says of the signing: “We’re really excited to be a part of Riff Rock. We can’t wait for this chapter of our journey to start, and we can unleash the riff upon the masses. We’ve had an exciting year so far and with Riff Rock behind us it doesn’t seem like it’s going to slow down anytime soon!” 

Tuskar plan to record another EP with Thredder before the end of 2017 to be released worldwide through Riff Rock, and a debut full-length will follow in 2018. 

You can listen to and pre-order “Arianrhod” on Tuskar’s Bandcamp page (https://tuskar.bandcamp.com/album/arianrhod), or stream on all streaming services. 

Riff Rock Records was started in 2015 to promote the best from the UK’s underground heavy scene. 

Riff Rock is extremely excited to add Tuskar to its’ roster which already boasts Afro-psych trio Vodun and tie-dye fuzzlords Chubby Thunderous Bad Kush Masters. 

FOR​ ​FANS​ ​OF​: Conan, Baroness, Sleep, early Mastodon, Electric Wizard, Eyehategod, Guinness and bongs

Tour dates:

11/9 – w/Jucifer, Underworld, London 
12/9 - The Star, Guildford 
14/9 – w/Jucifer, Anvil, Bournemouth 
16/9 – Factory, Manchester 
22/10 – New Cross Inn, London 
4/11 – The Dev, Camden 
10/11 - The Red Lion, Stevenage 
1/12 - The Swamp, Reading 
3/12 - The Craufurd Arms, Milton Keynes 
3/2/18 - Underworld, Camden w/Slomatics, Slabdragger, Chubby Kush 

Tuskar Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Riff Rock Records Links:

Official | Facebook