SLUDGEHAMMER - The Fallen Sun

July 6, 2016, 7 years ago

(Independent)

Kelley Simms

Rating: 8.5

review heavy metal sludgehammer

SLUDGEHAMMER - The Fallen Sun

Toronto sludgy, death/groove metallers, Sludgehammer (I can’t believe no one’s ever snagged that name before!), brings its “A” game on its debut full-length release, The Fallen Sun. Sludgehammer doesn’t fit neatly into the traditional death or groove metal box, as its diverse elements sets it apart from its peers. Its 11 tracks (including two bonus tracks) are decorated with hooky riffs, catchy choruses and a perfect clean/growled vocal combination. 
 
Opener “Demons From The Woodwork” is ferocious from the get-go. Swathed in a barrage of razor-sharp riffing and a pile-driving rhythm section, its black ‘n’ roll style of metal hammers home the band’s point immediately. A bit of Revocation-inspired elements rear its head on “Intestines Entwined,” while “The Black Abyss” rolls out some Metallica-inspired riffing. The vocal switch between clean and growled vocals changes the dynamic nicely throughout the album, most notably the insanely catchy chorus of “Consuming Afterbirth.” The rhythmic thrust and vocal approach of “Utopian” is mighty catchy as well, while closer “Revolting” revisits the Revocation similarities with some swirling, thrashy/death metal riffs. There are many memorable moments on The Fallen Sun and for an unsigned band, Sludgehammer possesses loads of potential. Highly recommended!



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