Shrinebuilder - Shrinebuilder (2009)

Shrinebuilder

A supergroup that doesn't suck. It does the opposite. It blows. In a good way. It blows your throbbing organs.

Those throbbing organs are your ears.

Scott Weinrich of The Obsessed, Al Cisneros of Sleep/Om, Scott Kelly of Neurosis, and................ DALE FUCKING CROVER of MELVINS.

From the first track it is obvious that he is laying down the skins. This album is really tough and really spacey. If it wasn't coming from the men whom they base their entire careers off of, I would say the aethereal vibes I got from the vocals and effects in this are reminiscent of Mastodon's newer material. It has some very relaxed moments woven fairly seamlessly into some pieces fit for the battlefield. Good, solid release.

Buy

Bongripper

Once again, a band from Chicago. They mix Doom, Drone, and Noise to create a really groovy, instrumental, and dissonant sound. I recommend starting with 2007's "Hippie Killer" as it has the most stand-alone gems. 2008's "Hate Ashbury" is one long piece split into parts.


Hippie Killer (2007)


Hate Ashbury (2008)

New: Om, Russian Circles, Between The Buried and Me

Russian Circles - Geneva

I have been a fan of Russian Circles for some time now. Their new album is, to me, their best. They do a wonderful job of blending textbook post-rock melodies with intense guitar work that is reminiscent of fellow Chicago band Pelican. This album starts out strong with some shorter tracks and ends with a few epics that delve into the realm of prog.

Myspace///Buy


Om - God is Good

If you don't know about Om, and don't feel like opening up a new tab to look at their Wiki, they are a duo that formed as a result of the disbanding of Sleep. They play some good Doom Metal. While I definitely prefer 2007's "Pilgrimage" to this new release of theirs it is still fairly solid. I may post Pilgrimage sometime in the near future.

Myspace///Buy


Between The Buried and Me - The Great Misdirect

I'm sure this band needs no introductions. You either love them for what they bring to the table, or hate them for it. Just know this, if you loved 2007's "Colors", you will dig the fuck out of this.

Myspace///Buy