Savannah sludge metallers, BLACK TUSK, are preparing for the May 25th release of their Relapse Records debut, Taste the Sin. The follow-up to 2008’s Passage Through Purgatory, Taste the Sin manages to entirely integrate the band’s affectionately touted “swamp metal” sound by coalescing key elements of thrash, doom, punk, and hardcore throughout.
The intensity of Taste the Sin is obvious from the get-go, as album opener “Embrace the Madness” serves as a precursor to the wrecking brutality that is branded from start to finish. “Snake Charmer” incorporates a somewhat bluesy feel, exemplifying the band’s fervent flair for maintaining a hard-hitting groove, something often omitted in modern metal.
Anyone who has ever read Nick Hornby’s High Fidelity or watched the film adaptation starring none other than the delectable John Cusack understands the blood, sweat, tears, and constant indecision of making any sort of “Top 5” or “Top 10” list. When my wonderful editor approached me and asked if I would be interested in declaring MY Top Ten Heavy Metal/Rock/Hardcore Albums of 2009 I practically began to foam at the mouth. Had he forgotten with whom he was speaking?! Of course I was interested! Then I began to think about which albums were great enough to make such a comprehensive list and, I admit, I was a little overwhelmed. I then locked myself into my bedroom, forsaking roommates, boyfriend, family, and my beloved Blackberry Curve and buckled down to the task at hand, stopping only for coffee and candy breaks and to ask my Boxer’s opinion. Laugh if you must but she can sniff out a goody from a mile away.
After many harrowing hours, about a thousand neglected text messages, and more ounces of Thomas Hammer coffee than I care to admit, I emerged from my cave like a Phoenix from the ash with a sore back, the beginnings of carpel tunnel syndrome, and my little slice of heaven—and before you ask, no, Five Finger Death Punch will NOT be appearing on this list.
So take notes, then bust out your debit card and go purchase the albums that you do not own. And for the sake of all things holy, don’t jump right to the Number One album. Savor the list like I hope you will savor the brilliance contained within each album.
10. GWAR – LUST IN SPACE
I’ve worked in the music industry for almost ten years now, and I will be the first to admit that in my profession it is rare to come across something that is as visually stimulating as it is as pleasing to your auditory regions. GWAR has been providing us with both of these elements for the past 21 years. Every chance I get to hear something new from these boys, and especially when I get to see something new from them, I get a little giddy. So it’s no surprise to me that this little gem made it in my list. Ever talented in the art of combining complete insanity into some of the most intricate and impressive music I’ve ever heard, GWAR never fails to put a little pep in my step. And they’re just fun to look at! If you see them live you might want to stand towards the back of the venue…unless you’re into the whole “bloody shower” thing. Just a suggestion.
