The Needle Drop

slugdge

Slugdge - "Putrid Fairytale"

New Trackstheneedledrop1 Comment

The UK metal duo Slugdge is set to drop it's fourth full-length album in 2018, and this newest record is looking to be one the project's slimiest releases yet. As you may have already noticed from the title, much of what the band does is slug-themed (I think it's specifically giant space slugs, but don't quote me on that). However, don't let that weird narrative gimmick distract from the fact that Slugdge is one of the more versatile bands in the metal underground right now. Their sound is an even, seamless blend of progressive, death, black, and sludge metal--not something a lot of bands can pull off effectively.

While there are moments when I wish the production were a bit grimier, or that the vocals were a bit more distinct, Slugdge has got my respect. I mean, to be honest, the teaser track from this forthcoming record of theirs kicks the ass of nearly every cut from the new Mastodon album. That's gotta count for something, right?

The album's titled Esoteric Malacology, and is set to come out March 2 via Willowtip.

Slugdge - Gastronomicon

New TrackstheneedledropComment

A f-fun death metal album? Sure, they exist - the new Slugdge record Gastronomicon is one of them. If you're unfamiliar with the UK duo consisting of guitarist Kev Pearson and lyricist/vocalist Matt Moss, then allow me to explain: they make music about interstellar slugs and are on a mission to "cover the world of man in a viscous goo." But I've gotta say as ridiculous as the twosome's concept comes across on paper, it amounts to a staggeringly captivating alternate reality for the run-time of this sophomore LP of theirs. The lyrics of Gastronomicon come off not as parody, but as a surprisingly imaginative mythology. Moreover, the compositions are rather progressive and the production is stellar - this is a properly heavy listen. Hopefully you can get past (or better yet, embrace) the campy concept, because otherwise you'll be missing out on one of the year's most enjoyable death metal releases so far.

Gastronomicon is out now with the blessing of Mollusca the Greatfather.