#308: SLABDRAGGER - RISE OF THE DAWNCRUSHER

2016
Doom/Sludge Metal
Holy Roar Records

 

 

 

Slabdragger have played plenty of gigs in recent years, yet somehow it has taken them 5 years to follow up their fantastic debut LP "Regress". But considering the complexity of their music, I don't really blame them. First Slabdragger took us to the peak of the highest, holiest mountain, and now they have taken us on a trip to outer space, into the not too distant future, where a giant space station threatens to plow through the earth's core! Not only does the comic book style gatefold sleeve reflect this, but the crushing brutality across this entire hour length behemoth will have you picturing colossal drills smashing through your house and into your brain!

 

"Rise of the Dawncrusher" consists of 5 epic tracks. Aside from the 5 minute "breather" "Evacuate!", the tracks here average the 10-15 minute mark. The record opens with a riff worthy of Sleep, balancing just the right amount of Blues, Psychedelia and Stoner vibes. A solid opening, that straight away expresses just how well produced this album is. For a three piece their sound is absolutely massive, taking the supreme heaviness of acts like Conan, and somehow adding even more depth to the mix. The bass of Yusuf Tary is absolutely flattening, and he accomplishes so many different sounds across the whole album. The whole trio bring such a complete, versatile and wild performance. The first two tracks on the album are relatively accessible. Whilst not re-inventing the rulebook or anything, they are extremely solid and heavy as hell tracks that will hook you in straight away. "Evacuate!", being the only short track on the album, is fast and thrashy. Whilst not sacrificing any of the heaviness, it is the only real breathing space on the album (if that counts). But be warned, from track 3, "Shrine of Debauchery" onwards, the album really opens up. Suddenly "Rise of the Dawncrusher" goes from being a solid Stoner Metal album, to an absolutely epic and complex juggernaut.

 

Usually I turn to Holy Roar Records when I want to hear some of the best Mathcore and Post Hardcore going, with acts such as Svalbard, Employed to Serve and Rolo Tomassi being some of their finest signings, so it could seem like Slabdragger might be aside from that audience, but the last half of this record is seriously complex and full of jagged riffs, with so many twists and turns, and surprises around every corner. This is the cornerstone of any great Holy Roar release. Like any great album, it is one where you will hear something new with each listen. The lengthier songs in particular take time to get to know intimately, and with so many great riffs and ideas on show, you will want to take the time to revisit them. This is a record that has a lot of repeat listening quality, so expect to come back to it throughout the year and still find new surprises. "Dawncrusher Rising" has to be my pick of the bunch. This trio just pour everything into this song and it will knock you sideways. I love the way the two vocalists take on different roles throughout the record, but during the crescendo finale of this song, the two come together to scream "DAWNCRUSHER RISE" and it is absolutely ear splitting. You wouldn't believe it takes just three people to make such a massive and well rounded sound, and their breathtaking live shows prove it is certainly no fluke or studio trickery. Slabdragger come at you raw, yet use the expanse of the studio to deliver a meaty, 3 course meal of destruction. Though "Dawncrusher" can be overwhelming in one sitting,this apocalyptic avalanche is likely to keep me entertained throughout the year as I am already excited to return to it. I think Slabdragger have made an even bolder statement here than on their fine debut, and this will be one of the Sludge albums to beat in 2016. 8/10.