#333: Corinth - Corinth

2016
Sludge Metal, Psychedelic Rock
Self-Released

Corinth are a Sludge Metal band with some Progressive tendancies. Since 2013, the quartet have already put out 2 fantastic EPs, with this self titled effort being their 3rd. Though their sound certainly contains some Sludge Riffs and Hardcore vocals, Corinth have proven themselves to think further afield, adding varying tempos and reaching out to different subgenres of Metal to take influence, making for an eclectic and varying sound.

One of the Corinth's most notable trademarks is their superb ear for harmonised guitar leads, provided by the guitars of Ben and Vanessa. Right from the opening of "Solar Blaze" the harmonised tapping guitars are in full effect in what may be their fastest track yet. This EP opener kicks in with a fast and furious Thrash pace, occassionally submitting into groove laden mid-tempo riffs. This is a seriously fun and impressive opening track.

Things take a much darker and slower turn on second track "Those With No Eyes". Instead of the warm harmonies, here the guitars create a much more sinister mood, playing with discordance. It's almost as if the friendly harmonised guitars had a falling out and are now playing against each other! This track is also splendid, offering ferocious doses of meaty Sludge and psyched out vocals. Certainly a bad trip into Surreal Horror film atmospheres!

The EP closes with an epic behemoth just shy of 10 minutes, "Ironclad". The track builds and builds with a swampy bass and guitar sound, and vocals that escalate from trippy to full on roaring. The "return to the sea" motif delivers a hypnotic grip on the listener as the the psychedelic guitars cycle over, weaving in and out of the stereo mix.

Though I thoroughly enjoyed their 2 previous EPs, I think this 3rd one is their best yet. Corinth continue to find diverse influences to add to their sound, and in particular the switch between the fast Thrashy opener, and the slower tracks after works really well. This EP just grabs you from the start and will have you wanting to hit play again by its conclusion. Corinth also sound at their best, with a fantastic sound mix throughout. I think the Leeds quartet are ready to deliver their first full length now! 8/10.