New Orleans sludge metal pioneers Crowbar make a majestic comeback with the doom laden grooves and the genuine emotional depth of the highly anticipated new record “Zero And Below”.
“The Fear That Binds You” doesn’t waste any time as the heavy chunky guitar riffs effortlessly build crushing grooves and downtuned progressions to complement Kirk Windstein’s grave vocal delivery.
Following a doomed sonic pathway “Confess To Nothing” highlights the fundamental role of the robust rhythmic section and the fiery guitar work acquires menacing darkened tonalities to express dismal feelings.
“Chemical Godz” is filled with sharp guitar riffs leading to a quite harsh momentum yet the slower mournful progressions amplify gelid melodic nuances keeping in mind a traditional doom approach.
The slow burning track “Denial Of The Truth” begins with obscure guitar riffs and the consequent hypnotizing rhythmic maze generates overwhelming grim emotions enhanced by the dramatic vocal harmonies.
Throughout “Reanimating A Lie” a fuzzy energy fuels the heavy weight of the intense riffage and the steady monolithic rhythmic patterns that later acquire more aggressive vibes leading to faster dynamics.
The title track diligently keeps a balanced mix of massive heavy guitar riffs and hypnotizing soulful melodic phrases creating a gloomy sonic realm that certainly emphasizes a contemplative composition.
Undoubtedly Crowbar will not disappoint their devoted acolytes as “Zero And Below” holds all the crucial doom elements and the swampy sludge dynamics that cemented the band’s influential status over the last three decades.