Sometimes you know a band kicks ass within the first minute of listening. That’s pretty much what happened when I started listening to “Fiends,” the first song off the new EP from Dejecter. God damn, those vocals are deep and devastating, and those riffs are so catchy! There’s a lot going on here sonically, as the band’s sound recalls everything from Crowbar to The Acacia Strain to Vader and all shades of deadly noise in between. Or at least that’s what I get out of their self-styled brand as “progressive sludge/grind.”
Regardless of how you classify them, Josh Caldwell (guitars, bass, keyboards), Silas Olson (vocals and lyrics) and Sean Rehmer (drums and percussion) has put together a fascinating mix of straightforward brutality and effective risk-taking and creativity. There’s sections of synchronized chugging and double bass, slower and doomy moments, and parts that catch you totally off-guard. I especially like how the band uses the piano to add extra layers of atmosphere at several points. It’s a thoroughly rewarding listen. And for that reason, Decibel is proud to present Oblation Husk in its full power and glory below. The EP will see an independent release tomorrow.