It’s been a long time since we’ve heard from Chicago sludge crewLair of the Minotaur—the band’s last EP was in 2018 and their last proper album was in 2010—but they’re making good on lost time withI Hail I, their new and fifth album since forming in 2003. The ten-track ripper clocks in under 30 minutes, packing as many boneheaded riffs, thunderous drum rolls and varied vocals into that time as possible.
I Hail Iis the first Lair of the Minotaur record to feature bassist-producer extraordinaire Sanford Parker, who previously engineered and mixed various Lair of the Minotaur releases. OnI Hail I, Parker handles engineering and mixing along with bass duties alongside founding member Steven Rathbone—who handled mastering—and longtime drummer Chris Wozniak.
The songs onI Hail Ihave a distinctly grim and evil vibe, culminating on the final song, “Tartarus Apocalypse.” Standing in stark opposition to the record’s fast pace, “Tartarus Apocalypse” slows things down, stretching out to nearly a quarter of the album’s runtime. It’s jarring in the best way possible, making the listener appreciate the previous speed and the current nastiness.
“I HAIL I is intended to be listened to all the way through, at maximum volume on real speakers,” Rathbone instructs. “A thirty-minute thoroughly cathartic experience.”
Hail the minotaur and listen toI Hail Ibelow. It’s out on Friday, May 1 via the band.
