Heavy Metal Tribune

Druglord [USA]
Motherfucker Rising
2012
EP
Independent
Doom Metal

Bands with names that contain references to drugs often fascinate me, especially with bands like Acid Witch being one of those with doom metal elements in the music that often leave me in a trance. Druglord, hailing from USA, takes away those innuendoes and indirect references and instead choose a more straightforward band name, with an equally straightforward title for their EP, Motherfucker Rising.

With a band name and a release title as such, it was almost hard to believe that the band was serious, resulting in some hesitation in taking the first listen to the EP, so imagine the surprise when it was soon realised that the material presented on Motherfucker Rising contains some top-notch doom metal. Opening track Motherfucker Rising instantly sees the band crushing listeners with heavy and fuzzy guitar riffs, and immediately reminds listeners of early Black Sabbath material with the dark and somewhat retrospective atmosphere. This influence is further emphasised through the painfully slow pace that the band goes at, with the band slowly biding their time, building up the tension and climax in the music.

The vocals of Tommy finally comes in only near the halfway mark of Motherfucker Rising, sounding like a cross between YOB's Mike Scheidt and Ozzy Osbourne in his prime. The guitar works on the album are also extremely enjoyable, and like their other doom metal counterparts, Tommy makes generous usage of various effects that result in the familiar fuzzy tone. That lead guitar tone towards the end of Motherfucker Rising is has an old-school and classic touch to it as well, and is backed by the heavy rumbling presence of bassist Greta. The drum work here by Bobby is also stellar, and while nothing particularly flashy or technical, he lets every hit on the skins ring out generously, further reinforcing the already thick and heavy atmosphere in the music.

Songwriting-wise, the band presents a nice variety of different styles, with opener Motherfucker Rising seeing the band have a slow buildup, and Cleansed having the band using the momentum gained to continue their aural assault, as perhaps the faster number on this release. Lick the Wound sees the band going into a heavier gear, and Eternal Grave closes Motherfucker Rising nicely, with the broody mood that the album started off with. What is also remarkable are the smooth transitions from song to song, resulting in Motherfucker Rising sounding almost like a single epic track rather than 4 separate tracks. That dense and almost suffocating atmosphere that the release is constantly shrouded in also almost leaves one with the feeling of being transported to a smokey bar, keeping up with that old-school feel of the music. Motherfucker Rising has certainly be a surprise, and definitely proves that the old-school is still extremely alive and kicking.

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©2012 Heavy Metal Tribune | Hong Rui