Crank this to 9.9 of 11 - Editors' Pick
Released: 2020
Genre: Sludge, Stoner Rock
Sounds Like: Cavity, Weedeater
Upon first glance of the new album cover for Finland’s sludge foursome, we thought maybe they have gone towards a post-metal or post-rock sound. The landscape photo is a welcome change rather than the traditional stoner themed illustration. Picking up from their last album Seaweed, Demonic Death Judge have elevated their game on this one. The Trail is 48 minutes of brutal sludge with elements of old Cavity, a side of Weedeater darkness and some Clutch groove for good measure.
Demonic Death Judge introduce a more exploratory side to this album, which is the big draw, it’s more than your traditional sludgy affair. Tracks like “Fountain of Acid” with it’s hallucenigetic groove or the mesmerizing journey of “The Trail” bring the album to new realms of sludge heaviness. The vocals are in the typical crusty and raw fashion, which we would expect nothing more. The percussion is steady and beefy while the guitars produce a hypnotic and deep fuzzy groove, creating one hell of a heavy record.
Tracklist
1. Cougar Charmer 01:21
2. Filthy as Charged 05:53
3. Hardship 04:43
4. Elevation 04:13
5. Shapeshifting Serpents 05:53
6. Flood 06:35
7. Fountain of Acid 02:53
8. Cougar Charmer (Reprise) 03:12
9. The Trail 08:49
10. We Have to Kill 04:42
Standout Track(s)
”Shapeshifting Serpents” is so fucking addicting, perhaps it’s the sludge song of the year. The spacey vibe coupled with the heavy fuzz is downright inspiring. A classic in our rotation.
Adult Beverage Pairing
We want something bold with with some kick. Pick up Big Yeti by Colorado-based Great Divide Brewing Company. This smooth 13.2% ABV Imperial Stout offers complex coffee roast flavors and pairs perfectly with the heavy fuzz of The Trail.
ROTATION RECAP:
Vocal Performance
9.8 out of 11
Risk of Subwoofer Damage
10 out of 11
Captivation and Variety
9.9 out of 11
Weight of the Heavy
10.2 out of 11
Sludge Onslaught
10 out of 11
Overall Album Flow
9.8 out of 11
Album Cover Aesthetics
9.5 out of 11
Production Value
9.9 out of 11
Final Thoughts
Demonic Death Judge has released on of the top sludge albums so far in 2020. This is a no brainier for fans of the heavy, this album will easily add great variety to your rotation.
Line-up
Jaakko Heinonen
Toni Raukola
Eetu Lehtinen
Lauri Pikk