Well now, here’s another one for the “how
the hell do you categorize this sound” list.
SLOUGH FEG got their start in the early 90’s
and have been doggedly plugging along since, and seemingly
remaining underground and largely unrecognized for
the most part. And that, dear friends, is a crying
shame. SLOUGH FEG is quite possibly one of the most
unique metal bands in the states today, sounding like
nothing less than a cross between classic IRON MAIDEN
and THIN LIZZY with touch of DEEP PURPLE and JETHRO
TULL and (minus the flute). An odd yet completely
functional juxtaposition of True Metal, Classic Rock
and Celtic/old world folk influences.
After the success of their previous recording, “Atavism”
the band suffered a near complete lineup change, with
guitarist John Cobbett and drummer Greg Haa leaving
the fold. Would the sound remain true to the SLOUGH
FEG tradition? Yes, I’m pleased to report that
even though the ingredients have changed, the formula
for which SLOUGH FEG gained fame has remained the
same, and has in fact progressed to a more streamlined,
straightforward and focused effort.
“Hardworlder” the band’s 6 album,
and second release under Italian label Cruz Del Sur,
isn’t so much a concept album as it’s
an exploration of the ups and downs of touring and
life on the road as viewed through a sci-fi context;
consider it an introspective space odyssey. The album
includes 11 original tracks plus a couple of well
executed cover tunes, “Dearg Doom” (HORSLIPS)
and “Street Jammer” (MANILLA ROAD), both
fitting comfortably within the album’s sound,
which is classic and organic, with a raw production
and a high level of energy. Vocalist /guitarist Michael
Scalzi has professed a healthy aversion to over-processing
which explains the band’s guitar tone, which
sounds more like classic rock than power metal. They
don’t bury the tone in distortion or fancy electronic
manipulation, there’s very little standing between
the guitarists’ fingers and your ears, and that
is what makes such a discernable difference on all
of SLOUGH FEG’s albums. In fact, I would say
that SLOUGH FEG’s tone is more similar to that
of classic era BLACK SABBATH or early IRON MAIDEN
than anything on the current metal scene, even though
their music is certainly not doom. Nor is it power
metal though. Its… well…. SLOUGH FEG.
Bottom Line: SLOUGH FEG prove once again that you
can have a uniquely classic sound, crafting one of
a kind sounds while simultaneously paying homage to
the greatness of metal’s past. “Hardworlder”
is a 70’s rock/true metal/folk metal hybrid
from outer space. And it’s just stellar.
Key Tracks: “Tiger! Tiger!”; “The
Sea Wolf”; “Dearg Doom”; “Insomnia”;
“Poison Treasures”
Reviewed by Farron Watson |
