EVEREST QUEEN is a Sludge Metal band from the UK, formed in 2013. To date, they have released one full-length. "Murmurations" is their sophomore effort, and contains six songs. "Sunken Thorn" is the first. It's a slow build to the opening riff, which is heavy and lumbering. The vocals are shouted, with evil leanings. It picks up after the half-way mark for a few bars, then slows again. It clears out towards then, with clean guitar tones and a somber feeling.

"Of Treachery and Shadows" is led by another slow, grinding riff with heavy drum accents. The main riff is a little hastier but the sound is barren and desolate. The title track is the shortest on the album, measuring three-and-a-half-minutes. Thick bass notes and tenuous drumming opens  the song, with some steady background ambiance. Time seems to pass slowly, as the song makes a descending close. "Dormant River" begins with steady clean tones of rhythm guitars, bass, and drums, with some lead note sprinkled over top. Here you get a stronger sense of Post-Metal elements. The sound is clean, clear, and peaceful, until the half-way mark, when a heavy riff drops. The harsh vocals however bring desolate tones to the table.

"Divergence" builds another slow burning sound through the first vocals. At this point however, many of the songs have a similar sound to them. I am not asking the band to recreate the wheel, but a little change of pace or sound would go a long way. It powers up for several minutes, then dies peacefully at the end. "The Burial" closes the album. Smooth, clean tones open the song, sounding like the sun rising on a warm spring day. Clean, harmonized vocals gently come in, furthering this sound. This closing song is emotive and poignant. Seguing near the end to a heavier riff with harsh vocals, the title of the song takes shape.

This was a pretty good album overall. The six songs have a desolate quality to them, with occasional peaks of rage on the energetic side, and depression on the lethargic side. Although some of the song had a similar sound to them, it was still interesting. I am now curious about this band, and am looking forward to future releases.