VOIDGAZER is a Progressive/Sludge/Grindcore band based out of St. Louis, Missouri. Formed in 2016, this is their second EP, which contains five tracks. Let that intro sink in for a second...Progressive/Sludge/Grindcore? What three genres could possibly be more unalike? But, I always enjoy a good mash-up, so let's see what these guys are all about.

The opening track is "Just Take the Needle." It beings with a raspy rhythm guitar section, and some raucous drumming. Death vocals come into play as the song slows to a grinding pace. Aggressive tones dominate from there, along with some Progressive elements, mostly in the super-tight and ever-moving meter. The band is skilled...no doubt...and the mash-up is quite unique. Do I hear some Thrash towards the end? "Expectations Management" opens with a mid-tempo rhythm of crunchy guitars and some harsh vocals. Some moments of unexpected melody even rear their head here...dare I say I sang along? This band is full of surprises so far.

"Dance of the Undesirables" is an eight-and-half-minute beast, beginning with heavy and aggressive tones, with incensed harsh vocals and some chaos. Interestingly, the song is structured amidst the pandemonium. Suddenly, a dexterous and bluesy guitar solo enters as the song changes on a dime to a Jazzy sound. The chaos returns...two-fold. "Blast Equalizer" begins with some melody amidst the darkened sound. The melodic notes are mostly hidden between passages of chaos and brutality, but are still there. Around the half-way mark comes a deep breakdown that will shake you to your core. A strong ending ensues from there.

"Sexual Sadist Serial Slasher" closes the album. Beginning with easy tones, it segues rather quickly into a fast-moving river of debris, soaking and enveloping everything in its path. It deepens as it moves along, swallowing the very earth. Overall, I have to say, even if this wasn't my usual genre of music that I listen to, the guys are very talented, and you have to appreciate that. The combination of various styles makes for a particular listening experience that you have probably not heard before. The main question is...will it appeal to a wide audience of Metal listeners? Probably not, but that's is OK, as that is the very foundation upon where Metal music was founded in the first place.