Here in the Deadlights
Wizard Rifle
•
March 29, 2015

I don't think I can even explain what genre WIZARD RIFLE are although after researching them in greater depth, I believe they are Sludge Metal. But what I have concluded from listening to this album a few times, it certainly is not easy to listen to. From the state of Oregon, this three piece emit a confusion of sounds and genres throughout their songs from cleverly named album "Here in the Deadlights". I'm not going to lie, when I first saw their name, I had assumed a super epic Power Metal line-up or perhaps even a Hard Rock style, but I was proven completely wrong. I guess my initial thought was, how where do I even start?
Although I can't say I'm a fan, undertones of BLACK SABBATH contrasted with the likes of SONIC YOUTH make for an interesting construct. I find the whole sound a bit bipolar and spontaneous which I suppose doesn't have to be a bad thing in some eyes. For example, take 'Psychodynamo', the entry to the song is a great contrast to the rest of the track. I can totally appreciate the twists and grooves hidden in this album, in particularly 'Beastwhores' which comes across as fairly progressive. Matt Dameron's huitar tone is dark and almost grizzly, coinciding with bassist David Bow's thick, dull sound. The vocals admittedly, do fit the music style yet I can't help think that the recording sounds slightly amateur and grimy.
When it comes to discovering genres I know little about, I try to be open-minded and find the elements of each track that really stand out to me. For example, I noticed the clever pace changes in most of the tracks and can tell that WIZARD RIFLE are talented and very together as a band. If you are a fan of sludgy, dark and sinister melodies coinciding with vigorous riffing, distorted vocals and energetic drumming then it's clear that you will enjoy this album.
4 / 10
Nothing special

"Here in the Deadlights" Track-listing:
1. Crystal Witch
2. Buzzsaw Babes
3. Paul the Sky Tyrant
4. Psychodynamo
5. Beastwhores
Wizard Rifle Lineup:
Sam Ford - Drums, Vocals
Matt Dameron - Guitars, Vocals
David Bow - Bass
More results...