WIZARD RIFLE formed in Portland, Oregon in 2009. Teaming with Nanotear Booking, guitarist/vocalist Max Dameron and drummer/vocalist Sam Ford have performed extensively across the US and Canada, including appearances at Psycho Las Vegas, Hopscotch, Crucial Fest, MusicFest NW and SXSW. Their powerful live shows and two full-length releases, 2014's "Here in the Deadlight" and 2012's "Speak Loud Say Nothing" have drawn great praise and kept critics and audiences on their toes. WIZARD RIFLE eludes classification and sonic pigeonholes, with an onslaught of sludgy psychedelic noise metal accented by vocal harmonies. On first listen many scoff at the possibility that such a cacophony could be produced by just two band members, but seeing is believing the force that is WIZARD RIFLE, and skeptics become Kool-aid guzzling disciples before the altar. Are you next? This self-titled EP contains five tracks.

"Rocket to Hell" leads us off. Tense guitar tones lead to screaming vocals and muted production. Some Progressive elements come into the fold as far as the meter is concerned, but the down-tuned and depressive sound reminds me more of the Stoner/Sludge genre than anything else. "Caveman Waltz" has more of that Doomy and depressive sound, opening with a down-tuned riff. The muted production-it has to be on purpose, to make the music sound like it came from the early 1970's. The guitars stay flat throughout, never venturing off that main riff much. The vocals vary from dual clean harmonies to screams. It has a slight psychedelic edge to it as well. It picks up in pacing after the half-way mark and finishes strong.

"Beneath the Spider" opens with work on the drum kit and a dissonant riff, with shouted vocals. The lead guitar creates a mesmerizing sound. The sound drops, then begins to build, with eerie noises in the background. The dual harmonized vocals sound like something out of the early 70's. It becomes chaotic towards the end. "Funeral of the Sun" is close to thirteen minutes in length, opening with low and dissonant guitar chords and a vocal cadence that is a bit hard to follow. The music definitely does blend in the Noise genre a bit. There is a long and repetitive instrumental section as well. It crawls to the finish line. "V" closes the album, opening with dissonant guitars and a thick rhythm line. There are some ominous tones on the album, creating a sense of impending doom.

Overall, this was indeed a unique album, but I had a hard time enjoying it. There was a bit too  much dissonance and the melodies took the back stage. I can appreciate the talent here and the product they created, but it just wasn't for me. I have an open mind when it comes to music, however melody is usually necessary. However, fans of Sludgy, Doomy and somewhat experimental music might find this to their liking.