Sludge Keeper – Slough of Despair review

The Italian debut album from the band named Sludge Keeper is a no nonsense Death Metal album. I thought the actual mix of the album was excellent. The Death Metal drums dominant this album, but not in the bad way. The guitar work is upfront and prominent in the mix. The drums and rhythm section create a strong foundation for the overall sound of the band.

The name fits

The sound is straight forward, everything you would expect from a band named Sludge Keeper. Slow heavy riffs that create a mood. Songs that make you feel that you’re standing your ground with a warriors mentality if I can be dramatic. Growling vocals with these killer guitar riffs keeps each song interesting. Just when a song builds up to a tempest, they will change the rhythm’s up. I heard songs from anywhere to pounding beats to melodic fades on this album.

I was thinking this a solid debut album, nothing special, nothing horrible, but then I played the last three songs. Mud Keepers, Spawning vats, and Path to the Slough Of Despair each brought this album to the next level. These songs were guitar dominant. Faster pace, conquering type of rhythm’s. The killer riffs that I listen to this type of music for. 

Overall it is a solid album. Several tracks build up a slow heavy feel then change quickly with a filthy breakdown. It was these sudden changes that makes this album an album to keep an eye on.