Talk about seeing some shit. We all have our own harrowing experiences, and no matter what that entails, it impacts us. Going back to this well, the last four years have been tragic and sobering for many of us as our world has changed significantly. But giving up doesn’t have to be an option, so let’s consider what carrying on might bring us.
“Find a Way Forward” is the first new Black Tusk record in six years, and they have dealt with their share of heartbreak and trauma. But here we are in 2024, and the band—guitarist/vocalist Andrew Fidler, guitarist/vocalist Chris “Scary” Adams, bassist/vocalist/synth player Derek Lynch, drummer/vocalist James May—is trying to ignite positivity, especially after they have suffered such loss and torment. But they never stopped, and this record keeps piling onto their Southern-fried sludge, their endless optimism that we can overcome our downfalls, losses, and grief and come out on the other side more battle-tested for it.
“Out of Grasp” rips open, gnarly howls digging into your skin, the screamy yowls teaming up with the grime, which happens over the whole record. And every Black Tusk record. A melodic gust whips as everything tangles and burns out in chaos. “Brushfire” brings throaty howls and heavy chugging, a dark haze hanging over with the howl of, “I am your burning!” corroding flesh. The heat keeps piling on, wrecking completely, ending in department store muzak. “Harness (The Alchemist)” starts with the bass unloading, the stunted shouts of “Ashes! Dust!” laying waste. The playing feels like a brawl, trudging and caking blood, fluid leads taking over and adding some light, the final gusts feeling surprisingly catchy. “Lessons Through Deception” lets sounds hang in the air, gruff growls working alongside boiling guitars, the howls and shrieks joining up for madness. “The fire will burn!” signals danger ahead, speeding through heat and ash. “Breath of Life” lasers in, the humidity working up to an uncomfortable level, the vocals teaming and increasing the terrors. The drums combust before the playing pulls back a bit, allowing the leads to heat up, a slow churn to thicken, and a noise bath to flood over the rim.
“Dance on Your Grave” starts with a thick bassline stalking, and then the power ignites, the band delivering a punk-fueled attack. The playing is speedy and fiery, the howls lacerating as the madness gets more impenetrable, lathering with spirit before burning off. “Against the Undertow” drives with propulsive guitars and vocals breathing fire, the bludgeoning taking on even more menace. The vocals then are spat out at a frantic clip, stomping guts into the ground. “Lift Yourself” backs in feedback and ferocious riffs, guttural wails taking its liberties with applying damage. The leads rush as back-and-forth vocals play tug of war with your physical well-being, drawing blood and letting it create a sticky tributary. “Ocean of Obsidian” is a quick breather, an instrumental cut with tingling, warbling sounds, feeling hypnotic and slurry, setting the stage for “Flee From Dawn” that immediately takes off. Charring yells mix with stomping playing, letting your blood race dangerously as the voices take turns destroying you. The tempo gets speedier and strangling, bringing everything to a flattering finish. Closer “The Way Forward” opens with an acoustic tease before grease fires rage out of control, gravelly howls peeling flesh from muscle. Twin leads glimmer as the playing thrashes and glows, throwing some final bare-knuckle shots before fading into filth.
Black Tusk have had their share of triumphs and tragedies, and the fact they use “Find a Way Forward” as a positive thrust into improvement is a testament to their strength. The band is as blistering and bludgeoning as ever, and these tracks feel like they fly by while you’re finding yourself absolutely scorched. It’s great to see this band still standing, making thunderous music, and setting an example for others who are struggling and could use some positive reinforcement as they claw their way back.
For more on the band, go here: https://www.facebook.com/BlackTusk
To buy the album (U.S.), go here: https://shopusa.season-of-mist.com/band/black-tusk
Or here (International): https://shop.season-of-mist.com/
For more on the label, go here: https://www.season-of-mist.com/
Meat Mead Metal 