ITUS - Primordial (2020)
Marking the first non-single, non-cover
release from this Canadian band, Itus' EP Primordial
comes together as just over twenty minutes of sludgy doom with an
emphasis on melodic hooks. Balancing out that grooviness with
high-pressure harshness from the vocals and guitar tone, opening
track “Cloud Reader” pulls listeners in with alternations and
build-up of those two sides, Good flavor, solid riffing, and
impressive back-and-forth between the band-members kicks things off
with a strong lead, picked up by “Question Everything”. Changing
to a crunching rhythm for the opening portion of its run, the second
song settles into a heavy grind, with plenty of change-ups to keep
things interesting, and a rattling climax followed by a feedback
bridge.
The
title track takes middle position, with the vocals mixed into a
submerged crush for the slower parts, but rising back up in the mix
to match tempo escalations. It also features maybe the hookiest riff
on the EP, and finds its counter-weight in a haunting scream before
kicking in more of their sludge influence. Rather than settle into a
predictable pattern, they follow that with “This Can't Be”, a
moody, contemplative piece which takes more from funeral doom in its
styling. Drawn-out chord strains and sustained tone adjustments
complement the (mostly) clean vocals, pulling thoughts of early Bell
Witch material to mind.
Lastly,
“The Chaplain” brings the EP to a close on a lush and vibrant
note, with early tone study gradually turning to a concrete
structure, joined by vocals and regular chording. Taking its pacing
carefully, the song grows in sinister intensity and pressure, riding
its way up to a pounding crescendo and feedback finish. A very
strong first release, and well worth checking out for doom fans
looking for something with some brains behind the fuzz.
~
Gabriel
For
Fans Of; Dead Hand, The Hyle, Nest, NIXA, Wolf Blood
~
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