If there is ever a need for modern soundtrack for the classic film The Good, The Bad and the Ugly Pennsylvania's King Dead should get a consideration. The trio's self-titled debut is an infectious blend of dusty six shootin' aural sludge that pulls elements from doom, metal and rock. They simmer this assortment of genres in a delicious western musical marinade. You may think that music pulled from multiple genres would result in an awkward sound. In King Dead's case you would be wrong. The band has a primarily instrumental sound that is gripping, tight, melodic and slinks along with a brash confidence that belies the fact that this is a debut release. The trio know how to work a melody with artfully balanced tempo shifts that skillfully jog through a range of paces with consistently engaging outcomes.
Within a few seconds of the opening track 'Ghosts Along The Riverbank' you get a taste of the vibe that King Dead push throughout the EP. The tones are dreary, plodding, somber, dark, doomy and heavy. The opening song bleeds a sad tale of ache as it grinds along constantly evolving with fresh musical angles of attack by all three musicians. While the music is certainly bleak the numerous tempo changes and creative musical passages keep the somber weight from becoming burdensome. The band doesn't list guitar on their instrumentation so there must be some magical effect pedals at work to create the depth of sound the trio make. Both Wil McG (6-string bass) and Kevin Vanderhoof play bass with Steve Truglio keeping pace on drums.
The next track, and easily this month's winner of longest song-title is 'As One Plows And Breaks Up The Earth, So Our Bones Have Been Scattered At The Mouth Of The Grave'. Long song titles work when the song has a lot to say, and 'As One Plows...' certainly does. The mammoth track clocks in at close to nine minutes of brooding, moody musical discourse that slowly builds into a satisfying roar of blistering basslines and crashing cymbals. When King Dead kick it into high gear, they really bring the Rock. For a band that is so entrenched in the muck of sludgy doom, their ability to create compelling and catchy melodies must be noted. From the curiously distant sounding opening riff to the 'As One Plows...''s flawlessly evolving pace, the song is always offering the listener another engaging musical morsel. 'As One Plows...' proves it is worth every word.
'Length Of Rope' is a track that smacks you with its colourfully deep and twangy bassline and slick use of silence. Aptly titled for their brand of music 'Drowning In Dust' is a short, driving track that starts with the clickety-clack of toms and a creepy atmospheric hum. The swirling dust of tones reprieve briefly to allow a forlorn whistle to rise on top of the mix. This brief whistle is the closest Dead King get to vocals on this EP. The EP ends with provocatively titled 'God Makes a lot of Fucking Promises'. This track oozes atmospheres inspired from old Spaghetti Westerns with their dramatic shrill and twangy tones. It sure sounds like there is going to be a shoot-out on Main Street... Someone get the Sheriff! The 10 minute track builds and builds, by mid-track the saloon doors are kicked open and the sonic intensity climbs to delirious heights. 'God Makes' journeys down plenty of dark musical alleyways drenched in feedback, noise and exploding melodies which end the epic track and persuasive EP on a dizzying high.
King Dead's sound steps outside the comfortable to invent a refreshing take on sludgy-doom infused metal. Yes the EP has ample slow, churning, sludge and murky riffs... but there is also a highly alluring level of robust melody and exhilarating composition. The musicianship is solid throughout the EP and the songs are inviting, creative and sound immense when cranked up to eleven. Sorry neighbours! You won't have to hold up a stagecoach to acquire this gem either. You can pre-order the EP from bandcamp for a buck. A buck! Collect the coinage from under the driver's seat of your car and from beneath your living room sofa. Don't miss out on this release!
