Black Tusk – The Way Forward
Black Tusk – The Way Forward
Season of Mist
Release date: 26/04/2024
Running time: 35:54
Review by: Alun Jones
9/10
Black Tusk return with their seventh album (no, I can’t believe it, either), which they’ve entitled “The Way Forward”. It’s their first as a four piece, with Andrew Fidler (guitar/vocals) and drummer James May now augmented by guitarist Chris “Scary” Adams and bassist Derek Lynch.
The past few years have been tough for the band members, but their indestructible determination and formidable will has seen them stride onward regardless. It’s this perseverance that provides the album with its title and its unifying theme. Undeniably, the Sludge Metal sound is there as expected, but with additional guitar parts and a feeling of relentless tenacity.
Lead track ‘Out of Grasp’ and ‘Brushfire’ are both furious samples of big, dirty riffs played with furious conviction. It’s a fast paced set of aggressive yet entertaining energy – as a listener, I was dragged along with the band and could appreciate their steadfast refusal to let the ills of the world conquer them.
Many of the songs are around the three-minute mark, meaning we rarely get chance for a breather. ‘Breath of Life’ and the title track both have the opportunity to expand a little, though neither relinquishes their sheer intensity. The instrumental ‘Ocean of Obsidian’ is the slowest, trippiest number here, featuring a cavernous, cathedral-like sound.
So welcome back, Black Tusk. With “The Way Forward” they’ve dredged the swamp and pulled up a steaming, ruthless slab of metal that sounds unforgiving but positive. Absolutely bloody great!
TRACKLISTING:
01. Out of Grasp
02. Brushfire
03. Harness (The Alchemist)
04. Lessons Through Deception
05. Breath of Life
06. Dance On Your Grave
07. Against The Undertow
08. Lift Yourself
09. Ocean of Obsidian
10. Flee From Dawn
11. The Way Forward
LINE-UP:
Andrew Fidler – guitars, vocals
James May – Drums, vocals
Chris “Scary” Adams – guitars, vocals
Derek Lynch – bass, vocals, synths
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Alun Jones and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
