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Crowbar or should we say Kirk Windstein has recruited 3 new members to release their first new studio album in six years. Fans of the band will not be disappointed. Compared to their last album 'Lifesblood for the Downtrodden' this one is even heavier and more depressive sounding. Slow sludgy, doomy very heavy riffs with the typical raspy vocals of Kirk. "Liquid Sky And Cold Black Earth" even reminds me of Paradise Lost, musically as well as vocally.

On a few songs "The Cemetery Angels", "Sever the Wicked Hand" and "Cleanse Me, Heal Me" the band plays very up tempo. Some metal core influences shine through, especially in the last one. Slow heavy sometimes ballad kind of tracks have the upper hand though and fans know that's when they are at their best. Influences of hardcore, sludge, doom, thrash in well performed melodic songs.

If you liked Crowbar a few years ago, you will still love them. Ultra-heavy slow sludgy riff metal with serene parts. Nothing wrong with that!

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