BISON — Dark Ages (review)

BISON — Dark Ages album cover Album · 2010 · Sludge Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
Pelata
Canada’s Bison B.C. return with their second full-length for Metal Blade Records and, after a few spins, the band members seem to have outdone themselves. This record carries everything up a notch… the Doomy atmospheres, the stomping Stoner grooves, the intricate arrangements and the impressive musicianship. There is no holding back, no simplifying, no softening up under the guise of “broadening their fanbase”. These guys do what they do and you either like it or you don’t.

“Two-Day Booze” just comes in ripping the doors off with it’s harmonized guitar intro before diving into a beastly groove… loads of aggression in this one. “Take The Next Exit” shows a little thrash metal influence with it’s neck-snapping opening riff before the Pink-ish verse kicks in. In fact, a lot of the vocals have a very Punk-like vibe about them, but run from screaming growls to angsty yelling. The 8-minute-plus opening track “Stressed Elephant” is simply superb. Some of the parts of this songs remind me of some of the more modern, post-metal bands like Isis or Irepress… that sonic wall guitar tone and the suffocating riffs… but with a tad more groove about it. “Fear Cave” offers more weighty, doom-laden madness with thrashy, head-banging moments thrown in for good measure.

All in all, I’d say Dark Ages is a more than worthy follow up to Quiet Earth. I love it and will find myself spinning it often, no doubt. Seek it out… it will be worth whatever it takes for you to own it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to punish myself incessantly for missing their show w/ High On Fire in 2010.
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