Cost: $1.99
I must mention metal-archives' choice of genre for the band, since I was unfamiliar with them and that's immediately where I went to look for information: "Blackened Sludge/Post-Metal." Surprisingly, for the first real song after the intro track, that descriptor is pretty apt. There are fast sections in the song which riff-wise and stylistically are total black metal, but there's an unusual thickness to the sound, particularly the guitars, that is unusual. So it does indeed sound like a more sludge or doom-inclined band playing black metal. If nothing else, I can say that it was rather different, and wouldn't have minded an album full of such material.
However, the black metal influence tapers off immediately after the first track, and by the time you get to the disc's last four tracks, the "Solicit to Fall" EP, there's none. So the majority of the disc is that post-metal stuff which mixes together a lot of elements, primarily sludge and hardcore here. I see these kinds of projects and even this CD specifically get all sorts of accolades for transcending genres and such nonsense, but I find it to be lowest common denominator music. The overall heaviness is pleasing, sure, and there are occasional bleak riffs, but that's to be expected from bands that draw their influences from so many styles. There are bits and parts that are alright, but I found it forgettable as a whole. On a positive note I will say many bands who attempt similar things use HC-style vocals (which I absolutely hate), and Planks does not. They're a hoarse roar, reminding me of death'n'roll style vox.
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