Mudbath are a French doom/sludge band and this is their second album.
Mudbath impressed with their 2015 debut album Corrado Zeller, which was a colossal release of crushing doom/sludge.
Although none of the songs on Brine Pool reach the lengthy heights of two out of the three tracks on their first album, that doesn’t mean that they still don’t offer us some of the heaviest doom around.
Not only do Mudbath demolish and destroy with all of the weighty riffs and ugly belligerence that you would expect, but they also manage to throw in some quite atmospheric moments too, upping the enjoyability factor of the release considerably. The band still know how to play massively heavy music, but they’ve also broadened their scope on this latest album.
Brine Pool shows an increase in variety, depth, and songcraft, with more progressive elements and post-metal melodies making appearances than in the past. The intense walls of guitars are still present and correct though, as are the corrosive hate-spewing vocals. They even throw in the odd blackened blast beat here and there to great effect.
Yep, the Mudbath of 2017 is a twisted, tainted beast. The band have always been keen to develop their sound since their first EP in 2012, and each release so far has brought something different. The increased presence of the band operating at both sides of the extremity spectrum on Brine Pool – lighter post-metal/stoner reflective moments juxtaposed against harsh black metal-style blasting – has made for an even more involving and enjoyable release than Corrado Zeller. Which in itself is saying something, as their first album was really, really good.
Mudbath’s new album is a creative and textured tour de force of expressive and emotive sludgy doom metal. With variety, depth, and quality songwriting, Brine Pool has exceeded expectations.
This is a must listen.
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