Evil Blizzard – The Dangers of Evil Blizzard

Menacing vibes engulf the soul on the maliciously titled debut from this UK-based, Mark E. Smith-approved experimental quintet. The quadruple bass-assault is truly cranium-rattling – sometimes a solitary bass will carry a rhythm, other times all four guitar players will play in unison, causing an unholy racket.

Though the music therein is accomplished, part of the group's charm is undoubtedly their unsettling stage presence at their live shows, so while it's a shame that they sometimes have trouble capturing the same eeriness on record, the band still channel an impressively diverse range of styles; Feed The Flames echoes the best aspects of British doom metal, whereas the following track Clones rides on an irresistibly repetitive kraut-groove.

 

Other times, proceedings get floaty and sparse, like on the soothing, moody Sleep. Such an eclectic mix runs the risk of being jarring or disruptive, but Evil Blizzard understand the subtle links between the genres they blend together, so thankfully it's a cohesive, mind-bending journey rather than a frustrating one. [Ross Watson]