Black Cobra – Chronomega (2009)

Black Cobra is a two man band that plays very rudimentary but effective Sludge/Doom Metal, something that newer bands have problems doing so, by trying to be ‘extra awesome’ and using assloads of different distortions and fancy recording gimmicks.

“Chronomega” features 9 tracks of crushing Sludge Metal, now on Southern Lord, the band shows that their basic style is effective enough to trump any other release of this genre. It’s heavy, is ‘sluggish’, is lo-fi, and it’s very effective.

Formed in 2002, the band has released 3 full-length albums and they show no signs of getting tired. Each of these releases was an improvement over the previous one, and with “Chronomega” they have reached a pinnacle in their career. Making it seem easy the band writes song after song of very quality music (in the genre), all elements are right in place and they just chug at it minute over minute of this album.

The riffing is very simple but effective in creating chaotic melodies that are perfectly complemented by tight drumming and not-so-annoying screamed vocals. No need for any fancy vocal FX’s or any other distortions within the songs. Black Cobra has discovered their own guitar distortion and they stick to it, no need for any other technical bullshit.

If you are a fan of Sludge/Doom Metal, then you can’t get any better than “Chronomega” from Black Cobra, the band is at the top of their game, and I would expect better and better releases from them in the future. The band is a great addition to the already impressive roster of Southern Lord. So if this is not enough reason for you to go an get this album, you should just stop listening to Metal and go back to your Nsync albums.

Release: September 29th, 2009

Country: USA