Epimetheus - Perseus 9

Bristol’s Epimetheus breaks genre boundaries with new album Perseus 9 as they drift into both post-punk and psych rock depending on the song. The foundation of the band seems rooted in sludge, though not from the apocalyptic Neurosis side of the genre, nor the abrasive punk of a band such as EYEHATEGOD. but rather the more melodic and doom-tinted indie rock strains of the genre. The opening track finds the band transitioning from a brooding tension to a powerful rumble, taking things home effectively on the opening track. This creates a needed dynamic contrast without following a formula.

The darker, more ominous sounding sludge flows into the riff to the second song, which has the feel of a track such as "Filth Pig," a logical sonic crossroads to arrive at considering the genres being merged here, and though are not industrial, as they jam things out in a more organic manner, not unlike the Melvins. Nothing feels tinged with irony, and the intention of these weighty riffs feels steadfast in creating a slowly bludgeoning wall of sound allowed to ebb and flow, rather than its singular focus being just a metallic heaviness; in fact, there are only a few moments I would consider aggressive.  

"Drift Beyond" finds the focus shifting to an angrier rumble balanced by the atmospheric vocals in the background. With a song allowed to sprawl to almost ten minutes, they take their time building up into "Held No More" and you can hear influences that lurk below the surface such as the art rock years of Pink Floyd bubbling to the forefront. It's halfway into the song before they dig back into heavier dynamics. The title track has a more droning stoner grunge feel that takes you back to the Post-Hardcore of the 90s in some ways. This merging of moods and sonic colors is one of the album’s strengths. 

"Calling" finds the band still scratching at that 90's Post-Grunge itch but with a more metallic rumble, while the final track builds things into more of a pounding 90s-tinged sludge stomp. It's a tried-and-true formula that even bands such as Clutch have dusted off. Overall, fans of fringe 90s metal which gained its cult following in the underground will appreciate the elements in play, particularly as these guys pull from a range of influences while still unifying them with cohesion in the moody dynamic nature of what they do

Review by Wil Cifer