There are things out there in the world that make you laugh wholeheartedly with how heavy they are. There are also things out there in the world that make you go “huh?”. The best things are those that do both these things at the same time and I’m proud to present to you one of those right here, right now, in the form of Subetroth. What is this? While their music can certainly be described as avant-garde doom, they sound nothing like their others in the sub-genre, like SubRosa for example. Subetroth, however, are so damn weird and doom-based that this is the only label that fits. They blend fretless guitar and bass with Southern/Western folk instruments and a doom so heavy, it makes you laugh. OK, just head on below for your first listen so I don’t have to tie my tongue into any more knots.
That sure is one hell of a ride, huh? It’s really unique to hear a band bake their folk influences so deeply into the composition, utilizing them as their own instrumental layer. Alongside them is one of the sickest bass tones I’ve heard in a while, coupled with varied vocals and rich guitars. This is doom alright, albeit with its own twist. Right as we think that everything has settled down after a few minutes of heavy experimentation, “Ungrown Tug” explodes in our faces. The high screeches, the insane drums, the entire track just suddenly careens. And the crazy part? The heavy psych/doom vibes come back, this time accompanied by a goddamn harmonica!
The band’s history is a little calmer but no less satisfying. Where the upcoming Agnozia (which releases today so you’d better get on it) is all chaos, the preceding Native Alien is pent up aggression and even deeper abysses of sound. “Ullr’usa Plague” specifically is one of the heaviest tracks I’ve ever heard and it’s damn good for that. So, in short, get yourself some Subetroth in your life right now, whether of the newfangled, avant-garde variety or the more deeply resonate flavors of yesteryear. Or get them both, I’m not going to tell you what to do, no one’s watching. Get them both.