This third and self-titled disc is the final release from this quartet from Glasgow, Scotland. SNOWBLOOD somehow blended experimental noise drone-rock, crushing slo-mo doom, and crusty punk in a way that's maybe more pleasing to the ear than anyone in their right mind could imagine. I read one review that called it "post metal" which kind of nails it. Maybe it's just me but metal overall has been turned upside down and shaken up a bit since the mid to late 90's. Creativity that never existed before that time is pretty much widespread in this day and age. It's quite nice actually.

Each of the group's lengthy four untitled compositions here (approximately 15 minutes each) has a vibe that is worth exploring in the right frame of mind - whatever that means. "Untitled 2" sports creepy droning drumless tension building up (a la EINSTURZENDE NEUBAUTEN or CASPER BROTZMAN MASSACRE) for about 5 minutes before taking a melodic turn. After almost 10 minutes, the explosion of sonic suffocation is unleashed upon the listener. The band tears apart two chords and a riff a million different ways while keeping things interesting. This is quite the contrast of the "Untitled 1"; changes are abundant without sacrificing listenablity. The first composition has the slow motion metal and noise in spades. The third cut opts for much less of a metal feel along with the '90s "indie/emo" vibe rather than the current model which us old farts can't seem to appreciate. The last cut gives the TOOL comparisons credence yet it is different enough for us that don't like them not to recoil entirely.

If the music were not artistic enough as an added bonus the consumer gets a letter pressed CD cover. The separate inner cardboard lyric sheet has artwork that matches the actual disc. I'm glad I got mine now get yours.

- Herring

OFFICIAL SITE: www.snowblood.com

RELATED ITEMS: SNOWBLOOD - "Being and Becoming", 2005