Every now and then a band comes around that not only perfectly represents its appropriate genre but does so with freshness and accessibility that attracts new listeners to said genre. Chicago’s INDIAN just may be one of those bands. Having just released their first full length “The Unquiet Sky”, they offer a unique spin on doom sludge that could attract a lot more attention to an otherwise small and selective scene.

To describe the sound of INDIAN is to throw out the names of some of doom’s elite, and for a band that represents its genre so profoundly this is certainly to be expected. Vocalist/guitarist Dylan O’Toole is clearly taking a page out of Eyehategod’s book vocally with his diabolical, unintelligible shrieking. On that page, he most likely copied down the dial settings on Matt Pike’s amp and effects, because he’s got that sound down as well. Add in some of the catchiest riffs since KYUSS and mix with pure, unrelenting evil and you have yourself INDIAN.

That being said, it becomes apparent by the time the first note is played that Mr. O’Toole is the star of this show. Then again, a frontman can’t succeed without a solid rhythm section, and thankfully that’s present here too. Bassist Ron Defries and drummer Brian Lynn offer the perfect amount of support for their leader without sounding overpowering or half asleep. Their secret weapon, however, is this: Indian write songs that may be a little long (in addition to the occasional interlude of effects and feedback) but for the novice these songs don’t seem long thanks to intriguing and intense riffs that can be hypnotic but never to the point of boring the listener. Another advantage they have here is their overall dark and sinister vibe, from the cover art of blood and monkeys with thorn crowns to the hellacious vocals and riffing found within. Let’s face it—in the world of metal, evil is always a welcome thing. I can almost feel my soul being dragged a little further down to hell while listening to this…

With such a fine offering as this CD is, it’s hard to believe that this is only their first full length album. If Indian keeps up the way they’re going, they could really be one of the heavy hitters in doom. So for those out there who are too intimidated to plunge right into “Dopesmoker”, let this CD lead you on the path to the dark… sorry… doom side.

- Cardona

OFFICIAL SITE: www.indiandoom.com

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