Black Tusk - Taste the Sin [2010]

There’s something in the water down in Savannah, GA. This is my first vinyl review for Eyehatehaggard. I’m very excited! What better than to start with Savannah Georgia’s super sludgy Black Tusk. I picked up this record when Black Tusk shared the stage with Pentagram in Orlando, FL on May 23rd. The new LP, Taste the Sin, was released by Relapse records on May 25th. Fans of Kylesa, Crowbar and ASG will eat up these ferocious southern grooves.

Disgusting guitar tones mix with the vocal diversity establish a unique spin on what is typically a more depressing genre traditionally. Elements of hardcore and thrash blend with these nasty swamp grooves, and with that Black Tusk is able to half time their riffs at certain points without sounding contrived. Swampy breakdowns and “mosh parts” for lack of better terminology. Erratic vocal patterns add a great sense of unifying immediacy. Combining their colorful, and sinful, language this record starts sprinting from the second the listener can “embrace the madness” with the debut track. The album is steady with the majority of its riffing, but will surprise the listener with a few mathy-hardcore spastic timings and patterns. This album is raw and shows a great deal of personal satisfaction with its organization.

The conclusion to the record is a four part epic called “Double Clutcin”. This song is definitely meant to be enjoyed atop of a motorcycle. Complete the package with artwork by John. Dyer Baizley and you’re all set!

9/10 decaying pigs for Black Tusk.

I can’t stress this enough. SEE THEM LIVE. Their live performance is phenomenally tight and entertaining.

Feel free to purchase their new record here (some of the vinyls are pink!): http://shop.relapse.com/store/product.aspx?ProductID=38219

Favorite track: Way of Horse and Bow

Catch them on tour with Zoroaster and Dark Castle!
6/15 Birmingham, AL @ The Nick
6/16 Memphis, TN @ Hi Tone Café
6/17 Oklahoma City, OK @ The Conservatory
6/18 Dallas, TX @ The Lounge On Elm
6/19 Austin, TX @ Emo's
6/21 Albuquerque, NM @ Burt's Tiki Lounge
6/23 Ramona, CA @ Ramona Mainstage
6/24 Hollywood, CA @ Viper Room
6/25 Oakland, CA @ Oakland Metro
6/26 San Francisco, CA @ Thee Parkside
6/28 Portland, OR @ Satyricon
6/29 Seattle, WA @ Funhouse
7/1 Salt Lake City, UT @ Club Vegas
7/2 Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge
7/3 Kansas City, MO @ Riot Room
7/4 St. Paul, MN @ Turf Club
7/6 Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle
7/7 Newport, KY @ Southgate House
7/8 Pittsburg, PA @ 31st Street Pub
7/9 New York, NY @ Webster Hall
7/10 Philadelphia, PA @ Khyber