Band:	Trudger
Album:	Dormiveglia
Style:	Sludge metal
Release date:	August 01, 2014
A review by:	R'Vannith

01. Into The Abysmal Future
02. Become Joyless
03. Tilikum
04. Thickening Fog
05. Barren Grey
06. Devoid
07. State Of Constant Slumber
08. Morgued

Trudger; a name on its way to prominence in the sludge scene. This British band presents a new be-all and end-all for sludge metal, which is to progressively crush the listener into a fine paste with their hardcore assault and use said paste to paint a vision all their own. Trudger are artistes from the school of "hit 'em hard," closely affiliated with the school of "hit 'em where it hurts." Their creative debut, Dormiveglia demonstrates all that is fresh in the genre of sludge.

This is what Mastodon could be doing if they had made the decision to focus on sludge metal as a primary element of their style. Although Trudger move well beyond their Mastodon influence, as well as steering clear of generic sludge, to delve in a diverse new scope as the record pans out, the likes of which are rarely witnessed in what is usually a genre which favours straightforward aggression and impact over stylistic ingenuity. Trudger manage to sustain such an impact, their metal being dynamically driven by a strong hardcore element, and much of this record bears the usual crushing aspect in the delivery which is most obviously witnessed in the vocal arrangements and the thunderous trampling of the rhythm section.

Dormiveglia moves at an unstoppable rate of stylistic variation whilst maintaining the core driving essentials befitting any sludge outfit. It segues from unrestrained yet directed rage to gripping post-metal segments such as that of the one minute spanning "Tilikum" or the attention seizing quietness of the introduction to "State Of Constant Slumber." In this sense the divide between soft and loud may be minimally expressed on the former's part, but when utilised it is extremely effective and noticeable. They offer small windows in what is essentially a wall of technically honed sludge riffs and stylistic abrasiveness.

The tempo takes on many forms, from more closely Mastodon derived mid-tempo numbers such as "Become Joyless" and the volatile pace and tremolo lacing of "Thickening Fog," to the gradual and name suiting trudge of the aforementioned "State Of Constant Slumber" or closer "Morgued" which bring a traceable element of doom to the sludge based sound.

The band's aptitude for track distinction is made abundantly clear on this debut, with no single track following a similar course set by its predecessor. The only problem in the song writing lies in the track intra-variation; in other words, things get set into a repetitive riff basis within the context of each tune, which does somewhat shake the effectiveness of the listening experience, despite its generally varied nature.

The attempt at a more carefully and technically crafted sludge has its repercussions as much as its payoffs for their first full-length studio attempt. The flair is obvious, yet not as obvious as the undoubtable potential that Trudger have in tow.

Available for streaming and digital purchase via Bandcamp.