Band:	Alaskan
Album:	Despair, Erosion, Loss
Style:	Sludge metal
Release date:	February 28, 2014
A review by:	Boxcar Willy

01. Sacrifice
02. Fiend
03. Inferno
04. Submerged
05. Guiltless
06. Eternal

Post-metal or whatever has been around for much longer than I thought. Seeing reviews and listening to albums from over a decade ago opened my eyes to a genre I once thought was a modern trend, much like the rise of "blackgaze". After finding this out, and listening to Alaskan's new sophomore album, Despair, Erosion, Loss, I've learned that even with existing for over 10 years, this genre still isn't dull or stagnant.

After a two year hiatus (minus a great split EP with Co-Pilot), this Ontarian band has moulded together a second full-length release that clocks in at around 35 minutes, which happens to be the perfect length for this ADHD-riddled teen. The album starts with a vast wall of sound created by blasting drums; harsh, heavy hitting chords; and fat bass lines that 70's funk bands would be jealous of. The wall of noise is full of many layers, that, when sifted through, create a very rich and wide atmosphere. The different tones of the guitars range from heavy (and I mean HEAVY) to ambient and fragile. The bass lines are ever present in the mix, which is always a plus. They pulse and throb throughout and with the small amount of fuzz they even add to the chaotic and overwhelming atmosphere during the more heavy interludes. The drums create a sort of energy that's unmatched. Throughout the album they build and build until they overflow with sludgy goodness and they crash chaotically over before they start to build again. The whole album proceeds in this way, building up and crashing out. Some sections even become slightly psychedelic, such as the intro to "Eternal". The album's production is nearly flawless. Everything is where it needs to be, everything is audible, and nothing is overbearing. It's just perfection. Overall the release is a very strong one; this is a fantastic album to start 2014 off with.

LISTEN. NAO.