When you think of Ohio…what comes to mind? Nothing right? Not much happens in Ohio and in fact, the things that come from there tend to truly suck. Want something to listen to that doesn’t suck AND comes from Ohio? Check out this blackened sludge band “Horse Drawn Death Machine”. Their ability to write catchy riffs with a touch of evil sprinkled on top makes their new EP “No Light” one tasty treat. This was shared with me and I listened to it instantly and it was the best thing I’ve done all day! This four song EP is packed with great riffs and I like their tone and style on the axes. The drums aren’t a blast beat fest which I can appreciate, he has his own ominous rhythmic patterns to play over these dark riffs and screams to bring it all together and form a solid album I wasn’t ready for.
At first I wasn’t feeling the vocals, however I stuck with it and it sank in with me. They are different and are definitely unorthodox for this style of music. The first song “Old Bones” is full of energy and has an Exotic Animal Petting Zoo vibe to it. I eventually enjoyed that raspy yelling after a few listens, I wouldn’t have it any other way now! The black metal vocal style is done very very well. The next track kicks on immediately and you never notice the first song ends. The tempo changes slightly and of course there are new riffs to enjoy but the flow from “Old Bones” to “Disconnected” is flawless. There is some southern sludge charm on this song for sure and I dig that guitar solo. Things slow around on the third track as it turns into a slower track called “Early Graves”. The vocals on this track is a raw howling as he screams over the dark riffs. When it’s jam time this song truly shines, the rhythm of it all with those classic guitar solo’s are incredible. Absolutely incredible! I was fully into this song, I love it! Lastly the song “Dark Days” finishes off the EP and it’s as cynical and magical as the rest of the album. I enjoy the lyrics and I definitely like the music. Horse Drawn Death Machine, you have a new fan right here.
The “No Light” EP is one of those albums that just come out of nowhere and kick the shit out of you. I wasn’t expecting this EP to be as good as it is. It’s very mature and very well written for a band that is barely over a year old. These guys are high quality musicians and I bet you’ll be seeing them signed, promoted and touring within 2 years. Great stuff guys! I’m blown away!
4.5 out of 5