Album Review: Tuskar – Matriarch (Church Road Records)

The wait is finally over for Tuskar’s much anticipated debut album Matriarch. Compromised of drummer/vocalist Tyler Hodges and guitarist Tom Dimmock, Tuskar have built up a formidable reputation on the live circuit. Their unmistakable energy and ferocity has marked them out as
UK sludge metal’s most exciting prospects.

This debut album follows 2017’s Arianrhod EP and 2018’s The Tide, Beneath the Wall EP. It is also the duo’s Church Road Records debut and will be released on February 25th, 2022.

A few months after witnessing the live spectacle that was Tuskar when they supported Boss Keloid in London, the memory still remains strong. Such was the absolute power this band, this duo, exuded. It was a standout introduction so; it is no surprise that there is a lot of excitement around this debut full-length.

The excitement comes from seeing if they are capable of matching that live intensity on record.

Holy hell, do they. This 7-track sludge behemoth is a delight to listen too. An album of ferocity and fire but also an album of depth and meaning. One that kicks off with intent as the title track comes in at just shy of 12-minutes.

Here, Tuskar create a brooding soundscape that builds fuzzy and bass heavy sounds. The anticipation of a sludge explosion is palatable but Tuskar take their time. The methodical thump of the drums, the dreamy edge that the guitars have and then boom! Off they go and it is spectacular. Though they’re far from done from upending the rhythm as this is a track that delivers a really uncomfortable middle before re-emerging with pounding heaviness. If there’s one track that sums up what Tuskar are so very good at, it is this one.

It’s something much more concise with To the Sky after that colossus opener though. Here, Tuskar get a little groovier, faster and just as heavy. A real punch to the head, especially when it drops away into echoing guitar melody at the halfway point, only to come back with even more force.

The Trees, The Trees, The Trees is a different, but equally thrilling listen. One with a ton of post-like atmosphere and based in more comforting melodious tones. Call that a ‘palette cleanser’ as Halcyon Gilt comes with an increasing tempo and muscle-aching rhythmic beat. One that breaks as the vocals (that have a hardcore style to them) come screaming out and the track erupts like an out-of-control volcano. The life-destroying magma is the sludge that Tuskar exude and it swallows all.

Far less coy, Into the Sea starts heavy and stay that way throughout most of its 5+ minute runtime. There are no complaints though because, as always, Tuskar layer this track with so many fine details, it makes for an electrifying listen. It’s also a track that is all about head-banging as the duo push and push their limits to the highest.

Talking of layers though… Into the Sea might be the most intriguing track on the album for its peaks and valleys. From the airy melody and small drum beats that introduce the song. To the exposed vocals that play over it further along and the desperate expulsion of heavy noise. To the heartfelt drops into calmness and eventual wild, chaotic urgent finale. An absolute beast of a track that may be up there as the best thing Tuskar have ever produced.

Though they’re not quite done wowing as Grave wraps things up with all the meaty power that this band can somehow create being just a duo. It’s what wowed live and it continues here as chuggy guitars, dangerous sounding drum beats, roaring vocals and so much more combine to end things in explosive style.

An album of the year contender. Get on board with Tuskar now because this band are about to become huge and it’s going to be so well deserved.

Tuskar – Matriarch Full Track Listing:

1. Matriarch
2. To the Sky
3. The Trees, The Trees, The Trees
4. Halcyon Gilt
5. Into the Sea
6. Shame
7. Grave

Links

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