Album Review: Black Tusk – The Way Forward (Season of Mist)

‘The Way Forward’ might be the Savannah swamp metal crew’s seventh album, but it marks many firsts for Black Tusk. It’s their first with their new lineup, which sees guitarist Chris “Scary” Adams and bassist Derek Lynch joining Fidler and drummer James May. Which also makes it Black Tusk’s first record with a two-guitar lineup. The new album will be released on April 26th, 2024, via Season of Mist.

Reinvigorated and ready to show what they can do now; Black Tusk return with an absolute banger of an album. A high energy, sludgy, punky, groovy, and riffy album that delivers passion and excitement from the very beginning with heavy power of Out of Grasp. The thick riffs are one thing, the hooky beat is another, but those duelling vocals are just exceptional.

It’s a superhot start, but Black Tusk just keep increasing the heat with filthy and furious sounding track after track. There will be some serious riff worship once Brushfire is heard, some serious admiration for the perfect balance of punk and metal once Harness (The Alchemist) and Lessons Through Deception are heard, and so much love for the creative level Black Tusk have reached when Breath of Life is heard.

This track is the album’s beast. Not just the longest track, but also the most vibrant and imaginative effort of all. From the opening touch of atmospheric synth, to the roaring riffing and thumping drums that follow. Then throw in the vocal ferocity, the body shaking groove sections, the stunning guitar soloing, and some progressive touches. All of this makes this such a memorable listen, but as good as it is, it’s the whole album that hits in the end.

It ain’t pretty, but god-damn, it’s fun.

Fun that continues with energetic aplomb on the smile inducing Dance on Your Grave and the head-banger that is Against the Undertow. You really will fall in love with the constant intense approach that Black Tusk take here. Abrasive music rarely sounds this addictive.

It can’t be stated enough just how well all the parts of Black Tusk work together, and how no aspect overshadows the other. Up to this point it has been incredibly well balanced, and that doesn’t change with the chunky punk fire of Lift Yourself. Followed then by something quite different in the form of Ocean of Obsidian, a track all about expanding atmosphere and moody vibes. Before this stellar release wraps up with two heavyweight head-bangers in the form of Flee from Dawn and the title track. Right to the very end, Black Tusk keep the energy up, and it satisfies fully.

Black Tusk – The Way Forward Track Listing:

1. Out of Grasp
2. Brushfire
3. Harness (The Alchemist)
4. Lessons Through Deception
5. Breath of Life
6. Dance on Your Grave
7. Against the Undertow
8. Lift Yourself
9. Ocean of Obsidian
10. Flee from Dawn
11. The Way Forward

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