I've always been interested in finding out where a band gets its name from. Unfortunately, I also have a very cinematic imagination. The combination of both can often invoke nightmares and haunting panic attacks, especially when I'm reminded of the barbaric creatures we once were and actually still are. So when I see a band name like 'Rongeur', I surf to wikipedia and check out some stuff. "One: 'Rongeur' is a French word that means rodent or 'gnawer'. Two: A rongeur can be used to open a window in bone, often in the skull. It is used in neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery to expose areas for operation". Believe me, it's getting fascinating in my head at this moment...
In Norway there's a band with the same name and (to some people) also with the same effect. What this trio generates can cause headaches, that's for sure. Their (mainly) slow, groovy sludge is simple but extremely effective. The band is made up of current and former members of Trollfest, Ampmandens Døtre and Exeloume, to create music without boundaries or restrictions, as long as it was raw and heavy. This CD constists of two demo-tapes, “Catastrophist” (2013) and “As the Blind Strive” (2014), which were compiled on a cassette-release by Aonair Productions. Now it's available on CD and as a digital download through Disiplin Media.
The music can be described as sludge and stoner doom with a flair for vintage riffing and contemporary heaviness. Other bands that often come to mind are Eyehategod, Melvins, High On Fire and Crowbar. Yet, the 'no genre limitations' make up for some surprises along the way. Here and there I can hear some industrial influences, especially in some of the vocals that sound pretty similar to Nailbomb. On other occasions Rongeur likes to experiment with a rougher sounding version of post-metal. However, all the songs have the same intensity and power as modern day sludge vehicles. As far as heaviness in concerned, Rongeur doesn't have to vail to the likes of Conan or Neurosis. The seven songs on this album are solid sludge tracks with a lot of potential. Each one of them has the power to entertain and crush a live audience, that's for sure.
To conclude: The Catastrophist & As The Blind Strive is an excellent overview of the evolution of this Norwegian trio. Their experience in different bands has given them an interesting advantage, the possibility to bring a lot of variation to the devastating sound of sludge metal. It does make me curious about new material in the near future and also toward live performances. Because, after all, the stage is still the best place to enjoy this kind of music...
Serge
In Norway there's a band with the same name and (to some people) also with the same effect. What this trio generates can cause headaches, that's for sure. Their (mainly) slow, groovy sludge is simple but extremely effective. The band is made up of current and former members of Trollfest, Ampmandens Døtre and Exeloume, to create music without boundaries or restrictions, as long as it was raw and heavy. This CD constists of two demo-tapes, “Catastrophist” (2013) and “As the Blind Strive” (2014), which were compiled on a cassette-release by Aonair Productions. Now it's available on CD and as a digital download through Disiplin Media.
The music can be described as sludge and stoner doom with a flair for vintage riffing and contemporary heaviness. Other bands that often come to mind are Eyehategod, Melvins, High On Fire and Crowbar. Yet, the 'no genre limitations' make up for some surprises along the way. Here and there I can hear some industrial influences, especially in some of the vocals that sound pretty similar to Nailbomb. On other occasions Rongeur likes to experiment with a rougher sounding version of post-metal. However, all the songs have the same intensity and power as modern day sludge vehicles. As far as heaviness in concerned, Rongeur doesn't have to vail to the likes of Conan or Neurosis. The seven songs on this album are solid sludge tracks with a lot of potential. Each one of them has the power to entertain and crush a live audience, that's for sure.
To conclude: The Catastrophist & As The Blind Strive is an excellent overview of the evolution of this Norwegian trio. Their experience in different bands has given them an interesting advantage, the possibility to bring a lot of variation to the devastating sound of sludge metal. It does make me curious about new material in the near future and also toward live performances. Because, after all, the stage is still the best place to enjoy this kind of music...
Serge
