Black Tusk Prepare for the “Desolation of Endtimes”

The dudes in Black Tusk have some serious stones. Not only did they decide to carry on after the death of lead singer Jonathan Athon, but they’ve now decided to release Pillars of Ash, the album they finished recording with Athon right before he lost his life. They’re including his original vocals and everything. That’s a touching tribute, as well as a bold move.

It helps, of course, that the album fucking rips, as displayed by “Desolation of Endtimes,” the new track they’ve just released from Pillars (it doesn’t hurt that the album was produced by Toxic Holocaust’s Joel Grind). The song hits that perfect sweet spot between thrash, sludge, and hardcore that Black Tusk have always been known for. And while hearing Athon’s bellows is at times bittersweet, I have to think that it’s what he would have wanted.

Anyway, check out “Desolation of Endtimes” below. Pillars of Ash drops January 29th on Relapse. Black Tusk heads out on tour with Holy Grail next month, so catch them live at one of these dates.

[via Consequence of Sound]