WSOU Picks of the Week: Mastodon, The Drip, Zeal & Ardor
Seton Hall University’s WSOU radio is the only all-metal, all-the-time station currently broadcasting in the US, and as been a force in metal for DECADES. It’s also streamable online from anywhere in the world! Each week, the staff of WSOU shares their picks for the heaviest of the heavy, as well as the station’s charts for that week, right here on MetalSucks. Enjoy:
Mastodon – “Sultan’s Curse” (Mike C.)
Reminiscent of Crack The Skye and Blood Mountain, Mastodon brings us the first single from their upcoming concept album Emperor of Sand. I’ve personally liked every Mastodon album, but Crack The Skye holds a special place as the one that first got me into the band. If “Sultan’s Curse” is any indication, Emperor of Sand will draw on what people love about their classic albums and expand that into something new and unique. I’m so hyped to hear what the rest of the album brings. Emperor of Sand will be released on March 31.
The Drip – “Painted Ram” (Bobby B.)
The Drip have toured a lot over the last two years, promoting their EPs and their brand of crust punk, grindcore and death metal, and the Washington quintet has put out a strong, brutal debut album on Relapse Records. The band has progressed a lot from their early days and they’ve created a sound that’s both hectic and extreme but at times melodic and pleasant. “Painted Ram” is the perfect example of this format, starting out with a catchy main riff and hook, incorporating a harmonized dual guitar and introducing a well-placed, slower tempo section towards the middle of the song. This one’s has been a mainstay of my DJ shift and will continue to be for a long time.
Zeal & Ardor – “Come On Down” (Nick D.)
One of the most interesting combination of genres you will ever hear comes from Zeal & Ardor. You would never think combining traditional American slave blues and black metal together would work, but you’re mistaken; the band transitions seamlessly between the two, giving it a haunting vibe. It’s one of the most interesting things you will hear this year, for sure. This song makes me feel like I’m wearing corpse paint in Civil War era times.
