Black Tusk Returns with New Album The Way Forward, First Single “Brushfire” Out Now
Adversity in life is unavoidable. Unexpected car problems, the loss of a loved one, the end of a long-term relationship… these things happen. For those that need a little sonic reminder to keep going with the power of sludge metal, Savannah, Georgia’s Black Tusk are back with a new band aptly titled The Way Forward.
Set for release on April 26 via Season of Mist, guitarist and vocalist Andrew Fidler said The Way Forward has a singular common theme.
“The big theme of this record is putting your life back together. When everything seems like it’s against you, put your head down and push through. Take those bad things that are happening and use them to help create.”
Through the album’s 11 new tracks, The Way Forward is a new chapter for Black Tusk, with the band boasting a brand new lineup and the addition of a second guitarist to the mix. As it stands, the band is comprised of newbloods guitarist Chris “Scary” Adams and bassist Derek Lynch joining Fidler and drummer James May. (No, not that James May.)
With another axeman in the band, Fidler said Black Tusk was able to do things on this record that they haven’t been able to do before. And that’s something fans should be excited about.
“We were able to add leads and harmonies and all kinds of stuff on the new record that we haven’t done in the past. As far as our records go, this one has the most guitar work.”
In addition to the added guitar, the band now has four vocal paths rather than the three they were originally using.
As for “Brushfire,” the tune was originally conceived by the band’s new bassist Lynch. According to him, that song means a lot to me as a newcomer to Black Tusk.
“That was my first real contribution to the band. Thematically, I wanted the aggressiveness of the lyrics to keep with the idea of pushing forward even when the world is trying to drag you down. The mood of the lyrics needed to match the pulverizing tempo of the song.”
The Way Forward will be available on April 26 via Season of Mist, though you can preorder or pre-save your copy today.
The Way Forward Tracklist
1. Out Of Grasp – 2:47
2. Brushfire – 2:22
3. Harness (The Alchemist) – 2:35
4. Lessons Through Deception – 2:14
5. Breath Of Life – 5:12
6. Dance On Your Grave – 2:54
7. Against The Undertow – 3:06
8. Lift Yourself – 3:31
9. Ocean Of Obsidian – 2:50
10. Flee From Dawn – 3:38
11. The Way Forward – 4:40
Total runtime: 35:54
