The Mound Builders

Ah, the self-titled debut album from Mound Builders, a band that is no stranger to the underground music scene. This Hoosier outfit brings some serious riffage, pounding drums, and guttural vocals to the table, creating a sound that's as heavy as a sack of bricks. From the moment the opening track kicks in, you can tell these guys mean business. "Crushing Bones" sets the tone for the rest of the album, with its relentless onslaught of sludgy goodness. The guitars are downright filthy, the bass is thunderous, and the drums are as tight as a duck's arse. The standout track for me has to be "Colossus," a colossal slab of metal that will pummel you into submission. The band's influences are clear, with nods to the likes of Mastodon, High on Fire, and Black Sabbath, but Mound Builders manage to put their own unique spin on things. There are moments of pure sonic carnage on this album, with tracks like "Doomsday" and "Bloodsucker" threatening to take your head off. But there are also moments of beauty, such as the haunting acoustic interlude "Echoes of the Earth," which adds a nice bit of contrast to the heaviness. Overall, Mound Builders have delivered a solid debut that will leave you with a sore neck from all the headbanging. If you're a fan of sludge, doom, or just good old-fashioned heavy metal, this album is definitely worth checking out.