Review Summary: Sludge band Thou get both dirty and clean with this short but well executed EP.
Although releasing a very solid full length in July of 2008, Thou popped out this interesting EP the very next month, which although remaining true to their sludge aesthetic, experiments in both directions of the sub-genre.
The first track ‘What Blood Still Flows From These Veins’ begins with a rise of feedback before introducing the band’s typical sludgy riffing and aggravated vocal style. It does not take long for the song to show how Thou differentiate themselves amongst other sludge outfits; there is an addictive progression to their composition, the riffs remaining heavy as f
uck but not being monotonous in the least. The way the band incorporates melody into the belligerent base of their music is also remarkably well done.
Needless to say, the EP is fairly removed from what Thou laid down on their most recent full length. ‘What Blood Still Flows From These Veins’ slows itself down into somewhat of a droning song, both ambient and noisy; still, it is executed without any hindrances and the song comes off as an authentic sludge/fusion/noise/drone/awesome form of their style.
The experimentation continues with the second track ‘Acceptance’, albeit in a completely different manner. Almost the entirety of the ‘sludge’ that defines the band is non-existent throughout the song, and in its stead Thou plough through post-metal territory, combining soft/loud dynamics with a remarkable grasp over melody and build-up. It may be something totally different from what Thou have previously recorded, but it’s safe to say that the band handles the different style of music extraordinarily well.
Although at only two songs,
The Retaliation Of The Immutable Force Of Nature is an excellent addition to the band’s discography, and in a way evidence of the band’s firm grip over their own talents.
