Toronto, ON's Battlebear have been making a name for themselves over the past year with killer live performances, playing shows with the likes of Greber, Lazer/Wulf and Revocation, among others. Now, they're releasing their highly anticipated debut six-track EP, cleverly titled Grimm Horton's. The trio feature members of Ayahuasca, Guiltfeeder and Signifier, and combine death metal, grindcore and crust punk to create a massive, annihilating sound.
"Forked Tongue" starts Grimm Horton's off with an onslaught of chaotic riffage and pulverizing drums. Then "Cowards" begins with fast, visceral punk tones before laying into sludgy, grime-filled rhythms. "Mystery Box" is crust at its finest, while also maintaining an upbeat stride before "Battlebear" brings things back down to muddy, harsh belligerence.
"Salt & Vinegar Tourniquet" and the title track, which closes the release, feature crashing abrasive clamour alongside huge heavy riffs, which provide a contrast in tones that work so well together. Tenacious and corrosive vocals throughout the EP, as well as Battlebear's live-off-the-floor approach, add to the raw intensity of the release, which is juxtaposed by their tongue-in-cheek lyrical themes. This comedic, light-hearted aspect of the band is refreshing, while their aggressive riffs and dynamic tones define their sound.
(Independent)"Forked Tongue" starts Grimm Horton's off with an onslaught of chaotic riffage and pulverizing drums. Then "Cowards" begins with fast, visceral punk tones before laying into sludgy, grime-filled rhythms. "Mystery Box" is crust at its finest, while also maintaining an upbeat stride before "Battlebear" brings things back down to muddy, harsh belligerence.
"Salt & Vinegar Tourniquet" and the title track, which closes the release, feature crashing abrasive clamour alongside huge heavy riffs, which provide a contrast in tones that work so well together. Tenacious and corrosive vocals throughout the EP, as well as Battlebear's live-off-the-floor approach, add to the raw intensity of the release, which is juxtaposed by their tongue-in-cheek lyrical themes. This comedic, light-hearted aspect of the band is refreshing, while their aggressive riffs and dynamic tones define their sound.