Chingalera

Listing influences like Sabbath, Deep Purple, the Who, King Crimson, Rollins Band, and Tool, there’s only one persuasive force that need be remembered for L.A.’s newest prog metal trio: the Melvins. Released on their own label, In the Shadow of the Black Palm Tree is five tracks of Steve Albini-produced sludge that shreds speaker cones and terrifies small children, compliments of the rhythm section of former Staind-paired band U.P.O. and their guitar tech. "Trust Us True Believers” taps into Zeni Geva’s Desire for Agony for malevolent guidance and "O.T.B.D.” has -16- riffage gurgling up from the grave, funnelled through Theory of Ruin’s amps. The 13-minute "The Occidental Apology” sports the focused yet unhinged doom of Lysol-era Melvins, complete with Theremin screams, and the Helmet-like "Black Palm” brings it up to Stoner Witch speed, though it deftly switches tempos throughout. "Better Living Through Chemistry” (not a QOTSA cover) even features a xylophone and choir during its coda. The accompanying DVD features studio footage, the band’s intriguing take on musical artistry and Albini’s explanation on the flight of bumblebees.