Album Review: Toadliquor – Back In The Hole

🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: First Crush
Track 2: Recained
Track 3: Entry Level Position
Track 4: In Gold
Track 5: Basement
Track 6: Open Trough Funeral
Track 7: Back in the Hole

🎸 Album Review:
Toadliquor’s latest offering, ‘Back In The Hole’, is a visceral and intense journey through the depths of sludge metal. The band, known for their uncompromising sound and bleak lyrical themes, delivers an album that is as heavy as it is cathartic. With a tracklist that includes songs like “First Crush” and “Open Trough Funeral”, Toadliquor explores themes of despair, isolation, and the darkness that resides within us all.

From the opening track, “First Crush”, Toadliquor sets the tone for the album with crushing riffs, thunderous drums, and guttural vocals that seem to emanate from the depths of a dark, cavernous abyss. The band’s sound is characterized by dense layers of distortion, feedback, and dissonance, creating a suffocating atmosphere that envelops the listener from start to finish.

Standout tracks on the album include “Recained” and “In Gold”, both of which showcase Toadliquor’s ability to create music that is both punishing and hypnotic. “Recained” features a relentless, chugging riff that drives the song forward with an almost mechanical precision, while “In Gold” explores more melodic territories with haunting guitar harmonies and a sense of melancholy that lingers long after the song has ended.

“Basement” and “Back in the Hole” are two of the album’s more experimental tracks, featuring eerie ambient textures and spoken word passages that add a sense of unease to the proceedings. These songs serve as a reminder of Toadliquor’s willingness to push the boundaries of their sound and explore new sonic territories while maintaining their signature heaviness and intensity.

In comparison to their previous albums, ‘Back In The Hole’ sees Toadliquor refining their sound and honing their craft to create their most cohesive and focused work to date. While their earlier releases were characterized by a raw and chaotic energy, this album feels more controlled and deliberate, with each song serving a specific purpose in the overall narrative of the album.

The overall impact of ‘Back In The Hole’ is one of catharsis and release. Through their music, Toadliquor invites the listener to confront their inner demons and embrace the darkness within themselves. This is not an easy listen by any means, but for those willing to immerse themselves in its murky depths, the rewards are plentiful.

In conclusion, ‘Back In The Hole’ is a powerful statement from Toadliquor, showcasing their growth as musicians and their ability to create music that is both challenging and rewarding. Fans of sludge metal and experimental music will find much to appreciate in this album, as Toadliquor continues to push the boundaries of their genre and create music that is truly unique and unforgettable.