Aye Mammoth recently released a concept EP called Birth of a New Fire. The Murfreesboro metal sludge trio has produced a sizable output of material over the past few years, including last year’s Starless Midnight, centered around ominous doom and apocalyptic themes. Birth of a New Fire represents the band’s admirable attempt at making subtle creative transitions towards a more melodic rock sound.
The three puppeteers pulling the strings are Micah Loyed, Paul Haggard and Phil Stem, citing influences including rock ’n’ roll classics like Jimi Hendrix, Black Sabbath, Motörhead, Iron Maiden and Thin Lizzy. With Haggard on bass and Stem on drums, Loyed serves as the lead vocalist and guitarist, and also fills in the blanks with synths when the need arises.
Sludge rock bands that can write impact-producing lyrics tend to stand out, assuming they have instrumental creativity to match. The lyrics on Birth of a New Fire are enjoyable, but I find the mix of the album displays a lack of punch from the drums. A powerful drum mix is a key element this EP is missing; some mixing tweaks could add even more energy behind the vocals.
One of the biggest drawbacks of this release is its lack of tempo variation. The first three tracks are all locked in at 120 bpm, moving along to very similar rhythmic patterns.
“War in the Eyes” kicks it up a notch with a faster tempo, featuring a punk-rock vibe different from the previous songs. Unfortunately, there are some erratic timing issues that detract from Aye Mammoth’s trademark groove on this one; it just doesn’t have the band’s typical rhythmic fingerprint.
Aye Mammoth’s Beasts Infernal and Starless Midnight both feature solid sludge grooves. Birth of a New Fire doesn’t quite match the quality, but if you want to check out something powerful, dangerously feral and deliciously abrasive, give Aye Mammoth a listen.
Catch the band performing with Aedeagus and Lobo at Media Rerun on May 4! Birth of a New Fire is available to stream or download for free at ayemammoth.bandcamp.com.
