Justin Reich
Uncompromisingly punishing and brutally iconic, Crowbar have been an integral band in the metal biosphere since the breakout success of their self-titled second album in 1993. Combining the knuckle-dragging crawl of sludge with restless hardcore breaks, songs like “Existence is Punishment” have been heckled as “slow and fat” by the chortling likes of Beavis and Butthead on MTV. But fans (and cartoon characters) truly enjoy how Crowbar’s churning riffs and broken-bones drumming revive a forgotten Paleolithic violence.
Briefly borrowing members from Eyehategod (also playing on this tour), Goatwhore, Pantera, Soilent Green, and Acid Bath, founding member Kirk Windstein has been pounding out material nonstop, also forming the bands Down and Kingdom of Sorrow, and releasing a solo album.
Crowbar’s early work is frequently compared to legends like Metallica, Black Sabbath and Pantera. They are more Melvins than the Melvins. More punishing than Acid Bath. Like Celtic Frost distilled into its purest form. Like if you put The Germs in a vat of molasses.
Their later work is eerie and foreboding: Imagine a haunted house version of Boris, with Crowbar’s 2022 album Zero and Below itself being the latest addition to the discography. It can be described as a Frankenstein’s monster of what Crowbar is known for, but it feels more mature owing to the 30 years it took to get there. Windstein’s melodic lilt beats down like a hammer from the first few seconds of the album, a good omen that comes true for the entire 42 minutes.
Like Phil Anselmo’s shirt in Pantera’s “I’m Broken” video, Respectable Street will feature Crowbar and Eyehategod in the same place. This combination itself is legendary, both being primary exports from the New Orleans metal scene. Also up to bat is BLEETH, a Miami-based doomy, sludgy, noisy trio who released their third full-length album, Marionette, in May. Expect a few bruises and aching joints from a night of pit mayhem, with these primordial mosh instigators leading the way.
Crowbar, Eyehategod and BLEETH perform 7pm Saturday, August 9 at Respectable Street in West Palm Beach. crowbarnola.com ~ Erik Kvarnberg
