Right off the bat, allow me to bring notice to the cover art for Deadbird's latest album, Twilight Ritual (following up 2005's The Head and the Heat) because it is rather stunning; John Baizley (guitarist/ vocalist of Baroness, and artist for such bands as Torche, Darkest Hour, Pig Destroyer as well as his own) continues his busy schedule of art production for records. Even though previous experience with Deadbird already assures an interest in the record, the visual aesthetic the artwork provides even more of a draw to check out Twilight Ritual. Then again, Deadbird provides the kind of visceral punch to the face that "sludge" (another awful genre name but it works here) bands can provide; so, based on that alone Twilight Ritual is ripe to slap the sophistication out of listeners.
Long songs which show not just a brutish, pummeling nature but also a surprisingly delicate panache at times create an interesting dynamic in the sometimes staid sounding style of music (the dual vocals during some of the softer parts of "Into the Clearing" are a good example of this effect. Sure, the thick guitars and grooves are there, but Deadbird adds a bit more to their take to keep it fresh on Twilight Ritual. Other times the clean/ dual vocals can be overdone or melodramatic sounding like during parts of "Death of the Self" (which also shows evidence of the breadth of vocal styles from the high pitched screeching to bellowing yells in addition to the sometime use of straight singing) and "Rule Discordia." Still, the slow steady grooves that the band create in their sound are particularly impressive and cement their place in the burgeoning style of music that besides Deadbird's obvious debt to Black Sabbath also has tinges of Motorhead at times (see parts of "Feral Flame").
At first this record proves to be a daunting listen for new initiates into the oeuvre of Deadbird, but those who tread through the swamp-thick guitars and slow, groove laden rhythms will eventually find plenty to enjoy in Twilight Ritual. The production leaves a little to be desired as a more raw production style as well as a tiny bit more bottom end might give these songs even more character and or kick. I recognize the qualities of Twilight Ritual, but honestly, there really is not much that will keep me going back to it; at the very least, this latest album is assuredly on par, if not better, than Deadbird's previous effort.
