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Review: Iron Monkey - Our Problem
Iron Monkey
Our Problem

Label: Earache Records
Year released: 1998
Duration: 63:33
Tracks: 8
Genre: Doom/Death

Rating:
4.5/5


Review online: July 11, 2005
Reviewed by: Ktb
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Rated 4/5 (80%) (6 Votes)
Review

Iron Monkey is a Sludge band from the UK. They released their self-titled debut in 1997, and no less than a year later they released their second album, 'Our Problem'. After this album, the band released a split with Church of Misery and an EP. The vocalist was found dead in his apartment in June 2002, and the heart failure was apparently related to some kidney illness. Their first album was sludgier and heavier, but this album has more stoner riffs, and Sabbath-esque riffage. The downtuning is still there, though.

'Bad Year' sets the tone for the album, with its rhythm changes, rather simplistic riffs, and a notable drum performance by Justin Greaves (who is also in Teeth of Lions Rule the Divine, an excellent Drone band, and also Electric Wizard). 'Supagorgonizer' is the highlight on this album. The drum performance still kills, the vocals are well-done, and the riffs are catchy as fuck. They remind a bit of what Boris did on 'Heavy Rocks'. Simple, catchy and downtuned, but enjoyable and memorable. The next four songs are in the vein of Supagorgonizer. The last two songs are 19:58 and 13:15 in length respectively, and to my surprise, the guys in Iron Monkey just aren't out of riffs. Spitting out riff after riff of Sabbath-esque riffs over and over again.

All in all, this is an enjoyable album, even if it's a change from the first album. Those who want to heaviness and downtuning from the first album but with more catchy and stoner riffs, look no further. 'Our Problem' is what you're looking for.

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