By: Deek

Posted: Sep 1, 2005

Sludge metal. So simple, yet so gripping. Yet, not always all that great, as there are very, very few sludge acts (let alone albums) that were or are truly good. Yet, there are two places in the world that have really embraced this style: the south-eastern states (specifically Louisiana) in America and England/Great Britain. EyeHateGod from Louisiana is the best known from America, where Fudge Tunnel and Iron Monkey are the best known from England. But among the Brits, a little band known as Mistress has made their mark. They released two albums a few years back, a self titled debut and the second release "II: The Chronovisor", making a name for themselves before following in Fudge Tunnel's and Iron Monkey's footsteps and signing to Earache Records for their third release, 2005's "In Disgust We Trust".

Though they may have followed those two bands in signing to Earache, musically, they haven't. This third release is well structured, unlike their last two albums. It's a "cleaner" album, if you will. Crisp production, clearer guitar tone, and thick rhythm section, but still the sludge style they've become known for. Even the vocals vary from the deep scream here and there. A higher scream is used here and there to contrast the deeper scream. Even an 80's high-pitch scream is used on 'Whiskey Tastes Better...' and a death metal growls and chants were used on 'Me Ves Y Sefres', both sounding great, and both becoming highlights of the album. This album also has a strange layout, where the second half of the album is better than the first. Don't get me wrong, the whole album is pretty damn good, like all out angst-rockers 'Happily Ever Disaster' and 'Fucking Fuck', but with the previously mentioned songs (ones with the varied vocals) along with the mid-paced 'Talking To God (On A Microphone Made Of Steel)' and the epic 'Shovel', the second half rips.

After the 45 minutes of this album are over, it's evident that this is a much more focused Mistress than we've known. That is definitely a great thing. We've seen what they can do, and if they continue in this direction, they will be one of the greats. But for now, I can safely say, this is one of the best sludge albums in a long time.

Rating: 8/10

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