Black Cobra - Chronomega (Southern Lord Records) By: Darren Cowan

[8/10]San Francisco outfit Black Cobra has spent the better part of this decade awing crowds with its patented brand of sludgy punk. After releasing a couple albums via At A Loss Recordings, Black Cobra makes its Southern Lord debut with Chronomega Consisting of guitarist/vocalist Jason Landrian and drummer Rafael Martinez, Black Cobra may present a minimum of musicians (some groups only contain one member, but rarely play live), but the group plays with maximum energy and produces a gigantic sound.

Chronomega revisits the fast and fuzzy sound of their 2007 record Feather and Stone, but shows the group mature in many ways. First, Black Cobra used Billy Anderson to record the album. Having twiddled knobs for the likes of High on Fire, The Melvins and Eyehategod, Billy Anderson is a name synonymous with the doom/stoner/sludge scene, and his work here is no disappointment. Martinez’s drumming hits hard and clear, while Landrian’s guitar sounds as if it were recorded in a cement mixer.

Black Cobra doesn’t let this great recording go to waste, either. Stylistically, the two follow the same formula as the previous album, fusing punk chords with the faster parts of sludge, but the riffing is much catchier than the previous album. Two highlights include “Storm Shadow,” which moves with speed-picking intensity of speed metal or crossover and droning, electric storm of guitar peddles produced on “Catylist.” Landrian masters not only guitar effects but also vocal effects, drenching his shrieks in tones that bring to mind a mix of Ministry and Helmet. Many of the winding guitar rhythms also recall Helmet, but the straightforward, muffled rhythms may have listeners thinking High On Fire.

Those who have seen Black Cobra play live usually come away remembering the band. They not only remember this group because they are a two-piece, but also because they produce a large, fuzzy sound do it with phenomenal tightness. Chronomega offers more of what has gotten people talking about this band, but the group has greatly improved in many ways. Their signing to Southern Lord Recordings will only bring this duo more attention. Expect Black Cobra to impress more crowds with Chronomega material while on tour with Pelican.

www.blackcobra.net