Edgar Allan Ectoplasm

When traversing the swamplands of sludge metal, it is not too uncommon for one to experience a sensation of déjà vu. Looking around the sides of your vessel, you will find the familiar texture of linty moss atop black sludge, revealing the essential homogony that persists within the Genre of Sludge and some Doom metal. This, however, is not necessarily a bad quality, but one which is at times endearing for a listener such as myself.
Edgar Allen Ectoplasm, a Chicago band who describes themselves as Horror Sludge metal, are in this review put to the question: are they the same old sludge? Or have the managed to bring to the surface a new mutant Swamp thing? Are they a Zombified seaweed covered skeleton, or a unearthly mutant hell beast destined to bring death and terror to the unsuspecting denizens of dry land?
Bands such as Sleep, or Electric Wizard stand out as the benchmark for most when it comes to making new space in a (rather literally) saturated environment. Capitalizing on stoner culture, almost explicitly ripping an entire style of music from one Black Sabbath song (Sweet Leaf) they were able to carve out a niche in the Sludge swamp. In the case of Edgar Allan Ectoplasm, youth is still in their favor. Into the Vault is their first full release and already offers several dynamic dimensions that distinguish them from the peat-moss on any given rock.
Horror Sludge is a theme that is hard to master. One risks either being written off as tacky, or on the other hand, gathering an infinitesimal occult following of a few. By choosing Edgar Allen Poe as a source of creative flow, I think they do well in avoiding these murky trappings. On top of this, the addition of classic horror makeup to their live shows and videos(Under the Scythe Video) lends them an air of commitment and showmanship that is vital to good metal.
As mentioned before, however, it is all too easy to fall into the trappings of Sabbath. Into the Vault features various levels of intensity that allows the band to escape the drudgery of bands all too heavily vested in the tradition of the band once called Earth. At the same time, they still manage to pay homage to those who set the stage. The title track is almost pure Hand of Doom/Electric Funeral vibe. Yet even this track, as well as others, incorporates transitions, pick slides, and mixers to bring about the sensation of watching a horror film, or as the case may be, flipping through Poe’s The Cask of Amontillado.
Of the EPs 5 tracks, “The Vulture’s Eye” and “Masque of the Red Death” truly stand out, showing far more aggression and explosive potential then the songs previous. If one is going to listen for the dynamic sound this band offers to Sludge, it is in these tracks that it is to be found.

The “Ectoplasm” here is warm, promising, a fertile cesspool comparable to that of Chernobyl’s kiddy pool. It is clear that the band has a long way to go before they truly acquire an utterly unique sound. The vocals are as fuzzy as any other group in the genre, and the musical structure retains the essential characteristics that allow one to easy commit the violence of pigeonholing the band. Still, they bring something new to the table in thematic content and sound, qualities that a well-developed ear will be able to pick out. I strongly recommend that any fan of sludge metal give’em a listen. They will be playing October 31st at the Township in Logan Square, do attend. - Rhetorical Dialectics

True to their name, this opening act conjured from the darkest dreamscapes, wild sounds and tortured screams worth only of the specter of their namesake. Horror-sludge metal poured down from the stage, suffocating the air. Collectively donning the attire of one Freddy Kruger, Edgar Allan Ectoplasm (EAE) brought a murderous stage presence worthy of this Walpurgis’ night.

Playing before clips from various classic horror films, sounded by tombstones and macabre mannequins, EAE brought out their best. Playing songs from their EP, Into the Vault (review), the band captured the aura of impending doom. At moments, each member of the band (Kruger’s) took a chance to murder each other spraying blood red graffiti and ribbon onto the crowed. In turn, each murder was followed by inevitable resurrection, signaling the presence of Satan’s minions.

At a moderate tempo when compared to more readily known sludge bands (Electric Wizard, Sleep, etc.), EAE manages to outstrip the common expectations of the genre. Playing a cover of Lord of this World, the band orients the listener to a very specific vein in the Black Sabbath primordial swamp. Played near the end of the set list, EAE provided a magnificent overture to the show, summoning the spirits of the night for what would be a truly inspired climax for the total concert

This Chicago based group has great potential, has solid stage presence and a performance that brings to life the telltale heart of the group to life! I strongly recommend catching a glimpse of Edgar Allan Ectoplasm live. - Rhetorical Dialectics