If you were wondering, the record label is completely correct. This is some seriously prehistoric stoner rock. The sound is thick and almost impenetrable at times. Back in the 80s and 90s we would call this "demo sound". Since ace recording programs are cheap these days, the only reason to sound like this is because you want to sound like this.

Vulcanodon Phazer Cretaceous Skull (Bud Metal)

And I get it. Well, I don't smoke (sorry to burst your bubble), but I imagine this sounds even more retrograde to a listener that's under the influence. There is nothing modern, trendy or particularly stylish about Vulcanodon. Just sludgy riffage piled on thick, with everything else buried further down in the mix.

Okay, that is a style. It's totally outside the norm, and it's awesome. If you ever need something to literally scare the shit out of you, this album would be the perfect laxative. It'll clean you out, and then some.

Play it loud. And then play it louder. There is a lot buried behind the wall of guitar, and much of it is pretty interesting. Getting through this album is a bit like running a 5k in three feet of mud. By the end, all you'll want to do is wallow. Vulcanodon proves you can have your sludge and drink it, too.

Jon Worley