Sorta like Refused (apocalyptic dynamics nudging approachable) and Jesus Lizard (frontman absent boundaries) and Slayer (pride in craft seething coiled aggression), but still not really like them at all—even the enlightened metal circuit can’t easily explain Portland’s Black Elk. Bristling musicianship bent toward ineffable muse doesn’t lend itself to capsule reviews. Imagine the cut/cut/cut and scrape/scape/scrape against a well-polished mirror, imagine the sudden euphoria, imagine the disconnected paranoia ever after. Conduct the narrative through Erik Trammell’s bravura riffage, Tom Glose’ unhinged vocals above lock-step rhythms from bassist Don Capuano and fresh-from-The-Icarus-Line drummer Jeff Watson, and…still doesn’t quite sound like Black Elk.

“My Lil,” from their self-titled debut, braves glimpse toward the maelstrom. They’ve a few shows left before entering the studio to record already-written follow-up, but their new material maintains the same…the same…oh, Christ, just give a listen.

Download audio file (mylil.mp3)

Links:
blackelk.net
Black ElkSpace

Black Elk play Friday, March 7 at the Tonic Lounge with Dunk Ladies and Pacific Blasting.

Bonus: Black Elk Live