Watching Sledge live for the very first time was an experience of its kind; it happened at IIT-D Blitzkrieg prelims a couple of years ago. The thing that struck me most about the band was the their shear heaviness exhaled with raw head moving trip. Moreover, sledge’s electric performances haven’t been limited only to their hometown Hyderabad or Delhi gigs, the receptiveness has always been phenomenal throughout India.

Meanwhile, all this has brought them a burdening tag of ‘too much of a Sepultura cover band.’ Truly that is one band they cover inch perfect. In order to give an answer to such criticism sledge unveils ‘Desert of souls’ (the much awaited debut, which is part of the contract with times music after the acclaimed win at Castrol garage rock competition). Hence, the uncovering act for ‘Desert of souls’ unfolds. Cover art depicting a grave land on a red background looks refreshing. Opening up, flipping through the 2-page inlay I am utterly disappointed, because, frankly I wasn’t expecting such bad production in terms of layout etc from a label like Times music. It’s got 8 tracks that run a little over 35mins. What it offers is traditional heavy metal having some occasional plucking and leads thrown in. Surprisingly there’s a negligible Sepultura overtures on the music. Thankfully, this was THE aspect they had to work on and they have reasonably done well in the department. Avinash (V)’s throat is consistently distorted, energized and merciless across the record. References to Max might be present, but overall range and emotion seems much advanced in comparison to what we have seen from the band all these years. On the other hand, guitar sound is a let down as it’s very feeble, undoubtedly it could have certainly increased the substance if it had been a bit more thick. Agonizingly, it almost fells like an extension to the ones used by glam bands of the 80’s. Song structuring is orthodox, apparently influenced with 80-90’s heavy metal era. A dazzling lead guitar presence is felt, whenever Shadrach (LG) maneuvers his fingers through those frets. He’s flamboyant and yet composed with his instrument. However, over plucking on the bulk of the record sounds a bit unnecessary at times.

Regarding drumming, I am in two minds whether they are using a drum machine or is Suman (drums) playing them? Whatever be the case, inputs are signficant, especially a quality double base work here and there. To add, the thumping base drum reminds of the effects from ‘And justice for all’ record (by the legendary band). But do not even dare comparing the style. All said and done, drums (sound and playing) are always a mandatory for heaviness, and sledge handles this well. Track6 ‘Serpent of sorrow’, track4 ‘Deathly hymn’ and signature original ‘Caught in a crossfire’ stand out for sturdiness, balance, composure and consistency. While these have charmers, they have a couple of losers in the form of ‘Say you will’ (track7) and ‘liar to follow’ (track 2) reason being, exact musical derivation from most heroes of their genre.

Pick the album; because the heaviness is intact, traditional HM character is plenty and its SLEDGE! And for those who are not into conventional metal, you have your say.