The very world of sludge is in a state that is in dire need of more attention, in my opinion. Too often is the style constantly pointed out for its magnificence with plenty of bands shining through the madness with their special brands of heaviness that leave listeners bewildered at virtually every single turn, but it’s not often enough that we see proper growth out of the scene like we do in its contemporary styles like black, death, and it’s usual partner in crime of doom. It doesn’t have the chance on a consistent basis to stand proud on its own to really bask in the light in all of its grotesque nature that doesn’t yield in any capacity whatsoever. We need more bands like Sky Pig whose power is undeniable and able to deliver creations like the new offering that is specifically what we desperately need more of.

All too often is sludge paired alongside doom with the latter taking the center stage with the former feeling like not much more than seasoning on a dish that would be so much better if the flavors were more balanced even if that meal is still delicious. In the case of Sky Pig, the doom elements are still absolutely present but they’re nothing compared to the sludge dominance that is in full effect for this creation as we even see the doom take a backseat to the uncompromising psychedelic factors that elevate the sophomore creation of “It Thrives in Darkness” to a beast undeniable. Quickly, such a concoction makes itself clear and known as a sound that is not to be trifled with for even a microsecond as it’s in the very darkness that Sky Pig constantly finds itself writhing in which is has become an absolute monstrosity of titanic proportions where even the very light of day upon such a thing would be a travesty upon the very notion of goodness in the world, and it’s with such imagery that the six tracks of this record perform their deadly craft. Constantly bouncing back and forth between devilish riffs and bone-chilling atmosphere that’s only further enhanced by some of the darkest use of psychedelics that I’ve ever heard, and what has been accomplished with “It Thrives in Darkness” can only be deemed a horror that must be experienced. Such power cannot pass you by and not be taken heed of for all that it dares to bring to the table in horrifying detail with it but a taste of what the rising name of Sky Pig is capable of in its burgeoning state with more horrors only lurking further in, surely.

Sludge like this is the kind that rallies the very floor of the underground to its cause for all that it is in simplicities and its moment of finesse. A horrific creation that’s a true bastard upon the concept of life but wielding such titanic power that one simply cannot wretch oneself away from the sight, Sky Pig has truly achieved something magnificent with all that they summoned forth to make “It Thrives in Darkness” the beast that it is.

LISTEN to “It Thrives in Darkness” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Sky Pig on Facebook here.