Over time, it’s only inevitable that any band’s sound evolves. Otherwise, things tend to become quite stale with the same ground being travelled ad nauseum with incredibly few able to make that work in any significant capacity. Nearly two decades working away at your craft is far more than enough time to experiment and try new things sonically even if it is only slight with there being plenty of bands doing so with absolute style. Black Tusk is one that is no stranger to that with their brand of sludge something that is constantly shifting and changing with the times, and that proves to be no different with their forthcoming sixth full-length album.

Given what Black Tusk has accomplished over the five records, three EPs, and four splits that it has cranked out since its first EP nineteen years ago, I think it’s safe to say that this band has been no stranger in trying new things be they big or small changes. Notably for “The Way Forward”, it’s clear that Black Tusk sought a somewhat different approach with the surprisingly colorful cover art being the most obvious indicator of that shift even if the sludge metal in question is still no less than pummeling all things considered, so you can breathe a sigh of relief that Black Tusk has not suddenly gotten soft on us. With themes of pushing through the muck that life throws your way and prevailing where there only seems to be unlikely odds, “The Way Forward” takes its name very literally as Black Tusk seeks to embolden the spirit with its crushing rhythms and intoxicating anthems to invigorate you into charging forth where you clearly come out on top of whatever it is that may come before you no matter how battered or broken you might be at the end. Either way, you’re still victorious! Armed with a different line-up but still loads of personality that comes into play with every band member lending their voice throughout the whole of “The Way Forward” alongside a fresh two-guitar assault system, Black Tusk sees itself return from what was likely its darkest record six years ago to come back out on top with the fire still burning bright in the eyes of the band, both fists raised sky-high, and defiance to the very notion of giving up something that Black Tusk utilizes to tremendous effect.

Perseverance isn’t often something you expect to see as a theme in a style normally as uncompromising as sludge metal, but it’s through personal strife and a clear dominance over their craft that Black Tusk makes what could have been an unlikely concoction pack a wild punch and deliver on a scale that simply cannot be ignored. Viciously compelling from beginning to end, “The Way Forward” sees Black Tusk take a slightly different path even if the destination in nevertheless the same: absolute victory.

“The Way Forward” releases on April 26th via Season of Mist!

LISTEN to singles from “The Way Forward” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Black Tusk on Facebook here.