Hands down, out of all the combinations to be found throughout the whole of the metal underground, it’s the raw union of death metal and sludge that are not given nearly enough credit. A simple approach in concept, we don’t see many bands coming up to the sound for one reason or another despite all the potential intensity that can surely follow should a band just seize the opportunity. As one of the few bands in recent times that I’ve come across performing such an art, Aglo’s continuous pursuit into the sound only adds further credit to the concept itself.

When we’re dealing with a sound like this, intensity is the only guarantee that one can expect. In the few instances that I’ve seen the sound brought to life in a meaningful capacity, it’s always an experience for the senses that ensures the listener is in for far more than some riffs or mild power that barely touches on its potential. In the right hands, the very sky cracks open and fire spills over the land at the mere arrival of such power. Pound for pound, Aglo is quickly becoming a name that provides just such fury with their new EP, “Control & Torture”, living up to that reputation. Ever since first coming around last year, Aglo has been on the move to show us what they’re made of, and while their first album was certainly a treat for the senses, it is here with but two tracks that we see a brief but laser-focused showcasing of what Aglo is capable of. Capitalizing on every possibility that one can have with sludgy death metal, “Control & Torture” wastes no time in its eleven minutes to give us a blistering display of monolithic rage, overwhelming riffage, flavorful contrast, and just boatloads of tenacity to show us just how potent of a concoction we’re dealing with here. It’s but a window into what Aglo is quickly becoming known for, but “Control & Torture” has surprising depth for only two tracks.

An EP like this could have effortlessly been something to pass over with the simple fact that there is literally not much substance something that can make the material but inconsequential. If nothing else, Aglo demands to be acknowledged for what it brings to the table. Overflowing with power and simply irresistible for those who want unbridled, raw catharsis of the most primal form, “Control & Torture” has got your number!

LISTEN to “Control & Torture” on Bandcamp here.

FOLLOW Aglo on Instagram here.