CROWBAR - Odd Fellow's Rest

Artist:  Crowbar

Album: Odd Fellows Rest

Year:  1998

Genre:  Doom Metal / Sludge

Although Odd Fellows Rest just might be the record that gets the most listens from me, I could have easily switched it out for anything in the steadily growing Crowbar catalog to write this review, as it will become a homage to the band’s career instead of specific album praise.  Crowbar are quite possibly the most dependable and consistent band in heavy metal with 26 years of perpetual music production and not a single weak link in their chain.  No matter how much time you give me, I don't believe I could come up with another band that is, or has been, as trustworthy as these proud New Orleans natives.  I’m more than willing to say I’ve never, ever, been disappointed by any Crowbar release.  The membership of Crowbar is a rapid revolving door of players, but, somehow, main maestro Kirk Windstein has sustained a quality of excellence through it all with performances, production and songwriting of the highest caliber. Most bands that have an extensive existence end up “experimenting” because they are either bored with playing the same style over and over again, or, the creative well has gone dry.  Not a problem with Crowbar.  Windstein's style which dominates every second of each album is instantly recognizable.  He has an incredible sense of melody and melancholy which both somehow peek through his crushing and virulent riffs.  With that said, I actually have some trouble distinguishing many of Crowbar records from one another, but I can think of much worse problems to have.  I can’t lie, I'm rather comforted by the fact that I can throw a proverbial dart at a band's full discography and know that I’m going to dig the hell out of every moment of what I’m hearing.  

Plain and simple, Crowbar is a juggernaut.  Although Crowbar has a loyal legion of fans and the respect from peers and critics alike, I can see their deserved mass reverence coming after the band call it quits.  It's just a theory I have akin to how painters become famous after their passing.  They are going to be the band that people will discover for years to come and wish they could've seen.  The Crowbar body of work is as important as it is impressive. Good work Mr. Windstein.  Very good.

Check out "December's Spawn" here.