Crowbar

Lifesblood for the Downtrodden (Candlelight)
By Ari M. Joffre

Crowbar has been around for a hot minute, so the dudes know a thing or two about churning out sludgy, post-Sabbath, stoner-friendly riffs. This album was co-produced by ex-Pantera bassist Rex Brown and C.O.C.’s Warren Riker. It’s kind of a family affair, considering that vocalist/guitarist Kirk Windstein served time in Down with C.O.C.’s Pepper Keenan and Pantera’s Phil Anselmo. That right there should give you a sense of the tone of things on Lifesblood for the Downtrodden. These guys are all veterans, and it shows. This is truly Southern stoner rock: Mostly mid-tempo jams with trippy, gruff, echo-heavy vocals, and riffs that breathe and stretch out well. The songs don’t rush from section to section or get too complicated for their own good. It’s kind of chill-out music for metalheads who require some grit with their daze.
(www.candlelightrecordsusa.com)