Chicago doom misanthropes INDIAN recently completed work on their forthcoming studio offering for Relapse Records. The follow-up to 2011’s critically lauded Guiltless long player was recorded at Electrical Audio and Soma Studios in Chicago with engineer/co-producer Sanford Parker (Minsk, Nachtmystium, Yob, Samothrace). Additional synthesis contributions have been provided by Parker and Mark Solotroff.
Comments the band on the new material: “The four of us are pleased to announce the completion of our fifth full length album. It is our darkest and most varied material to date."
Since 2004, INDIAN has released a glut of well-loved records up through Guiltless, which Revolver Magazine appropriately dubbed “one of the most bewitching, hypnotizing, beautiful doom/sludge albums since [Electric] Wizard’sDopethrone.” This is no small accolade, and INDIAN is among the few masters of heavy music today worthy of such praise. But they didn’t earn it overnight.
In fact, INDIAN spent much of their formative years largely developing the volcanic sound that now seems as natural to them as breathing. Their debut EP, God Slave, was a self-released mission statement, welcoming the band into the world like young, kicking, screaming giants. The band’s following three records – The Unquiet Sky, Slights and Abuse, and The Sycophant, respectively – were all issued through Portland, Oregon-based metal label Seventh Rule Recordings. Each of these releases found the band gaining momentum and attracting followers, as well as performing shows with bands such as Wolves in the Throne Room, Locrian, and Agalloch.
After signing to Relapse Records in 2010, INDIAN began to diligently craft their fourth full-length, knowing all eyes were on them. Not only did the band live up to fans’ lofty expectations, they also achieved a massive critical breakthrough. Guiltless was released in 2011 to rave reviews. The Chicagoist described the album as “a musical journey into the mouth of teeth-rattling metal madness,” while Metal Hammer simply called it “pretty much an essential album.”
Fans were also impressed, gathering to soak up the band’s feverish rays of doom on tour across the country. The band performed shows with High on Fire, Batillus, and Yob, translating their recorded sounds into a murky, devilish live show. Such performances confirmed INDIAN as one of the most exciting metal acts making music today, recalling an era in which the genre felt truly new, bursting with energy and untapped potential. Or, as Revolver puts it, “nothing has sounded more genuinely evil and distressing in a long time.”
Further album details to be revealed in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.
