The Third Eye

What do you think of when you hear the word “Sloth”? It’s probably something about a creature with slow movements, right? In the case of the Los Angeles-based band using the name Sloth, you can expect the same slow movements, just in musical form. Their new, self-titled album drops today via The Swamp Records.

About Sloth

Sloth hails from Los Angeles and offers listeners 70’s style fuzzy, psyched out, funeral-paced occult macabre-rock influenced by Electric Wizard, Windhand, and Wicked Lady. In 2018, they released their first batch of demos, recorded from 2017-2018, onto a 4-track tape cassette. Then, in 2021, they released their first full-length, Children Of The Sun, followed quickly by the two-track Devil’s Gate EP. All of these releases are special in their own way, but on Sloth, their brand of acid doom is more potent and entrancing than ever before. 

The Songs

1. Lucifer’s Doorway (01:07)

This is a brief intro; a chilly wind blows through mountain tops as an organ plays for the chanting and demonic voices underneath. 

2. Evil Hand (06:25)

The first full track is slow, its plodding tempo burrowing into your head using fuzzy riffs that demand your attention. The vocals come off as ritualistic, bringing up visions of P.A.G.A.N.S. in goatskin pants … bonus points if you know what movie I’m referring to here. 

The guitar solo section is immaculate, utilizing the heavy main riff as a foundation to melt your face with; seriously, this lead is excellent and completely encapsulates what the acid doom genre is. 

3. Warlock’s Eye (06:56)

Sloth brings the tempo up, as well as elevating the groove factor. There’s a huge Black Sabbath influence and a touch of Thin Lizzy-styled harmonies. Then they dip into the slow, psych feeling acid doom section, where things become heady. These sections repeat before dropping into an almost Pink Floyd-esque space psych display, and this is where you may want to live for a bit, but Sloth quickly brings the main riff back … I wish this spacey piece would have lasted a little longer. 

4. Devil’s Gate (09:05)

This one has the same name as the original track on the Devil’s Gate EP, “which was inspired by the infamous dam in Pasadena, California, of the same name, this bloodcurdling rock-bed in the shape of the Devil himself is known to be one of the portals to Hell. Due to this, the spot has been subject to occult masses and other occult happenings that persist even today.” This new version is fleshed out more fully and has an overall better sound when compared to the original. 

Sloth continues with the ritualistic/occult feel, which makes complete sense, knowing the inspiration behind the track. There aren’t any real vocals, just samples and a heavy atmosphere that will crush skulls.

5. Interlude (:57)

This is precisely what the title implies: an acoustic guitar interlude in the vein of Tony Iommi.

6. Beyond (08:31)

This is my favorite track because it offers something different when compared to the other songs. From how the music was written and performed to the different yet similar vocal performance, this track is incredible from its very onset. One of the best elements is the organ underneath everything, as it creates an old-school creature feature soundtrack vibe while adding the occult rock sound to the acid doom that Sloth is known for. And as The Beastie Boys once said, “slow and low, that is the tempo.”

7. Slow Burn (09:07)

I hear a mix of Pentagram and Black Sabbath influences on this last song, neither of which is a poor choice for a band to use. Like “Beyond,” “Slow Burn” has its own identity while still fitting into the rest of the album, and that type of cohesion is something that I feel is very important. This is a cool track and is every bit as good as its predecessors.

Final Thoughts 

In their own words, Sloth gives us “acid doom from beyond the grave for your psychedelic sonic pleasures.” After listening to their albums, I’d say this is about as accurate a description as you can get. I’d also add the occult flavor that courses through these songs’ veins, as it is a prominent aspect of this band’s music and aesthetics.

Head to Bandcamp to purchase Sloth’s self-titled album digitally or on CD. Enjoy!

Support Sloth by finding them on Bandcamp or Instagram.

This review was written by Tom Hanno, who has been writing reviews for the last 7 years but has been sharing his love of music for the majority of his life. Originally starting out at the now-defunct Chimera Magazine, he is currently contributing to Doomed and Stoned, The Sleeping Shaman, The Doom Charts, Tom’s Reviews, and The Third Eye. Read more of Tom’s reviews by checking out his Linktree.

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