Lost Relics - Now We're Even

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Denver based outfit LOST RELICS have made a return with the 5 track EP “Now We’re Even”, released via Coffin & Bolt Records / Golden Robot Records on April 30th.  LOST RELICS formed from the ashes of previous bands SMOLDER AND BURN, LOW GRAVITY and THE WORTH playing a style of heavy stoner / doom / sludge metal. LOST RELICS hit the ground running releasing their self-titled debut EP in 2019.

The band has released two singles from the EP to date, the first being "Unrealistic Cause" in 2020,which also featured on the compilation album “Doomed & Stoned in Colorado”. The second followed in 2021, the EP title track "Now We’re Even", both were accompanied by official videos.
First single "Unrealistic Cause" opens the EP with a pounding wall of heaviness, guitars, bass, drums and vocals are all unleashed from the off, there is no intro, no build-up, just an instant display of power. The guitars and bass are a barrage of low-end heaviness, the vocals a gruff throaty roar. The verse is propelled by a driving beat in a surprisingly up-tempo manner before settling into a heavy chorus groove. The mid-section features a crushing riff and a simple guitar solo run. The beginning of "Hungry Noses & Lying Voices" provides a brief pause to the onslaught with a buildup of feedback ushering in a monstrous slow groove. The vocals are doubled up and this dual approach adds an extra intensity to the delivery. There is great use of a stop / start section before all goes quiet, the bass rumbles the song back into life, beckoning the guitars and drums to join in resulting in a fast solo section.  The stop / start section returns closing out in a measured manner. "Rope Pusher" utilizes an almost tribal drum pattern as its backbone under a catchy strummed riff. This is a longer song at over 6 minutes allowing for extra tempo changes and guitar interplay in the mid-section. Next up is title track "Now We're Even" alternating between pummeling and grinding passages. The tension is raised midway via a heavy palm muted build up, culminating in an up-tempo passage of play. “Low Life 'N Ugly People" builds up gradually to a meaty heavy groove lumbering along to the final fade-out of thick sludgy guitar.

In conclusion: “Now We’re Even” is a solid offering of heavy stoner / doom / sludge metal. There are injections of pace throughout, which offer a welcome altering of the dynamics. LOST RELICS - Volume. Riffs. Apathy.

Songwriting: 7
Musicianship: 7
Memorability: 7
Production: 7