Radian - Subterfuge
"That feeling of disorientation is novel and stimulating but also disjointed."
Artist: Radian Album Title: Subterfuge Record Label: El Burno Records/Three House Communications Genre: Doom/Sludge Metal For Fans Of: High On Fire, Fistula, Elder, Black Tusk Release Date: March 20th, 2026
‘Subterfuge’ sometimes sounds like a ‘90s grunge band, and it also ventures into the filthiest sludge around. It is this range that is the album’s great strength, but also a minor weakness. At times, the mix works like complementary flavors, and at others, like competing sensations. That feeling of disorientation is novel and stimulating but also disjointed. These moments are rare enough and thus don’t ruin the album. However, they happen enough to merit mention. When the songs are locked in, the groove and heart are irresistible. While I found myself see-sawing on this one, I also felt appreciative to be hearing some fresh and dirty rock ‘ n ‘ roll.
Rating:
“It’s Fine”
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*Possible ratings on Heavy Metal Philosophy are; All-Timer AOTY Contender Great Album Pretty Good It’s Fine For Niche Tastes Only Silly But Really Good At It Bad Annoying Unlistenable Not Music *Note that some albums can have more than one rating. It’s possible for an album to be a “Great Album” and “For Niche Tastes Only”. One rating isn’t always better than another.