Hailing from Vancouver, Auroch specialize in odd, experimental blackened death metal at its finest. You might remember them by their earlier moniker, Tusk. Same band, similar sound, but less thrash and more of the experiment and the cvlt.
Auroch's new EP, Stolen Angelic Tongues, is one of three EPs they've released lately, and it really shows that they know what they're doing with this sound.
"Hideous New Gods" shows that they can handle fiere, heavy, lead-forward death metal alongside sludgy, timely vocals. It's intense and heavy, but always manages to reign itself back in. "Coffin Nails" is short and fast, almost bordering on grindcore in parts. "Axid Mundi" is the cherry on top with a psychedelic acoustic interlude for the listener to ponder.
While this EP is melodic, and well-executed, it doesn't exactly break new ground, despite being a bit more experimental in nature than many other bands in the same genre. Still, not everything has to be a genre-defining moment, and this is a solid, heavy record.
