Jesus, what do they put in the water in the southern states of the USA. More specifically, what the fuck do they put in the water in Savannah, Georgia. Black Tusk are the latest bunch to come out of that city in recent times that are nothing short of fucking awesome.

There seems a to be a tidal wave of bands mixing up sludge with Stockholm-style death and a fuck-off punk rock attitude, and fair play, Black Tusk can take their place right at the top table. 'The Crush' gives you a few jarring digs in the ribs, before 'Embrace The Madness' just does away with the subtlety and knocks your teeth down your throat. Like the bastard offspring of Kylesa, Entombed and Nausea this is one mean bastard of a record. Crusty, groovy, bowel-looseningly heavy - oh yes!!!

'Red Eyes' is all huge guitars and is utterly pummelling. 'Way Of Horse And Bow' (not a song about a certain Mr Hayward having a night on the cider, honest) is like a Formula One Steamroller. It's not all flat out heaviness though, with 'Redline' coming across as a beer and weed addled jam, as does closer 'The Ride'.

Like the aforementioned Kylesa and fellow Savannah natives Baroness, Black Tusk really are something to behold. Now please can I have my eardrums back?

www.myspace.com/blacktusk