### Godhunter: Wolves

#### 31/01/12 || gk

Tucson, Arizona’s Godhunter formed in 2008 and “Wolves” is the band’s second EP. The band play a heavy, sludgy, southern doom style that is big on groove on low on fat. Opener “(Stop being) Sheep” is groovy and heavy but also has a certain sense of meditative calm to the riffs that is more Shrinebuilder than Eyehategod. “Wolves from the North” comes with a kickass groove and some very tasty bass playing that’s maybe a bit low in the mix. “Red State/ Black Crusade” initially reminded me of Alabama Thunderpussy with its southern fried groove but the second half of the song goes off into heavier territory and kicks some serious ass. “Powerbelly” is the highlight of this EP. A killer doom riff opens the song and an infectious groove and vocal line for the chorus makes it very memorable. The EP closes with “(dead hooker by the side of) The Road”. The vocalist might be channeling a bit of Phil Anselmo and it ends things on a morose and downer note.

Godhunter sound remarkably self assured and there’s a maturity to the song writing that’s rare for a band only on its second EP. You could pick out their influences but there isn’t any one band that they exactly sound like. This band is well on its way to finding its own distinct voice in a crowded genre. Bring on the full length I say.

8/10: Light up a fatty and press play.