Lightning Bolt’s new record is almost here, and, like all inevitabilities, its coming is morbid and definite, and perhaps a little harrowing. “The Metal East”, the first single from, and glimpse into Fantasy Empire, is a furiously pounding deluge of unbelievable bass sounds, atop an enduring blast of Brian Chippendale’s intense percussion. Daggering metal-guitar from Brian Gibson set the pace of the song, immediately indicative of its title, heaving into an intense whirlwind of synthetic lows and screeching highs that demonstrate the experience and skill of a band who has played together for over twenty years. Chippendale’s doom-muffled vocals come in rather garbled, but heated and incensed nonetheless. It’s a formidable and promising start (it’s the first song) to Fantasy Empire.
You can stream “The Metal East” below. Fantasy Empire will be released on March 24 via Thrill Jockey.
