Grief

Grief remains my favourite crusty American doom band this side of Eyehategod. Not much has changed in what they do - slow, down-tuned mayhem that tips the cap to both Black Sabbath and Saint Vitus - but they do it so well that you know anything with their name on it is worthy. This time out, the Boston quartet kick out eight new ones that have a bit of an animal-against-human theme running through them. Starting with "Predator," the band steam rolls through themes of hunting, being hunted and living at the end of your means. Not the lightest subject matter to be sure, but quite fitting to the overwrought vocalising of bassist Eric Harrison. Definitely not for the meek.