Album Review: Sliimo
Star Wars themed sludge metal band Sliimo may only have a single EP as their discography, but it is a killer first release. Sung entirely in the fictional language of Huttese—the language spoken by Jabba the Hutt—the self-titled album “Sliimo” is a unique work of metal that is sure to please fans of bands such as Sleep and Electric Wizard.
Track 1: “Tee Tocky Sa Locktulla”
This song’s guitar riffs are thick and heavy, trudging along through the desert sands of Tatooine. The guttural vocals complement the guitars, layering in rather than blocking out. As the song progresses, this foundation is blended with waxing and waning drum patterns and psychedelic guitar solos that rise above the sludginess. Tee Tocky Sa Locktulla is a solid opening track that hypnotizes listeners, preparing them for the album to come.
Track 2: “Puffee Hoopa”
Deliberate guitar riffs collide with tense and angry drums marked by crashing cymbals. This song is more aggressive than “Tee Tockey Sa Locktulla” but maintains a slow pace throughout. Although the vocals are in the same style as “Tee Tockey Sa Locktulla,” here they push through the slow chaos of the instrumental performances in this song rather than layering into the groove.
Track 3: “Grandio Lorda”
This track opens with a mellow guitar riff accompanied by pulsing drumbeats and electric guitar, eventually giving way to crushing stoner metal. The middle part of the song highlights the vocals as the guitar cuts out, leaving nothing but intense vocals and drums. The aggression of “Puffee Hoopa” is built upon here, creating an almost foreboding tone.
Track 4: “Oto Andoba”
If the best word to describe “Puffee Hoopa” and “Grandio Lorda” is aggressive, then the best word to describe “Oto Andoba” is energetic. The throbbing intro blends seamlessly into the violent chaos that follows. While parts of the song are indeed aggressive, they are so in a manner that is electrifying to listen to. This song is a blast and will fit in excellently on a workout playlist.
Track 5: “Bor Gullet.”
Coming in at 6:11, “Bor Gullet” is the longest song on the album. Perhaps this runtime is the reason for this song’s progressive, evolving nature. This song sounds like several songs woven into one to create an epic finale for the album.
“Sliimo” is a solid sludge metal album that is unique in its Star Wars inspired vocals. I highly recommend this album to all fans of metal and/or Star Wars. “Sliimo” can be purchased through Bandcamp or streamed through Spotify.
