Metal Underground.com

Emerging from upstate New York comes the innovation of blackened noise that is known as Wicked King Wicker, a duo consisting of Jim Gibson and Logan Butler. WKW has been making a buzz in the noise underground scene, as well as many facets of doom, stoner and metal. Noise is a difficult genre to get into, but WKW’s first release is a good lesson in what noise is. There are two songs on each side of the disc, and all are layered with noise. But if you listen intently, you can hear the music beneath.

Their debut LP, originally released on Noiseville Records and known as WKW I, displays a haunting tree album cover with a red saturated hue that would ultimately become the visual for this music of the macabre. "Faith Through Fear" ejects the listener into a dark ambient setting filled with low frequency notes, distorted feedback and tortured snarls and chanting. "Don't Go In the Woods" follows up this dark projection with bass-crushing noise piercing through panned static and decayed layers of drone. "Often Referred To (But Never Seen)" showcases the band's blackened styling and diversity, right down to the demonic screams, while the rhythmic misanthropy takes over and leaves you in a hypnotic trance. "Through a Soul, Darkly" moves from this ambiance and into a more aggressive direction, shaping the end of this journey with sheer terror.

Fans of Bloodyminded, Merzbow, blackened noise, and drone will enjoy this release. It offers a texture and creative twist that is enough to enthuse noise fans alike, but also capture listeners beyond said genres if they allow themselves to be lost within WKW's sonic burial.