Album Review: Dopethrone - Broke Sabbath

Dopethrone's "Broke Sabbath": A Visceral Return to Sludge Metal Roots

Dopethrone’s album “Broke Sabbath” has a rich background that is deeply rooted in the band’s history and the city from which they hail. Here’s a brief history of the album:

Origins and Band Formation Dopethrone, hailing from Montreal, Quebec, has been a significant force in the sludge metal scene since their formation in 2008. The band was named after the iconic album by Electric Wizard, and they have been known for their DIY ethos and gritty sound. Montreal, with its diverse cultures and French-speaking populace, has been the backdrop for Dopethrone’s development as a band.

Previous Works Before “Broke Sabbath,” Dopethrone released “Transcanadian Anger” in 2018, which was well-received for its heavy and grimy sound. The band’s music has always been characterized by colossal riffs and a raw, unapologetic approach to sludge metal.

Hiatus and Return After a six-year hiatus following “Transcanadian Anger,” Dopethrone returned with “Broke Sabbath.” This period of absence saw the band members focusing on personal projects and growth, which ultimately influenced the creation of their new album.

Creative Process “Broke Sabbath” was born out of a desire to go “full ‘Volume 4’” – a reference to Black Sabbath’s influential album. The band aimed to turn up the intensity and embrace a more carefree attitude towards their music. The album’s creation involved sifting through the “rubbish and dirt” to craft an artwork and sound that reflected the band’s vision of a “chaotic dumpster fire of sludgy riffs” suitable for their fanbase.

Release and Reception The album was released in the spring of 2024 through the French independent label Totem Cat Records. It was followed by tours in North America and Europe, marking Dopethrone’s return to the music scene2. Critics have described “Broke Sabbath” as Dopethrone’s most diabolical offering yet, bursting with intensity and malevolence.

The track listing of Dopethrone’s album “Broke Sabbath” is a curated journey through the band’s sludge metal landscape. Here’s an analysis of the tracks based on the available information:

1. Life Kills You: Likely the album’s opening statement, this track sets the tone with a title that suggests a raw and existential theme, possibly exploring the harsh realities of life through heavy riffs and thunderous rhythms.
2. Truckstop Warlock: With a title that evokes imagery of a nomadic sorcerer, this track could blend mysticism with the gritty reality of life on the road, delivering a spellbinding mix of doom-laden melodies and dark storytelling.
3. ABAC: This track’s cryptic title leaves much to the imagination. It could be an acronym or a play on musical notation (A-B-A-C), hinting at a complex structure or a thematic motif that recurs throughout the song.
4. Shlaghammer: A term that combines “slag” (a byproduct of metal smelting) with “hammer,” this track promises to be a hard-hitting anthem, pounding the listener with relentless force and possibly addressing themes of industry and labor.
5. Rock Slock: This track might showcase the band’s playful side, with a title that sounds like a fusion of “rock” and “slock” (a variant of “slog”), suggesting a heavy, dragging beat that embodies the weight of rock music.
6. Uniworse: The title suggests a play on words, combining “universe” with “worse,” which could imply a cosmic pessimism or a journey through space that takes a turn for the worse, all set to Dopethrone’s signature sludgy sound.

Positive Aspects:

Musicianship: The band’s performance on “Broke Sabbath” is commendable. The musicians display excellent skill, with colossal riffs and merciless drum beats that create a powerful and immersive listening experience.

Vocal Delivery: Vince’s vocal work is particularly noteworthy. His voice adds a demonic texture to the music, enhancing the overall dark atmosphere of the album.

DIY Ethos: Dopethrone’s commitment to a DIY approach is evident in the gritty production of the album, which adds authenticity and appeals to fans of the genre.

Intensity: From start to finish, the album maintains an indelible intensity, with riffs and rhythms that engage the listener in a relentless auditory assault.

Negative Aspects:

Innovation: While the album is strong in its execution, it has been noted that Dopethrone may be perpetuating musical tropes familiar within the genre. Some critics feel that the songs can be difficult to distinguish from one another, suggesting a potential stagnation in creativity.

Variety: The lack of variety in song structure has been pointed out as a drawback. This could lead to a sense of monotony for some listeners, as the album progresses.

DOPETHRONE’s official video for “Shlaghammer,” from their 2024 album “Broke Sabbath,” is a visual representation of the band’s gritty and unapologetic approach to sludge metal. The video, recorded and mixed by Jean-Baptiste Joubeaud and mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege, captures the raw energy and DIY spirit that Dopethrone is known for.

Visuals and Aesthetics: The video’s aesthetics are as dark and heavy as the music itself. It features the band performing with an intensity that matches the thunderous riffs and pounding drums of the track. The use of dim lighting and quick cuts creates a sense of chaos and unease, drawing the viewer into Dopethrone’s menacing world.

Narrative and Symbolism: While the video primarily focuses on the band’s performance, it also includes symbolic imagery that complements the song’s themes. The visuals are sleazy and grim, aligning with the band’s lyrical focus on degenerate topics such as cannabis, murder, and drug abuse.

Production Quality: The production quality of the video is deliberately rough around the edges, which adds to the authenticity of the band’s sludge metal identity. The videoclip by Vincent Houde is effective in its simplicity, allowing the music to take center stage.

Reception and Impact: The video has garnered attention for its unfiltered portrayal of Dopethrone’s music, with fans and critics alike praising its straightforward and no-frills approach. It serves as a fitting visual accompaniment to the heavy and uncompromising sound of “Shlaghammer.”

Dopethrone’s “Broke Sabbath” emerges as a formidable force in the sludge metal genre, encapsulating the band’s raw energy and commitment to their roots. The album has been described as a “chaotic dumpster fire of sludgy riffs” that fans of heavy music can revel in. It’s a hellish beast that bursts with colossal riffs and merciless drum beats, while Vince’s vocals have been likened to that of a demon.

The album’s DIY ethos and gritty punk attitude are evident throughout, with the band stepping out of their comfort zone to deliver an intense and vile sound. The production, while unpolished, perfectly captures the essence of Dopethrone’s music, making “Broke Sabbath” a standout release.

However, it’s not without its criticisms. Some reviews have pointed out a “weary perpetuation of musical tropes,” suggesting that while the musicianship and lyrics are excellent, the album may not break new ground within the genre. This has led to a call for the band to push their boundaries further in future works.

In conclusion, “Broke Sabbath” is a testament to Dopethrone’s ability to craft music that is both heavy and evocative. It’s an album that will satisfy long-time fans and likely attract new ones, despite some critiques about its innovation. As the band continues to evolve, there’s anticipation for what they will unleash next.

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