Killdozer

How does a college town like Madison, Wisc., spew out a band like Killdozer? Possibly the meanest, dirtiest group to ever crawl out of a septic tank, they create angular, bass-driven Noise Rock brought to mutated life by bruising drums (courtesy of expert basher Dan Hobson), seething guitar noise and vocals that suggest the singer descended to the Inferno with Dante. Bassist/vocalist Michael Gerald growls out lyrics that range from such delectable topics as castration, suicide, child abuse and anything/everything wrong with society. It's so extreme that you can't help but smile, knowing that the band itself is slyly smirking. Killdozer also excel at crafting effective cover versions -- their version of "American Pie" is downright heartfelt -- and their original music utilizes complex time signatures and singular melody lines. The basslines are full of muscle and surprising twists, and lead guitarist Bill Hobson either compliments them or plays in perfect opposition, creating wonderful atonalities and dissonances. If you feel a need to investigate the slime of the sewer -- or if you're already enjoying it down there -- let Killdozer be your ever-sneering tour guides.