Tier - Backwood Blues

Tier is a power trio from Germany, playing what they called ‘Dark Western Stoner Blues.’  If that genre tag doesn’t get your attention then the music and clever songwriting definitely will.  The band debuted with an EP back in 2022 but have now dropped their frighteningly great full-length album “Backwood Blues.” 

The band might not be metal compared to most of the types of bands this my blog focuses on but the influence is there and it has more than a few moments of sonic crushing through the incorporation of stoner/doom elements. Honestly, they remind me of a southern-fried Clutch in some ways. They don’t sound like them, per say, but they have a similar approach in vocal styles (clean, expressive vocals with just enough grit) and the music rocks hard through the incorporation of a myriad of styles.  

Honestly, I’m surprised they are from Germany because this is what people in the southern part of the USA should be listening to if they had taste.  Which they don’t.  So they won’t ever listen to this.  But I’m southern so maybe there is some hope?  Seriously though, my time spent with this album was time well spent.  I like how they sound a little western without sounding redneck and inbred.  If country music is crappy KFC then this band’s Dark Western Stoner Blues is chicken grilled on charcoal while the chef headbangs.

The production has to be praised—this one of the best sounding albums I’ve heard all  year, metal or otherwise.  It sounds like it was recorded live and will blow your mind hole if you jam it with a good pair of headphones.  Upon checking the press release, I discovered it was indeed recorded live in their rehearsal space.  Good job, guys.  

For “only” three people, Tier sure makes a lot of noise!  Fab’s bass is huge, not content on just following the guitar around and, oftentimes, becoming the vocal point for parts in the songs. Check out its melodic pacing on the opening of “Long Way Down,” and then its earth shattering rhythm during the stanzas.  Tell me Fab isn’t…wait for it..fabolous.  Sorry, I’ll see myself out. 

Jan’s guitar isn’t a slouch, either but not only because of his own massive riffs but also because he knows when to hang back.  On “Hang ‘em up,” he lets the fuzz drip off his mean strings in the song’s opening moments but uses a simple, clean rhythm while the vocals work their magic.  I’m not who does most of the vocals as, oddly enough, their press release didn’t say.  But which ever of the three does provide them, then he has done a fine job in singing his ass off.  It could be more than one of them, as well. Maybe I’m the vocalist, I just don’t know it. 

“Keep Sweet,” was a good choice for a single because I really feel it gives a fantastic overview of their sound.  The clean vocals in the beginning are great but so are the heavy ass riffs that chop up these bluesey waters.  Jones’ drums are made of pretty stern stuff—he bashes away plenty but is more than comfortable taking either more intricate or lighter paths, giving the songs what they need, when they need it. 

“Bad Blood,” is probably my favorite song on the album—I love the vocal performance and the blues riffs pair so goddamn well with the drums and thumping bass.  The chorus is gripping—not to mention loud and powerful.  Oh, I did mention it.  

The final song, “Execution Song,” is possibly the most dark on here, showcasing how gloomy the band can get.  The liminal spaces between the lyrical stanzas are clever, letting the background vocals and clapping add a ton of atmosphere to the song.

Tier’s “Backwood Blues,” is certainly outside of my usual wheelhouse but good music is good music—and this is damn good.  It’s heavy and riff based enough to satisfy stoner rock/doom metal fans but rock/blues based enough to stand outside the usual crowd.  Highly recommended. 

Rating: Excellent