TarLung - Axis Mundi

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TarLung is a stoner/sludge/doom metal band from Austria, who formed in 2013. Their latest album, “Axis Mundi,” is their fourth full-length album; they have also released one EP and a split album.

This is my first experience with the band. I want to thank them for sending me the promo because they just gained a new fan. The band’s brand of doom definitely has a stoner vibe, particularly in many of the riffs. Their often abrasive approach lets their sludge influence shine through as well. 

It is a curious and interesting album because it kept me guessing at times as to where the songs were going to go. The opening song, “Static Noise,” is a prime example of this. The intro to the song has a hard rock feel to it but with the slow build up of doom. As the seconds tick by, the drums kick in and then the groove ramps up. At the 1:37 mark, the sludge/doom gets turned up about 10,000 notches. Philipp and Clemen’s abilities to wield the power of the riff is compelling! I absolutely LOVE Philipp’s death grows/screams: powerful, loud, vicious, but they don’t overpower the music. Marian’s drumming is expert level, going heavy and totally encompassing when needed but able to steer the band as effectively in the less hectic moments.

“Burning Out,” begins with a strong current of drums and atmospheric guitar, alongside massive bass. The clean vocals are low, almost in a talking cadence. It works pretty well and I like how the band keeps the tension going—something is about to explode here. Then the 1:44 mark hits and those wonderfully crunchy riffs begin to sink in. By the time the two minute mark arrives, the sludge mixes with the doom, rolling crests of distortion smacking against the rhythm.  

“Swans,” at least in the beginning, reminds me of Clutch, what with its groovy rock aesthetic that begins the song. The vocals play off the riffs in a big way, lending the song a ton of energy and perpetual motion. There is a lot of swagger of energy in this song. The back half of the song takes on a slower tempo and is absolutely crushing.

The title track ends the album and it is a certified banger. I love how the riffs and vocals compliment each other, a constant double whammy to the FACE. The small hints of melodies in the riffs and solos near the end are icing on the cake.

This is a fun album, doomed out sludge or sludgy doom. Whatever you call it, its an infectious good of a time and gets doom started in a big way for 2026. 

Rating: Excellent










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