Review: Tomb Slab ‘Tomb Slab’
The basis for what would become Tomb Slab stretches back to 2024, when The Atrocity Exhibit guitarist James Caygill and The Infernal Sea vocalist Dean Lettice realized that they both loved the heavy sludge of bands like Iron Monkey and EyeHateGod. Eventually their words and thoughts became riffs and lyrics, which in time became their early demos.
While other commitments needed to be honored, the two musicians pledged to come back to the project they had named Tomb Slab and in 2025 they did precisely that, though they were now accompanied by Oneiros bassist John Hunter and Shyrkull drummer Kez Whelan. Now they are on the eve of releasing a crushing debut album of the heaviest and most filthy sludge metal of 2026.
The first track, Kingdom Of Tyranny, begins with squealing feedback and a single guitar riff before the full band comes crashing in with slow, sludge-laden power. It’s heavy and well written, with vocals that sound as if Lettice gargles with broken glass, razor blades, and gasoline. In other words, his vocal performance is exceedingly awesome and fits the track perfectly.
Rawhead stands equally amongst the others in terms of badassery. It’s got a quicker tempo and crushing riffs that ride the line between sludge and stoner metal. Oddly enough, there are a couple spots where I hear a Corrosion Of Conformity influence, making this one have a larger sense of dynamics than the other tracks, though they are all exciting in that area. I would have to say that this is my second favorite of the six songs presented here.
Tomb Of Flesh is the best track on this record. When Lettice snarls ‘Jesus wept’it hits you right in your chest, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll immediately think of a movie called The Lawnmower Man. The intro is slow, which is indicative of this style of music. That in and of itself makes the guitars sound even heavier, providing the perfect counterbalance to the sections that feel a bit faster. The riffs here hit like a ten-ton hammer, with the arrangement and melody being some of the best examples of this genre that I’ve heard in quite some time.
Another aspect of this album that I feel needs pointing out is the strong groove that permeates these tunes. I found myself moving to it throughout the album, doing so without even realizing I was. I don’t know about you readers, but I feel groove is the one thing that all music needs, and Tomb Slab definitely delivers.
I highly suggest that you all give Tomb Slab your time, and that you share their album with your friends while you’re at it. It was released July 17th, 2026, via Road To Masochist, so prepare yourselves now! Enjoy!
Label: Road To Masochist
Band Links: Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram
Scribed by: Tom Hanno
