Blacktusk

with The Dumps and Skeleton Witch

Tuesday, January 9 @ Tasty World

originally published December 27, 2006

Blacktusk is a band whose members know who they are, know what they like, and know who their audience is: railing against the odds while performing for a scant crowd at Trans met back in August, the band brought and proceeded to plug in and use a for-real DIY light show. Minimal as it may have been, it was effective, and provided some effervescent drama to a stunned group of late-night drunks who couldn't have numbered more than a dozen. And while it's easy to get lulled into a navel-gazing trance while seeing metal bands wielding the sludge, Blacktusk's wise decision to interpolate galloping punk into its sound garnered full attention from the few remaining spectators. We may be seeing more of this trio in the future, as the band explains via email in a scene report on their hometown: “They just passed a law in Savannah that will no longer allow people under the age of 21 to go into places that sell alcohol, and since we have one real venue for heavy music, it's harder for people under the age of 21 to be exposed to some really good bands.” The dudes are currently touring behind their recent EP When Kingdoms Fall, produced by Philip Cope of Kylesa at Savannah's Jam Room, which was released to some positive nods from the metal press. Blacktusk's plans for the future include a new record in 2007 and touring the United States extensively. However, the most important question posed to the band is as follows: Blacktusk has a song called "Rise of the Black Tusk." Better song with the band's name in it, "Bad Company" by Bad Company or "Bad Religion" by Bad Religion? So says Blacktusk: “Our bass player Athon will insist that 'Bad Company' by Bad Company is one of the best songs ever.” 'Nuff said! Jeff Tobias