97 MARCH 26-APRIL 1, 2026 westword.com WESTWORD | CONTENTS | SPORTS & RECREATION | SHOPPING & SERVICES | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | MUSIC & VENUES | FOOD & DRINK | e d k d n a y t n w d w t r g g g x g m t r h e g y g m y d t w n f e l fi nd yourself singing along to in no time. The band recently released a new EP, GO- ING THROUGH THE MOTIONS, which features four pristine tracks. Kicking off with the title track, the band reminds lis- teners that “It’ll be alright / We’ll take it day by day / the future’s bright.” Infused with post-punk and pop hooks, the songs stick with you, especially the one titled, well, “STUCK.” Best EP to Confront the Apocalypse If It Never Ends ego n friends Denver artist ego, who performs as ego n friends, released his favorite project to date in If It Never Ends, which included a stunning visual component of seamless music videos. As social media has us more plugged into worldwide disasters than ever before, it’s hard to feel as though the end isn’t near. But ego has listeners asking the question: Would you be doing anything differently, whether the world was ending or not? Lyrically refreshing and sonically upbeat, If It Never Ends reminds us of the paradoxes we encounter throughout life, and that you always have a power over your perspective. Best Metal Album Ukko’s Hammer Ukko’s Hammer Crossover curated from ancient Finn- ish mythology works so well that Ukko’s Hammer self-titled debut became a sur- prise pick for the best local metal album of the past year. The vision of Zach Reini, who is of Finnish descent, Ukko’s Ham- mer pulls from unlikely sources, including “Kalevala,” Finland’s national 19th-century epic poem that inspired Tolkien’s “The Silmarillion,” in coming up with break- neck hardcore-infused metal reminiscent of ’80s thrash and death (think Destruc- tion and early Sepultura). “Hiisi Tanssi,” which roughly translates to “devil dance,” and “Ukonvasara,” the Finnish word for Ukko’s hammer, exemplify that, but “Skin and Bone” and “Endless Pain” are stand- outs here, too. Best Busking Metal Band Insipidus Busking usually involves a musician play- ing covers on the side of the road. But In- sipidus delivers full-on hardcore concerts on the streets of Denver. Whether the trio is on South Broadway or at a skatepark, Insipidus always draws a crowd with its tantalizing and melodic metal. Comprising Yoav Daube (guitar), Travis Hatley (drums) and Kane Pascarelli (bass), the band has caught a lot of attention through the unique format, even being invited out to play a tech conference headlined by Metallica last year. And Insipidus sounds just as good in its re- cords, particularly its latest, Nearest Dusk, which is available to stream now. Heaviest, Harshest and Most Terrifying Album Observance Primitive Man Primitive Man is no stranger to harsh- ness, as the abrasive Denver doom trio has been at it for over a decade at this point, but the band’s latest album, Observance, is the most crushing entry to date. With just seven songs, and over an hour of runtime, the album displays the unique sonic terror that Primitive Man has so effectively, and terrifyingly, perfected. Guitarist-vocalist Ethan Lee McCarthy, drummer Joe Linden and bassist Jon Campos know how to con- vey existential dread through doom, sludge and harsh noise. McCarthy’s wails of pure agony on tracks such as “Transactional” and “Natural Law” — both ten-minute-plus epics — are peak Primitive Man, and we’re here for it. Best Symphonic Blackened Death-Metal Album Enter: Vampyric Manifestation Pedestal For Leviathan Enter: Vampyric Manifestation, the full- length debut of Denver blackened death- metal crew Pedestal For Leviathan, took the scene by storm and sword with its blood- sucking ferocity. Formerly the solo project of Kendrick Lemke, the Denver group grew into a more proper outfi t over the past year. Now, Pedestal is dispelling dark tales of werewolf prophets, demonic metallurgists and evil incantations with such songs as “Ly- canthropichrist,” “Warlock Blacksmith” and “Karmic Recollection Mirror.” Reminiscent of early 2000s symphonic black metal, En- ter: Vampyric Manifestation features just the right amount of organ synth and enough brutal death metal to sink your fangs into and satiate any bloodlust. Best Sound From the Underground Tainted Blade Tainted Blade is one of the newest metal bands in Denver, making its live debut in January before putting out its debut album, Wrath Made Flesh, in March, but the bar- baric trio is no stranger to the underground. Members Rory Rummings (vocals and guitar), Riley Rukavina (drums) and Matt Ross (bass) previously played together in Tricoma, and only formed Tainted Blade after that group decided to take a breather recently. A 2024 debut EP, Psychic Illness, followed. The new incarnation leans more into dirty death metal and sludge, as evi- denced on the title track and “TIE YOUR NOOSE,” so keep an eye on Tainted Blade. Best Goregrind Album Human Suit Human Suit We pride ourselves on always fi nding the best and brutalist music for our readers. Case in point: Fort Collins grindcore band Human Suit, which, in our humble opin- ion, put out the best goregrind album in the last year. While the self-titled album is technically a twelve-minute demo, it is refreshing in its approach and execution, especially since the carnage-obsessed sub- genre isn’t always well-represented in local circles. Human Suit — what a sick name, don’t ya think? — is the perfect example of good ole goregrind. It’s crusty and raw and gut-wrenching. “Blushed With Rot,” “Amorphous Monolith” and “The Anthill” are sure to make you squirm with delight … if you’re into that sort of thing. ■ OPEN 24/7 NOW HIRING DENVERSTRIPCLUB.COM ASK ABOUT EARLY BIRD SPECIAL ................. .................. ................. .................. .............................. ............................ .............................. ............................ ....................... ................... ................... ....................... ................... ...................
