The Melvins: Hostile Ambient Takeover

By RUSSELL BAILLIE

(Herald rating: * * )

Playing in Auckland tonight in support of Tool, the Melvins' continued existence is one of the mysteries of modern rock.

Left high and dry by the grunge tidal wave, now the trio battle on, delivering frequent albums like this, all downtuned sludge guitars, feedback freak-outs and deep-thorax vocals. Though the eight tracks of this aren't entirely unapproachable - the likes of The Brain Centre at Whipples and Little Judas Chongo swagger along while paying those annual dues to the Black Sabbath foundation. But much of the rest just reminds how darn heavy and weird the Melvins remain after all these years. Mission accomplished.

Label: Shock