Fudge Tunnel - Hate Songs in E Minor (1991)

I guess if I were forced to categorize Fudge Tunnel I would be most inclined to label them as Sludge, though FT do not make it an easy decision as they are one of those rare bands that generally defy categorization. One thing is certain, the guitar tone on this album is fucking monstrous!

In some instances, this album reminds me of Godflesh, again, probably due to the Earth shattering guitar sound as well as the slow to mid pacing of the songs that persists throughout the duration of the LP, though this is hardly Industrial and as heavy as the songs are on this album, they never quite reach the dismal depths of Justin Broadrick's mainstay act. There are some who consider FT to be an alternative/grunge band, and while I can certainly understand the reason for that assumption in regards to the band's sophomore LP, 'Creep Diets', 'Hate Songs...' is far too abrasive to comfortably rub elbows with the likes of Nirvana, Mudhoney, Green Day, etc...

Some days, when I want to listen to something slow/mid-paced and heavy as fuck but without the over abrasiveness of the vocals commonly employed by most doom and sludge bands, I turn to this album. The band's next LP, '93's 'Creep Diets' would utilize the same formula as this album, though with a slightly less heavier handed approach. FT's final album, 'Complicated Futility of Ignorance' saw a return to the super heavy guitar sound of 'HSIEM', but with a somewhat glossier production.