BLACK SPIDERS: Can't Die, Won't Die (STONER): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Ten years ago, Black Spiders built up quite a reputation. Two solid albums ("Sons Of The North" followed by "This Savage Land") and intense stage activity, between prestigious festivals (Sonisphere, Graspop...) and opening acts for famous bands (ZZ Top, Down, Neurosis, Heaven And Hell...), have established them as one of the spearheads of the new generation of stoner rockers, a kind of Black Stone Cherry à l'anglaise. Although their eponymous third album, released in 2021, bridged a surprising gap of almost five years, the pandemic frustrated the quintet, preventing them from touring as much as they would have liked, even though playing live had long been an itch for these musicians, whose energetic, restless style naturally lends itself to live performance.

In a hurry to keep up the momentum after this successful comeback, the Brits are already back in stores with "Can't Die, Won't Die", a title that sums up their guiding spirit better than a long speech. They're not complicated guys, they don't really like to break their heads, which dictates that their rock is simple, vigorous and jovial. The influences are obvious (AC/DC, ZZ Top) and totally assumed. And in any case, rock is less about originality than it is about energy. Despite its thirteen tracks, this short fourth album doesn't revolutionize the genre or Black Spiders' music.

Its interest lies elsewhere, in the incisive ardor of songs that make you want to stomp your feet, ride your bike or drink beers in the smoke of a cosy pub. Between two frenzied jabs that Angus Young would not disavow ('Hot Wheels'), the band has the good taste to vary the pleasures, here by applying the handbrake ('What It is'), there by winking at Faith No More ('Destroyer'). The best tracks are also those that ooze emotion and ambience ('Traitor's Walk') or spout lumberjack riffs ('Another Weekend').

A joyful, festive record that's nevertheless too clean-cut, "Can't Die, Won't Die" lacks hair and sweat. Definitely more classic rock than greasy stoner, Black Spiders is no Orange Goblin. The songs are effective, pleasant and perfectly executed, but that's as far as they go. - Official website

BLACK SPIDERS

CAN'T DIE, WON'T DIE

SPINEFARM RECORDS

STONER