Iron Monkey - Iron Monkey (1997)

 Iron Monkey is considered a trademark for the Doom / Stoner / Sludge hybrid. Their self-titled debut is a "must-have" or at least "must-hear" for every fan of this genre who respects himself. So, what this album is all about? Black Sabbath worship, hatred and whatever kind of drug they used to be during that period. And what makes this album (and band in general) really special and precious? The stunning mix of Acrimony's weedy grooves and EYEHATEGOD's full of hate and misery vocal approach. Yeah, that guy, John Morrow (who died in 2002 by the way), screams his ass off in a way similar to Mike IX Williams'  without copying him or anything.
 Only six tracks, a total duration of less than 40 minutes, but believe me they are capable enough of turning you into an addict. The grooves are heavier than the ones of their aforementioned influences, they're slower and doomier at times and in some cases the band chooses to accelerate and blow of your mind. Pure drugged sludge. There are some solos, in the typical way for bands of the hybrid mentioned above. The drumwork is excellent as it is carried out by a guy that I, myself, respect a lot because of the collaborations he would later make (after Iron Monkey's demise) with Electric Wizard, Teeth of Lions Rule the Divine, Crippled Black Phoenix (his main project nowadays) and more. Pretty solid execution of every instrument.
 But of course, mr. Morrow is the one that really separates himself from the rest of not only the band, but the majority of vocalists in that genre back in the mid 90's. I don't know why, and actually it doesn't really matter, he's so pissed but it turns out for his own and his bands good. His screams fit perfectly with the lurking slowed down riffs.
 I'd suggest it to anyone who digs bands like Church of Misery. Weedeater, Bongzilla, Grief, Electric Wizard and Acid Bath.
R.I.P. John Morrow