siLLy puPPy APÖSTÄT is a fairly obscure hardcore band from Troyes, France that has so far released a single self-titled EP in 2015. This band features the four member lineup of Flo (vocals), Tangaï (guitar), Duke (bass) and Ben (drums). The band is thus far unsigned and has only released this 20 1/2 minute hardcore meets sludge metal experience independently on CD as well as having it available on Bandcamp.

This is a short but sweet sludgy experience with six tracks that sort of sound like a crust punk band like Discharge or Amoebix hooked up with an early 90s sludge metal band like Eyehategod, Neurosis or Isis. The tracks are somewhat short and feel like straight to the point crust but do have extended riffing sessions in the vein of sludge metal. The production is filthy and raw and feels right for the brutal attack. The vocals are screamed from below the din.

Overall the song structures are in the crust punk / post-hardcore style whereas the tones, timbres and overall sound structures are right out of the sludge metal / post-metal playbook. Reminds me a lot of a local band called Stormcrow with the same filthy raw sound that blurs the distinction between crust punk and sludge metal and honestly these distinctions in extreme metal are often razor thin.

While there is nothing remotely original under the sun performed here by APÖSTÄT, i can’t say that i don’t enjoy this brutal stampede through its 20 minute run. These guys have nailed this sound so it’s a shame they haven’t followed up with a full-length release that could further expand their creative interpretations of this sludgy crust punk. With a few more ideas and contrasting atmospheres, this band could really go places. Great stuff but not original enough to find its way out of the obscurity bins. Too bad.