Bison B.C.

Bison B.C. has many of the markings of a stoner rock band, especially in the realm of guitars. The British Columbia, Canada group creates mammoth grooves with a fuzzy texture that does their name justice, and tempers this sound with cosmic guitar effects and dynamic changes. A quick listen to the band’s third album “Dark Ages” reveals these Canucks go beyond the stoner rock tag. In a similar vein to current tour mates, High on Fire, Bison B.C. also deals speed with an inclination towards thrash and punk.

“Dark Ages” doesn’t defy style expectations laid down on prior album “Quiet Earth” (2008). Both albums contain roughly the same amount of material, both clocking in around the forty-five minute mark. “Dark Ages” even continues the theme of the Native American legend of the Wendigo, providing a third chapter bearing this title.

“Wendigo Pt. 3 (Let Him Burn)” has an organic beginning defined by acoustic guitar and breezy noises. Just past the one-minute mark, guitar feedback gradually fades into the mix, and then speaks by way of pedal with a pounding groove taking up the background. This rhythm defines the track, moving with Sabbath sludginess but of a larger, modern sound. Like the creature of folklore, the seven-minute-plus track goes through many transformations of speed and rhythm before landing at a place similar to its peaceful beginning.

“Take the Next Exit” is another notable track. Here, the group tempers a straight forward thrashing, speedy attack with more dope smokin’ down tempos. Around the three-minute point, the group introduces some old school flair with string work from the Judas Priest/Iron Maiden camp. “Two-Day Booze” offers more Maiden-type guitar work, chugging breaks, rolling drum fills and dual-axe harmonies. “Melody, This is for you” further shows the band’s solid grasp of dynamics, slowly bringing in the action with acoustic guitar and a bass-drum tandem.

Through the current tour with High on Fire, Bison B.C. has found its niche in this ever-growing popular modern style of metal. The group has released three quality albums and has toured relentlessly—two things needed for a successful band formula. “Dark Ages” proves Bison B.C. is worthy of elite company in the contemporary metal scene.