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– CVLT Nation“A potent mix of filthy sludge, aggressive death metal and infused with just a touch of stoner rock. “The Fat is in the Fire” has a number of fronts to attack on. Each track as vicious and pummelling as the last.
Yes, it is heavy, yes, it is relentless but with a varied approach, this isn’t an album that starts to get too sickly. In fact, its punches are direct and with purpose. Just listen to the first track to hear that. Riffs that blaze, gruff yet emotive vocals, a cleaner rockier soloing…it’s very effective.”
– Games, Brrraaains, & A Head Banging Life
Boatman’s Toll is a five piece sludge/death metal band from Chicago, IL. The band self-released their debut album, The Fat is in the Fire, back in April of 2017. The album is a masterwork that due to it being self-released, was completely overlooked and undiscovered. Seeing Red Records are more than excited to be working with the band and to celebrate the band’s signing, will release a Label Version of the album that includes a brand new song “Fossil” ( as a preview of what is to come ) as well as a stunningly accurate cover of Acid Bath’s “The Blue.”
Boatman’s Toll is undefiniable. I hear the band’s influences in moments, but as most great bands do, they never come off sounding like a clone of any of them. Musically you can tell how much of an influence Acid Bath has on the band. Boatman’s Toll’s blending of near Death Metal riffs with a Sludge-like mentality is quite unique and ever-interesting. Vocally, Barry Kotarba is a force! At times bellowing similar to Sludge forefather Kirk Windstein, Barry can seemlessly do it all – from death yells to melodic bellowing to captivating clean vocals, Barry’s contribution elevates the band to another level. Whether it’s the relentless riffs, pummeling rhythm section, blue-sy solos, or intense emotive vocals that appeal to you, Boatman’s Toll has much to offer. The band have refined their sound into a potent mix of a Sludge, Death Metal, and Stoner Rock molotov cocktail!
For fans of Acid Bath, Soilent Green, Crowbar, Mastodon, and High on Fire
released July 19, 2019
Boatman’s Toll is:
Dave Kallas – Guitar, Vocals
Barry Kotarba – Vocals
Scott McClelland – Bass, Vocals
Phil Messina – Drums
Matt McClelland – Guitar
Tracks 1-10 recorded by Dan Klein at Iron Hand Audio, Chicago, IL
Track 11-12 recorded by Spenser Morris at BRicktop Studios, Chicago, IL
All tracks mastered by Collin Jordan at The Boiler Room, Chicago, IL
Track 12 written by Acid Bath, ℗ & © 1994 & 2004 Rotten Records Inc.
Wood Engravings by Gustave Dore
Layout/Design by Barry Kotarba
Parts of the record written by Tom Flanagan and Derek Bell
