Ixone
As someone who routinely defrosts halfway through a thrasher during summer, what could be more up my alley than a Blackened Thrash/Speed Metal record about drinking? Absolutely nothing. Rotgut’s very suggestively titled 24 oz Cantrip EP, which reeks of hangover from the album cover alone, delivers an infectious, high-energy sound that’s perfect for a burning June day. That said, be prepared for a whirlwind of chaos.
Before this release, I had no idea this project even existed, but 24 oz Cantrip definitely made me curious enough to look up the rest of their work. Sonically, Rotgut lands somewhere between Midnight and Witchery, while visually channeling the cartoony, over-the-top antics of Gwar. That should give most listeners a decent idea of what’s coming, though it still doesn’t fully capture the experience. While the aesthetic may scream “drunken mayhem,” the music is actually more nuanced than you’d expect from the intoxicated demon on the cover.
Structurally, the songs are surprisingly varied, with tempo shifts and rhythmic changes that give the melodies space to evolve—something rarely achieved on such a short release. It’s a testament to the band’s songwriting chops and the effort that clearly went into crafting the EP. This is a tight, focused piece of work that doesn’t feel rushed or careless. One standout feature is the guitar work: it’s sharp, intricate, and full of attitude, especially in the opener “Bonemelter” and the slower, doomier “Under the Scarlett Cross.” There’s a lot here for thrash-loving guitar nerds to dig into.
The drums complement the guitars well, even if they’re not quite as technical. Their strength lies in a more primitive, punk-driven style, as heard in “The Hunger,” where straightforward blasts and raw energy drive the track forward. The chemistry between the guitars and drums is part of what makes 24 oz Cantrip so fun—it’s all high-octane and feral, but never sloppy.
Vocally, I’ll admit I wasn’t sold at first. The performance can come off as obnoxious, but by the second listen, it really started to grow on me—especially during the more extreme moments. Think Adorior mixed with a heavy dose of Sodom. Honestly, thrash could use more weird, distinctive vocals like this. It gives Rotgut a unique signature, and trust me, those screams are going to stick in your head for a while.
Now, this isn’t a record for everyone. If you’re the kind of person who takes Metal Very Seriously™, you might find it too cheesy or cliché. But for those of us who want a fast, fun, ripping soundtrack to some chaotic summer festival shenanigans, Rotgut is here to provide. Just don’t expect subtlety—and definitely bring a drink.
Label: Independent
Release date: 20 June , 2025
Website: https://rotgutofficial.bandcamp.com/
Country: USA
Score: 4.5/5.0 (I had to remind Ixione that we don’t give fives!)
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