Trudger – Void Quest

Metalcatto

Sometimes you miss the decadence of urban life—the filth that makes you feel alienated, and yet, it’s the only home you know. Why am I starting this so seriously? Where are all the jokes? You see, when Trudger came to us with Void Quest, I quickly realized this band shares members with Dvne (one of my top Prog albums of 2024). The promise was that this would be even darker and heavier, so obviously, I’m more excited than a drunkard in a liquor store (stop it! Get some help!). So let’s go!

I know Void Quest‘s promo claimed this is a Sludge/Death effort (Warcrab style), but I’ll add that there’s a strong Blackened vibe here too. And as you know, this has been the year of bleak, blackened records. Trudger is a fascinating mix of Dvne, The Order of Apollyon, and even a touch of Mastodon But the dirt and aggression are so authentic that I released all the anger I felt when the bathtub pipe clogged again right before going in. This thing doesn’t let up—but it keeps shifting and throwing the sink at you. Your heart gets no rest and that’s great!

The vocals have such a desperate and urgent energy, very Gorguts, but the guitar and drum work are just stellar. It might plunge you into the deepest depression, but it’s versatile. It uses melody in such a sharp, intentional way—Void Quest has some lighter moments, yet the ideas feel unconventional and direct at the same time. Honestly, I feel alive when a band can write complex music that gives me whiplash from how captivating the riffs are. Trudger has created nothing less than the sound of a full-blown nervous breakdown.

Despite the depth and drama that Void Quest carves into our poor souls, I do have one specific complaint: the album is freaking loud! And I mean Gaerea loud. It could really benefit from more silent moments—something to give our ears a break from the constant onslaught. I love my agony served cold like this, but if it whispered to me now and then, I’d soak in the suffering even more. That said, if you love nasty riffing, how could you possibly say no to this kind of assault?

So say yes to getting pummeled by the weight of crushing anxiety. Trudger is a fresh project, but the people behind it show that maturity brings rewards—not just bills to pay. It was about time we got a proper Sludge-fest that reminded us why we should still care about how muddy distortion can get. Enjoy the decadence of the urban world one more time!

Label: Floodlit Recordings

Release date: August 29, 2025

Website: https://trudger.bandcamp.com/album/void-quest

Country: UK

Score: 4.0/5.0