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Having already cornered the market for space slug themed melodic blackened progressive death metal, Slugdge unleash their fourth full-length, Esoteric Malacology (Malacology being the branch of zoology that deals with mollusks).
Through their first three records (available as the compendium, The Cosmic Cornucopia for $1), Slugdge developed their unique subject matter and sound. They take common Lovecraftian tropes and make them (more) ridiculous while preserving the self-serious presentation so common in metal. Mollusca, the intergalactic space slug god has come to cleanse humanity and save it from itself. Praise Mollusca!
The silly lyrics and parody song titles give away the tongue in cheek subject matter, but the music is no joke. On top of the death / black metal sound they layer extended range riffs, flowing Mastodon style leads, and clean harmony vocals all effortlessly pulled together to create a unique sound.
Esoterica Malacology doesn't change the formula, but it shows the band employing it with more focus and finesse. Rather than sounding like their influences excellently arranged and combined, they've transcended them to create their own signature sound. They've trimmed the fat and really doubled down on the best aspects of previous records.
Right out of the gate, with "War Squids", the album rips. There's no ambient build like on Dim and Slimeridden Kingdoms. Throughout the album the drums and riffs are faster and more complex with lots of strange rhythms. More of the riffs utilize the extended range of the guitars and there is more tapping and sweep picking as well as more use of melodic vocals. It sounds tighter than before and makes for a more cohesive record.
Production has also been radically improved, especially the dynamic range. Up to Gastronomicon the dynamic range was completely brickwalled. Esoteric Malacology is DR 8, giving the music much more room to breathe than any of the previous albums. It does wonders for the band's sound which is rarely simple and benefits hugely from being able to hear all the different parts.
Ultimately Slugdge are still Slugdge, which is fantastic. The band tapped into a unique sound and aren't afraid to lift the veil of metal seriousness. Esoterica Malacology is the purest distillation of that, and their best record yet.