Review by Peter Finn for MPM
Formed in 2008, the Sheffield-based rock band Black Spiders has carved out a distinctive niche in the UK music scene with their high-energy sound and electrifying performances.
Comprised of Pete Spiby (vocals/guitar), Adam Irwin (bass), James Evans (guitar), Nate Digby (guitar) and Wyatt Wendels (drums), the band expertly blends elements of hard rock, stoner rock, and grunge, drawing comparisons to legendary acts like Kyuss and Black Sabbath. Their discography includes well-received albums from their debut ‘Sons of the North’ in 2011 and their self-titled release from 2021, along with a string of singles that showcase their gritty style and powerful lyrics. Over the years, Black Spiders have built a loyal following, earning a reputation for their energetic live shows and a relentless commitment to rock ‘n’ roll.
Following on from their last album ‘Can’t Die, Won’t Die’ in 2023, Black Spiders release their fifth studio record ‘Cvrses’ on February 28th 2025, on the Dark Riders label via Cargo Distribution. ‘Cvrses’ contains 12-tracks and has a running time of a shade under 46-minutes.
Wendels’ drums and a heavy riff launch the album with ‘Never Enough’, the tempo is quick and matched by Spiby’s direct lyrics. The band add to the intensity with chanted backing vocals, there’s clever tempo changes driven by Irwin’s pounding bass. You instantly want more.
Cool Reaper’ sees a change of style. A clapped intro, followed by short powerful riffs duelling with Spiby’s clipped words. The song grows with a smart guitar solo riding on a slow and dirty riff, the contrasting sounds are very effective. A rocking fist-pumping anthem.
Up next is ‘Sorry Not Sorry’, a heavy beat and powerful riff are the heartbeat of this slightly indie sounding track. Harmonized vocals and a clean crisp guitar solo are combining well to give something of a twist to the album.
‘Idol Hands’ follows, a circular riff and some ‘Woah’s’ build the atmosphere. Spiby’s spoken vocal is crystal clear, the rich swirling sound from the band fills the room and covers the listener. The fuzzy guitar adds to the effect, Wendel’s sharp beat guides you through this almost psychedelic state, it’s a wonderful trip.
As Black Spiders are responsible for the fabulously titled ‘KISS tried to kill me’ found on ‘Sons of the North’, then we shouldn’t be surprised by ‘Tom Petty’s Lips’ appearing on ‘Cvrses’. It’s upbeat and quick from the start, it will bring the bounce to a live show, especially with a chorus of “Tom Petty’s Lips need to be kissed”. It’s great fun, and has a rip-roaring solo thrown in.
A brief narrated skit is the prelude to ‘Dia De Muertos’, which translates to ‘Day of the Dead’. Acoustic strumming and Spiby’s haunting lyrics create an eerie and dramatic feeling, the rhythm section of Irwin and Wendels bring a shudder to proceedings. The initial pace is slower, a genuine stoner sound. Evans’ and Digby’s guitars sending chills down the spine. The ballad like vocal is full of emotion, a track that will hypnotise a live audience.
‘No Superman’, the fuzzy and distorted intro is carved open by Spiby’s sharp lyrics. The pace is slow, but brings a real punch as Wendels pounds his kit and Irwin slaps his strings, the dirty riffs and ferocious fret work supply a clever contrast in sound. Spiby’s screaming leads the track to a close.
‘Cvrses’ continues with ‘Go!’, a high intensity and rapid blast of a classic punk sound. Everything is at maximum. Irwin adds a seismic bass riff before the guitars tear through the senses.
‘Up All Night’ feels more reflective, a traditional rock sound. Chugging riffs and thumping beats, are conjoined with guitar breaks and solos. Spiby’s even paced vocal compliments the driving sound very well.
Another skit follows, leading us into ‘Obey’, a gentle Shadows-esque intro, is blown away as the punk sound returns with Spiby’s angry and chanted words.
The penultimate track is ‘The Mofo Sauce’, a real rocker with attitude. High energy with big beats and big riffs, tied together with Spiby’s direct lyrics. It’s a sound that will have the crowd surfers reaching for their boards.
The album closes with ‘Rotten To The Core’, Black Spiders provide us with another different sound as the intro could be taken from an Ennio Morricone film, the track morphs into a classic early 70’s vibe with blended soaring vocals, but as the track progresses it becomes an all-out rock fest, with heavy beats and rampaging riffs. It’s a superb way to end what has been a superb album.
‘Cvrses’ delivers an evolved powerful sound, rich in heavy rock that incorporates a clever medley of characteristics found across genres, an album that reflects Black Spiders progression, successfully completed without the need to put one of their many legs within the main-stream camp. All this is achieved whilst remaining honest to their original roots. The band are on tour in April and are well worth seeing, and hopefully the set includes some of the monster tracks from ‘Cvrses’.
New album ‘Cvrses’ released 28 Feb 2025 on Dark Riders/Cargo Records. Pre order now at https://cargorecordsdirect.co.uk/prod…
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