I

CHICAGO, IL-Chicago metal three-piece Arbogast releases their first full-length album this fall, tackling a theme on the minds of many: the declining morals of a country where the middle class is being overthrown by the greed of the privileged. Since their first appearance in February 2009, Arbogast has shared the stage with scores of acclaimed ensembles including Bison BC, Gates of Slumber, Across Tundras, Goes Cube, and Tidal Arms. As evidenced in previous releases-a self-titled ep from 2009, a split 7 with New Jersey's A Fucking Elephant from 2010, and a demo from 2011-Arbogast's influences encompass everything that is heavy, blending metal, thrash, hardcore, sludge and even old school punk into an aggressively progressive haze that never veers too far into the pretentious. It's not a hybrid or brash blend of different styles, but the three tracks on this demo have their own little nuance and stylistic realm, Slug Magazine's Bryer Wharton says of their 2011 demo. He goes on to say, The power of the riff and the equal importance of what I call 'power drumming'-meaning the drummer is hitting his kit like he's going to make coins start popping out of the drum heads or simply he has the desire to break them-make this demo stand out. Their upcoming release is no exception. The 11 songs, recorded by Andy Nelson (Weekend Nachos) at Bricktop Studios in Pilsen and mastered by Matt DeWine (Where the Moon Came From) at Ukrainian Village's Pieholden Suite Sound, founded by the late Jay Bennett (Wilco), match Arbogast's trademark heavy sound with a heavy theme, visible throughout. Dead birds litter a desolate landscape on the cover, designed by Aaron Block (Shifting Totem), whose work has also been commissioned by legendary bands Suicidal Tendencies and DRI. Vocalist and guitarist Mike Scheid lays the foundation with the first notes of the album-an eerie Hammond organ that crescendos seamlessly toward the first track, 'final throes.' Vocalist and bassist Aaron Roemig further establishes the tone with the first verse: War's been waged/ a barrage of greed/ ensures divisions strengthening. Similarly disillusioned lyrics are the mainstay of this recording. The undercurrent of Arbogast's sound, drummer Mike Rataj's patented blend of ambidextrous chops, jazzy finesse and thunderous hardcore fury drive the album start to finish. The album will be released by East Coast-based label Nefarious Industries, home to El Drugstore (members of East of the Wall), A Fucking Elephant, and So is the Tongue (members of Kayo Dot). The official release of the album is set for December 4th, 2012 when it will become available online via nefariousindustries.com and arbogastmusic.com.