(From “Olympic Airstream”/“Mirror Fits Like A Glove” 7” out now on Eliminator Records)

Most people trace modern post-doom stoner metal to the Invaders comp of 2006, which introduced or re-introduced acts such as Witch, Witchcraft, Pelican and High on Fire to the masses longing for more Iommic influence over their music. But the ’70s metal revival really began in 1985 with SST’s Blasting Concept II, the compilation that brought Saint Vitus and Angst together with a slew of other Black Flag side-projects that wound up equaling one big thumbs-up to post-hardcore sludge metal. So it’s fitting that Black Flag/WÜRM/ SST honcho Chuck Dukowski produced this kick-ass Shrine single. The Shrine have sported all the right metal moves as if by accident: getting interviewed in Thrasher magazine, weaseling their way into L.A. RECORD, and even opening for Pentagram. Like most bands five years on from the Invaders comp, they’re not playing doom metal anymore, but despite their wah-wah/psycho-schwag vibe, they’re still evil—think Dead Meadow, but older and grizzlier. “Olympic Airstream” is the noodly six-minute side that’ll make your good bong hit better, reminiscent of Mountain or Spirit or maybe a touch of “Planet Caravan.” But for my money, the B-side, “Mirror Fits Like a Glove,” is the true power-chord cruncher, perfect for DJing your next Wolfmother show. The fact that these guys don’t care if they evoke Michael Jackson with their lyrics about “the man in the mirror” makes this all the more METAL!

—Dan Collins