Black Cobra

Using just drums, guitar and a microphone, the two members who make up San Francisco's Black Cobra crank out colossally monolithic riffs that are every bit as punishing as any of the group's bronto-stomping peers. In trimming the fat, Black Cobra displays a nimble dexterity not always shared in the often overcrowded revival of doom metal. Rather than simply detuning and playing as slowly as possible, the duo makes a frenzied sludge that weaves around singer and guitarist Jason Landrian's militant barks. Nevertheless, the requisite slow and heavy parts remain every bit as crushing as any band with double the personnel.