Melvins’ latest release under the Melvins 1983 banner, Thunderball, sees the core duo of Buzz Osborne and original drummer Mike Dillard collaborating with noise artists Void Manes and Ni Maîtres. This collaboration results in an album that successfully merges the band’s signature heavy, sludge-metal sound with experimental electronic and noise elements in a way that is both refreshing and familiar.
The 34 minute album features a concise five-track structure, including shorter, punchy tracks like “King of Rome” that offer a direct link to their early punk and heavy roots. However, the true character of Thunderball emerges in the longer compositions such as “Short Hair With A Wig” and “Victory of the Pyramids,” where the noise contributions are more deeply integrated, adding layers of unsettling texture and pushing the band into more progressive and unpredictable territory. This blend creates a dynamic and often surprising listening experience that avoids simply rehashing past glories.
Thunderball is available in three vinyl variants including an indie exclusive “Smoke Is A Color” variant and an Ipecac webstore-only “Special Mustard Gas.” The collection is also available on CD and all digital formats.
Thunderball is available HERE