Halfway between the classic stoner rock of Baroness and the progged-out, furious rolling soundscapes of Mastodon lies Blood of the Tyrant, a Chicago-based band that’s good enough to have a burger named after them at famed heavy metal eatery Kuma’s Corner (and with a name like The Blood of the Tyrant Burger… that shit better be ordered none other than bloody RARE).

“Helena,” from their self-titled four-song EP, is the longest, most involved and most impressive track on the record, recalling elements of both of the aforementioned bands while creating something all their own. The band has given us “Helena” to offer to you for free; stream or download it below, and let us know what you think.

With a merciless touring history that includes shared stages with the likes of Minsk, Yakuza, Battlefields, Kongh, The Atlas Moth, Javelina and more, I’d be mighty curious to see these guys live next time they roll through NYC.

[this download is longer available]

-VN