Stake

Wevelgem, Belgium-based rock band Stake bring a healthy dose of atmosphere and quirkiness to an otherwise heavy sludge rock sound. Formerly known as Steak Number Eight, the band said farewell to that name in 2017, playing a string of shows before going on indefinite hiatus. Instead of re-forming, the group went back to the drawing board, and while they retained the original line-up, including Brent Vanneste (guitar, vocals), Joris Casier (drums), Jesse Surmont (bass), and Cis Deman (guitar), they altered their sound enough to justify an entirely fresh start. They signed to Hassle Records in 2019, going on to release their debut single, "Catatonic Dreams," early that year. Later the same year they followed up with their full-length debut album, Critical Method. ~ Liam Martin