Krokodil

Formed in 2011, Krokodil is a British progressive heavy metal supergroup comprised of active members from other bands. Vocalist Simon Wright (Liber Necris), guitarists Laurent Barnard (Gallows), Daniel P. Carter (Bloodhound Gang, Hexes), and Chris Binns (Liber Necris), bassist James Leach, and drummer Dan Foord (both from Sikth). Their sound, an ambitious, groove-centric mix of prog, technical death, and sludge metal melds influences including Mastodon, Meshuggah, Converge, Isis, Neurosis, and Tool. According to an interview with Carter, the group came together over drinks. While the idea of forming a band seemed perfectly natural given their musical affinities and shared vision, they also realized that given individuals' many commitments, starting a "normal band" was impossible -- a recording and occasional live project made more sense. After making their live debut at Download Festival in 2013, they signed to Spinefarm. Krokodil issued the limited 7" single "Shatter/Dead Man's Path" in May of 2014, followed by the digital singles "Reptilia Familiar" in September and "Sun Riders" in October. The full-length Nachash appeared in November during a tour. ~ Thom Jurek