Iron Lung

Iron Lung's evolution from an above-average Crossed Out and Infest-inspired power violence outfit into a snarling, uncontainable beast of a band is nothing short of stunning. A duo comprised of guitarist Jon Kortland and drummer Jensen Ward, Iron Lung have an undeniable chemistry honed by countless years of roadwork.

The hallmarks of Iron Lung's style are an overwhelming, often claustrophobic intensity, a pervasive obsession with either death or medical imagery, and a powerful sense of economy; most Iron Lung tunes are over within a minute and a half (the title track from the group's debut album, Life. Death. Iron Lung. clocks in at 17 seconds).

While the band's roots are firmly planted in the west coast power violence explosion of the early 90's, Iron Lung's methodical arrangements and brutal assault will appease fans of so-called "technically accomplished" metalcore bands (e.g. early DEP, Converge, Botch, etc.) while putting all those groups to shame.

Before Capillary Action played with Iron Lung in Missoula, MT on the summer 2005 tour, I had heard scattered things about the group from various sources (websites, mostly, but an Australian friend of mine saw them in Melbourne and said they were the loudest band he'd ever experienced) but I had no luck finding any mp3's. For some reason, I knew there was something special about this band.

Even before Iron Lung played a note, the mood in the air was like that of lambs lined up outside a slaughterhouse being led to their impending doom. The two quickly set up, then drummer Jensen Ward announced firmly, "We're Iron Lung from Seattle, Washington." Before you knew what hit you, the duo exacted a nihilistic 20 minute set on the unsuspecting crowd.

Song after song, it felt like a tsunami of amorphous, invisible violence was battering my senses. Not a single moment of silence was afforded to the gathered throng (unsettling samples occupied the breaks in between songs) and the force of these two individuals could be compared to a pack of wolverines ripping apart an unsuspecting hunter's flesh and devouring him whole.

Out of nowhere Ward sasys "bye" into the microphone, as if he had no knowledge of the damage he just inflicted, and it was all over. In one fell swoop, Iron Lung made all the other bands on the bill- not to mention almost any other band in existence- look like total amateurs.

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Myspace Page

Mp3s available on Iron Lung's Myspace page