If you search record shops for the latest in soft and sad indie rock, this album probably isn’t for you. If you want the dirtiest, filthiest sludge metal you’ve ever heard, keep reading. What you might not believe after hearing the wall of sound that is the latest album from In the Company of Serpents is that all of those decibels come from two guys. In releasing “Of the Flock” the duo from Denver has impressed once again. Their songs have a huge presence and the size of their sound is unexpected from a duo. Compared to their first self-titled release on cassette, the band has progressed significantly, with the drums matching the guitar in energy and their riffs being even dirtier and deeper. Although the songs can be repetitive to the casual listener, the depth in the band’s sound keeps you interested for the entire album. My personal favorite on the album is the final song “Untied/Culling Essence From the Void.” This track starts out with a dark strumming of the guitar backed by a building mass of sound behind it. The background sound suddenly gives way and the guitar is joined by soft drums only to suddenly drop into deep and dirty sludge metal. It is this style and energy that makes In the Company of Serpents such an amazing band to listen to. You can order “Of the Flock” at inthecompanyofserpents.bandcamp.com. It is available digitally or physically on a beautiful vinyl pressing. Their first album is also available, although only digitally and no longer on cassette.