Though it might not have the name recognition of fellow hard-riffing instrumental outfits Don Caballero and the Fucking Champs, the Philadelphia power trio Stinking Lizaveta has deservedly earned a rabid cult following with its dynamic mix of metallic bombast and jazzy interplay. For over 13 years, the brothers Papadopoulos (Yanni on guitar and Alexi on stand-up electric bass) have teamed with volcanic drummer Cheshire Agusta to explore a unique intersection of Sabbath, Slint, and
Hot Rats-era Frank Zappa, while still managing to rock hard and heavy enough to comfortably tour with the likes of Clutch and Corrosion of Conformity.
The group has put out four well-received albums and has a fifth --The Scream of the Iron Iconoclast, tracked by longtime supporter Steve Albini -- set for an April release on At a Loss Records. But so far, recorded efforts have only hinted at the kinetic ferocity of Stinking Lizaveta's live show. With Yanni leaping wildly about, like Rasputin turned six-string metal shaman, and Agusta whipping up a vortex of complicated rhythms, the threesome's sure to conjure up an intense maelstrom that will please headbanging Hessians, moshing punk kids, and beard-stroking prog-rock nerds.
