Fuzz Evil Premiere New Single “The Black Dread (Live)”
Arizona heavy rock and rollers Fuzz Evil are releasing a live version of “The Black Dread” July 18, which is tomorrow. The reliable, melodic three-piece from Sierra Vista recorded the track this past Feb. 11 as Fuzz Evil supported Pentagram, who were rolling through on tour. As ever, Wayne and Joey Rudell know what they’re about. The song originally comes from their 2016 self-titled debut (review here) — they made a video for it in 2017, posted here — and from the mellower-vibing studio version, they’ve extrapolated a different song. “The Black Dread” hits harder, which isn’t the most surprising thing in the universe for a live track, but has seen its trajectory shift as well.
The present incarnation of Fuzz Evil, with Joey on bass and backing vocals and Wayne on vocals and guitar, as ever, with baritone guitarist Preston Jennings and drummer Cajun Adams released the band’s latest studio offering, Smear Merchants (review here), earlier this year. Since the original “Black Dread” — minus the ‘the’ — was recorded as trio, there are inherent differences, but the studio version also has a line of organ running through it and stretches up toward seven minutes. The live one trims that to a little over five, and while preserving the psychedelic aspect early, builds it to a ready-to-close-the-set blowout with the keys, solo and underlying rhythm all pushing to the same crescendo. Fuzz Evil have always had their sound under control. They’ve always been songwriters. That comes through in the live version of “The Black Dread” too, but clearly for them it’s more about the joy of the performance, and that comes through here too.
I don’t know if there’s a live record coming, or if the full set from the Pentagram show was even captured, but even if “The Black Dread (Live)” is a standalone, gonna-wind-up-as-a-bonus-track-some-day one-off, it says something about the growth of the band over their time thus far, and like their own progression, the song has become something new while staying true to its foundation in heavy desert vibes and ultra-solid craft. Sounds like it was a killer gig.
“The Black Dread (Live)” premieres below, followed by more info from the PR wire:
Fuzz Evil, “The Black Dread (Live)” track premiere
FUZZ EVIL UNLEASHES “THE BLACK DREAD (LIVE)” – RECORDED OPENING FOR DOOM LEGENDS PENTAGRAM AT 191 TOOLE
SIERRA VISTA, AZ – Arizona’s borderland heavy rockers Fuzz Evil are proud to announce the release of their explosive new live single “The Black Dread (Live)” on July 18th. Captured during their powerful support slot for the legendary Pentagram at 191 Toole in Tucson, this live version of the fan-favorite track from their debut record brings a new level of raw energy, layered soundscapes, and vintage doom ambiance.
Frontman Wayne Rudell shares the excitement behind the release:
“I have always wanted to capture the live version of ‘The Black Dread.’ It has such a different energy live as a four-piece. Preston adds so much with his effects. You can really hear all the layers he adds. I used to love listening to old live bootlegs of Jimi Hendrix concerts. You got to hear different interpretations of timeless songs you thought you knew. I wanted to capture something similar here with the Black Dread”
Originally released on their self-titled debut, “The Black Dread” has become a cornerstone of Fuzz Evil’s live shows, known for its heavy riffs, psychedelic undertones, and thunderous grooves. This new live recording offers fans a visceral and immersive experience of the band’s expanded live lineup, showcasing the synergy that makes them a standout in the modern stoner and doom scene.
Fuzz Evil has steadily built a reputation for their gritty desert rock sound and raw, powerful live performances, and this release is a bold reminder of the bands relentless pursuit to be undeniable.
“The Black Dread (Live)” will be available on all major streaming platforms July 18th.
Follow Fuzz Evil for more upcoming releases and tour dates.
Fuzz Evil is:
Vocals & Guitar: Wayne Rudell
Bass & Backing Vocals: Joseph Rudell
Baritone Guitars: Preston Jennings
Drums: Cajun Adams
