In The Spotlight: Boss Keloid deliver fascinating stoner rock with “Melted On The Inch”

Boss Keloid is one of a multitude of bands on the Holy Roar Records roster that are doing remarkable things. Seriously, this is a label that has so many great acts right now, from the experimental metal of Rolo Tomassi to the post-everything of Svalbard, and that’s just to name two.

Boss Keloid deals in riff-heavy, experimental stoner rock, though – and while 2016’s Herb Your Enthusiasm (you definitely know what you’re getting on that record) was a record that put them on the radar, 2018’s Melted On The Inch sees the band impressively maturing, while not abandoning who they are. At its core, this is a fairly typical stoner rock band. However, there’s subtle melodies and hooks, and unconventional vocals that really draw the listener in. For instance, album highlight “Jromalih” features melodic vocals and riffs that wouldn’t sound out of place on Mastodon’s Crack The Skye, a career-defining album in its own right.

Melted On The Inch could even be a gateway album to really dive into more psychedelic and heavier stoner metal. It’s not necessarily easy listening, but it is fun – and given the press accolades it’s received so far, it could open up a legion of new opportunities for Boss Keloid. Awash with synths and melodic moments, it’s a heavy yet fun record that is on a shortlist for AOTY. Color us impressed.