Heavy Rocks

Boris has earned its rabid cult following for their ability to expertly harness music as power. Be it psychedelic metal, colossal drone, blistering punk or distortion-ravaged shoegaze, a Boris song is an exploration of sound as physical mass. The Japanese trio's classic 2002 album, Heavy Rocks, is a landmark of their mastery. So, it's fitting that the group's new album sharing the same title and very similar artwork to that disc, Heavy Rocks (2011) seeks to redefine ''heavy'' music in a culmination of the band's tireless efforts over the past two decades. This year's Heavy Rocks is beyond heavy. It firmly establishes Boris as a pillar of innovation and integrity in guitar based music. Heavy Rocks (2011) features guest appearances by Ian Astbury (The Cult, BXI), Faith Coloccia (Mamiffer), Aaron Turner (Isis, Mammifer), and longtime Boris collaborator Michio Kurihara.