Cult Leader: A Patient Man album review

Salt Lake City chaosmongers Cult Leader take a twin-track route to devastation with A Patient Man

By Luke Morton
( Metal Hammer )
published
Cult Leader A Patient Man artwork

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A Patient Man is a record of two emotions: aggression and sadness. 

Opening on the hellacious I Am Healed, this is uncontrollable, grinding crust that’s constantly on the attack, given a terrifying edge by Anthony Lucero’s acidic roars, like a caged animal looking for a weak spot to break free and seek revenge. 

But there is vulnerability. 

Amid the chaos sit dark brooding tales in the vein of Nick Cave. To Achlys shows a warmer side in search of rejuvenation: a cry for help instead of violence. 

Surrounded by further blasts of intensity with lyrics written in piss and vinegar, Cult Leader tackle religion, death, pain and survival, delivered in a voice that darts from Beelzebub to Gabriel. 

Closer The Broken Right Hand Of God is devastating, as draining as it is fulfilling. You’ll need some quiet time after this.

For Fans Of: All Pigs Must Die, Trap Them, Gaza

Luke Morton

Luke Morton joined Metal Hammer as Online Editor in 2014, having previously worked as News Editor at popular (but now sadly defunct) alternative lifestyle magazine, Front. As well as helming the Metal Hammer website for the four years that followed, Luke also helped relaunch the Metal Hammer podcast in early 2018, producing, scripting and presenting the relaunched show during its early days. He also wrote regular features for the magazine, including a 2018 cover feature for his very favourite band in the world, Slipknot, discussing their turbulent 2008 album, All Hope Is Gone.