Hammer of the Gods

Bottomless Pit- Hammer of the Gods 2xLP + CD

Silkworm were one of the very best rock bands around, a band that came out at the right time and the right place, based initially in Missoula, Mont., but spending a bulk of the 90's in Seattle and finally relocating to Chicago. Whatever the reason, their albums never seemed to catch on, but they've always had a loyal following and their records have a consistency that many bands lack.

In 2005, Silkworm's drummer, Michael Dahlquist (who joined the band in 1990) was killed in a car crash by a reckless woman hellbent on ending her own life. His two other friends were also killed in the crash, and it left a gaping hole in the hearts of anyone who knew those guys or loved the band.

Amazingly, Tim Midgett (bass/baritone guitar/vocals) and Andy Cohen (guitar/vocals), regrouped later that same year and started another band, Bottomless Pit, with Chris Manfrin (drums) and Brian Orchard (bass).

Taking the title of a Led Zeppelin biography might lead you to believe that the songs are Silkworm heavy, but quite a few of the tracks on Gods are more subdued and intimate, like "Leave the Light On" and the closing track, "Sevens Sing," which starts out with a drum machine and gently moves along with a quiet grace.

The record packaging/artwork is especially nice, pressed on double 12" vinyl, including a CD of all 8 tracks on the album. The CD will also be released in proper form on the New Jersey-based Comedy Minus One record label, run by former My Pal God records head Jon Solomon, who put out a few Silkworm records in the 90's.

The songwriting talents of both Tim Midgett and Andy Cohen added a uniqueness to Silkworm's records, with Midgett's songs being more direct, and Cohen's being abstract and sometimes harsh. Gods is no different, with Cohen offering up the insistent, emotional "Dogtag," the rockin' "Dead Man's Blues," and "Greenery," one of the better songs on the album.

"The Cardinal Movements" and "Reposession" immediately hook you with the great guitar interplay, especially the latter, which is filled with a theme of hope amongst despair, a life-affirming reminder that no matter how bad it gets, there's always the sacred refuge of music.