If The Melvins Were Named Nirvana Would They Rule The World?

Melvins

Album: The Bride Screamed Murder

Song: The Water Glass

Dunno about this one, boys and girls.  I've been a fan of the Melvins since way back in the day, but I must admit that I've found them less and less interesting as the years have passed.  Their main attribute has always been their heavier-than-death grooves, but today so many bands do heavier-than-death better than the Melvins.  I mean, the whole jagged syncopated guitar thing is getting a bit old, at least compared to bands who take risks in this regard, like Lightning Bolt.  They get huge props for being progenitors of the whole stoner rock genre...but I don't know if they're musically relevant any more. 

The Melvins just released a new album.  In some ways it seems much like previous efforts: square, slow, sludgy riffs over rock-steady percussion.  They do it well.  Yawn.  But there is something different going on here.  Listen to our song of the day:



I'm not quite sure what to think.  The opening riff is damn good, but the drumline meets military cadence section?  It's a nice idea, but it goes on forfuckingever.  I kept waiting for the riff to return, giving the song some balance, not to mention compositional symmetry.  Nope.  No return.  Just more and more and more of the military shtick.

I haven't let the song percolate in the ol' musical teapot for very long, but my first impression is not great.  What do y'all think?