Smear Merchants is a bold evolution for Fuzz Evil, showcasing the band’s shift from a trio to a four-piece lineup and unleashing their most dynamic and ambitious sound yet. Crafted entirely by the band themselves, the album is a testament to the band’s creative freedom, with each riff, transition, and effect meticulously tailored to their uncompromising vision.
This is an album that demands a full start-to-finish listen, as tracks flow seamlessly through time-signature shifts, key changes, and intricate layers of effects.
Preston Jennings’ ambient textures and psychedelic soundscapes deepen the experience, while Kenneth “Cajun” Adams’ vocals inject raw intensity, amplifying the album’s stoner rock and metal elements. Balancing hypnotic breakdowns with explosive highs, Smear Merchants is a masterclass in storytelling and sonic exploration.
Why you should check it out
You are witnessing a band pushing themselves further than ever before, and in the process finding their true identity. Whether you’ve been a longtime Fuzz Evil fan, or this is the first you’ve ever heard the name, I guarantee you haven’t heard something like this before. While their previous album, New Blood, relied heavily on Queens of the Stone Age inspired swagger, Smear Merchants breaks all previous molds and creates a totally new experience.
Favorite Tracks: Wanderer’s Wake, The Juice is Loosh
What might make it even better
There are moments where Smear Merchants tries to be everything all at once. Elements of metal, doom, stoner rock, and punk along with clean vocals as well as the occasional growl, danceable alt-rock, alongside chugging riffs and double bass… it’s all here. Ironically, this happens to be both the albums’ biggest triumph and possibly only downside. Some tracks sound like they need a little room to breathe, but again, this is also what makes the album so interesting and dynamic.
About Fuzz Evil
Fuzz Evil is a powerhouse four-piece from Arizona, delivering a fusion of chugging riffs and earth-shaking fuzz. Known for their raw, Stooges-inspired edge and soulful vocals, they craft a speaker-shredding sonic apocalypse that hits both ears and soul.
FFO: Queens of the Stone Age, Royal Blood
Fuzz Evil is:
- Wayne Rudell – Guitar
- Joey Rudell – Bass
- Kenneth (Cajun) Adams – Vocals
- Preston Jennings – Drums
About Smear Merchants:
- Release Date: March 21, 2025
- Label: Desert Records
- Mixed and Recorded by: Joey Rudell
Available March 21, 2025, it’s a transformative journey through heavy riffs, atmosphere, and boundless energy—a milestone for Fuzz Evil. Don’t miss it.
Learn more about Fuzz Evil on Bandcamp, Instagram, and their website.
