I wasn’t sure what the name “Gudger” meant, so I looked it up, and funny enough the definition on Urban Dictionary says:

• A very slow moving or sloth like person. An individual who is always arriving much later than anticipated.
• an unofficial measurement of time which is about an hour behind standard time.

Great name for one of those “low and slow” doom bands, right? And given the album cover, I wrote this one off as one of those doom bands. And I might be alone on this, but I tend to get bored of the same riff around the 8 minute mark. Lucky for me, this is NOT what Gudger or Gudger III is.

Ohio-based trio, Gudger, returns with their third album, appropriately titled, III, delivering a masterclass in groove-driven heavy rock. Gudger’s sound is a seamless blend of 70s-inspired heavy metal and stoner/hard rock, with modern influences adding depth to their sonic palette.

Opening track “Disreality” sets the tone with arpeggios and swooning leads before launching into crunching riffs and dynamic rhythms. Vocals shift effortlessly between hardcore rasp, stoner grit, and classic rock smoothness. Tracks like “Dust and Shadows” showcase hard rock influences reminiscent of UFO and Thin Lizzy, while “Fever Dream” and “Peaks and Valleys” slow things down with atmospheric balladry.

The band’s stoner rock roots shine on “Dig Deep,” evoking shades of Queens of the Stone Age, while “Live It Down” pairs swaggering grooves with clean vocal melodies. The album peaks with a powerful cover of Pink Floyd’s “Welcome to the Machine,” expertly reimagined with Gudger’s signature sound.

Why you should check it out

Imagine a world where Queens of the Stone Age leaned into their heavier side over the years instead of their pop influenced side… Now go check out a track like “Dig Deep” on Gudger III. What I love about this album is it’s just fun to listen to. It satisfies my metal roots, while reminding me why bands like Queens of the Stone Age and Mastodon consistently remain at the top of my Spotify Wrapped each year. I’m a big fan of that balance between heaviness and accessibility, darkness and energy, and riffs and hooks. You should check this album out because they’ve managed to strike that balance consistently and thoughtfully throughout Gudger III.

Favorite Tracks: Dig Deep, Live it Down

What might make it even better

Needs more cowbell… Honestly, it’s very hard for me to find anything to improve upon musically on Gudger III. However, I’m an art guy so I must admit I almost skipped this one based on the album art alone. The art is great, however, based on the cover alone I was quick to dismiss this as another low and slow, doom band (not that there’s anything wrong with that). Thank the stoner rock gods, or whatever compelled me to give it an honest listen, because it was nothing like I had expected. For me personally, the album cover doesn’t match the music inside, and doesn’t fully do the album justice.

About Gudger

Aaron and Matt Eddleblute grew up playing classic rock and blues covers in smoky Central Ohio bars, honing their craft alongside their father, Derek Eddleblute, a veteran guitarist. Years of family jam sessions and marathon gigs shaped a musical chemistry only blood relatives could share. Eventually, they ditched the covers and forged their own path with heavy rock songs inspired by their classic roots.

Formed in Lancaster, Ohio, Gudger quickly built a loyal fanbase with their high-energy performances, wild house parties, and a knack for making every fan feel like family. With two albums, an EP, and countless shows under their belt, Gudger remains committed to their roots: partying hard and rocking even harder.

FFO: Mastodon, Queens of the Stone Age, The Sword, Cave In

Gudger is:

• Aaron Eddleblute – Bass / Vocals
• Derek Eddleblute – Guitar
• Justin Kaplan – Drums

About III

• Release Date: December 16, 2024
• Label: Self-Released

Gudger III strikes a balance between nostalgic and contemporary, proving that great rock doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel to captivate. With its hearty riffs, dynamic vocals, and infectious grooves, Gudger’s III is a must-listen for fans of heavy, riff-driven rock. Don’t miss this celebration of raw, unpretentious rock music.

Learn more about Gudger on Bandcamp, Instagram, and Facebook.