Review: Emma Ruth Rundle & Thou - The Helm Of Sorrow

The Helm Of Sorrow is the second release from the collaboration between Emma Ruth Rundle & Thou. Thou is a sludge / doom band from Louisiana, and Emma Ruth Rundle is a folk singer / songwriter from California. Released January 15th, 2021 on Sacred Bones Records, this EPis a continuation of the previously released full length, “May Our Chambers Be Full”. Said full length was my album of the year last year, and this EP is going to be on my AOTY list this year for sure.
Opening the EP is “Orphan Limbs” which features vocals from longtime collaborator, Emily McWilliams of Silver Godling. I think one of my favorite things about Thou is their willingness to bring back collaborators, and make them honorary members of the band. It adds to the fun of the experience. “Crone Dance” easily has the heaviest riff of the whole EP. I’m not usually a fan of tracks fading out slowly, but I think ERR & Thou were creative in the fadeout having it turn to just drums and vocals. The cover of “Hollywood” was unexpected, but a very nice touch to end the surprise EP.

I really hope that ERR & Thou continue to release music together, and that this wasn’t a one time thing. The combination of the two was so unexpected, but sounds so incredible together.

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