Zark

Zark, based in Evesham, Worcestershire, emerged phoenix-like in 2012 from the remnants of several defunct metal, stoner, and doom bands from the 2000s. Drawing inspiration from the experimental and progressive music of the 1970s, their sound is challenging yet melodic, intricate yet accessible.
Their debut album, Tales of the Expected (2015), garnered minimal acclaim featuring tracks like Carnival of Our Souls (a fairground-inspired homage to Papa Lazaru) and Lord Rat (a life-and-death struggle between serpent and prey).
2021's Opuscule is a Lovecraftian tentacle-fest, blending influences from Haken, Motorpsycho, and Leprous. The expansive Bitter Coated Tongue sets its sights on the 12 minute mark, but falls 21 seconds short (thanks a lot So Solid Crew…). Opuscule introduces local guest artists on flute and fiddle, more vocal harmonisation and experimental elements.
Zark's third album, Midnight Matinee, is influenced by mid-20th century cinema, with songs inspired by the slasher/horror films of Giallo, classic science fiction and creature-feature B-movies. Featuring guest artists from around the world, the sonic palette is broader than previous outings while retaining complex storytelling and erratic riffs. Honing in still further on the smell of its own farts, the tracks are interspersed with ambient sounds and field recordings which enhance atmosphere and storytelling. It’s a distillation of the best of the previous albums, and a further step toward the progressive.