Boris - Smile

i've been listening to these guys for the past few years, and i've seen them twice in the past year or so.  sometimes the vocals can be a bit flat, and the quality of the singer's voice is not their strong suit.  that is not why i listen to them.  whether playing pretty epic jams or blistery speedy metal attacks, these three japanese people kick ass.  lately they've been playing with michio kurihara from ghost as a second guitarist, but i'm not sure how much he has to do with their recording and writing process (except on rainbow which was released as boris with michio kurihara).  i can tell you that he adds a lot to the live performance.  maybe he has joined the band as a full time member.  i'm bot sure, and i didn't look for the answer on-line.  if you go see them bring some ear plugs, and an extra pair of underwear.

there are american versions and japanese versions of most of their releases, and they are often released only on very expensive (and fancy) vinyl.  the track listing on the american vs. the japanese versions of smile have some similar elements, but there are both different versions of songs and entirely different songs on both of them.  smile was released earlier this year on southern lord.  

if you aren't cool with me posting a track or two from time to time, let me know.  the below track is called Dead Destination on the japanese version, and  Ka Re Ha Te Ta Sa Ki (No Ones Grieve) on the american one.