Pelican (USA)

An endless desert opens up on the cover of Pelican’s EP Ataraxia/Taraxis. A sea, coloured red, sways on cover of the album What We All Come to Need. The same eternal and relentless themes also flow through the band's music.

More than other American post-rock bands that were founded in the early 21st century, Pelican has been branded as a sludge or a metal band, but the band itself has refused any easy categorisations. While the band's heavy riffs reek of old school metal, their music occasionally wanders into lighter, even poppier, tones. Consequently, Pelican's records have found their way into the shelves of metal fans, rockers and pop enthusiasts alike.

If Sigur Rós' music evokes the many wonders of the bright and colourful Universe, Pelican's music gives you a peek at the darkest reaches of the endless space. Their music doesn't fit nicely on the background, it grabs you by the ears and doesn't let go until the last note has faded away. Pelican's live barrage is a cathartic experience. Come, listen, and be cleansed.

• www.hydrahead.com/pelican
• facebook.com/pelicansong