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When the son of a metal legend teams up with the frontman of another, things get interesting. When the result is actually great, it becomes essential listening.
Stoner Sludge from the Mojave Desert
Bastardane – the trio of drummer/vocalist Castor Hetfield, guitarist Ethan Sirotzki, and bassist Luca Badan – released their new single "Mother's Tongue" on February 26. The track was recorded at Gatos Trail Recording Studio in the California desert near Joshua Tree. The mix was handled by none other than Gojira frontman Joe Duplantier at his Silver Cord Studio, with mastering by Grammy winner Gavin Lurssen.
No Nepo Baby
Yes, Castor Hetfield is the son of Metallica legend James Hetfield. But anyone dismissing the name as a mere door-opener hasn't listened to the music. Bastardane operate in stoner and sludge metal territory with progressive, almost jazz-like detours – far removed from dad's thrash. Revolver aptly describes the sound as "jazz-metal skronk" with "chromatically swampy mosh parts." Comparisons to Corrosion of Conformity and early Soundgarden hit closer than any Metallica reference.
Two Albums, a Clear Identity
With Is This Rage? (2022) and the 16-track Catatonic Symphony (2024), the band has already proven they work on their own terms. "Mother's Tongue" is a stand-alone single – whether a third album follows remains to be seen. European festival appearances for 2026 are in the works, with specific dates yet to be announced.
