Fistula are currently active heavy punk,sludge,hardcore band, having experienced a number of line-up changes throughout the years. They are a filthy class-act in the sludge arena indeed, heralding former - as well as ex- members and current members - affiliated with bands such as Morbid Wizard, Disease Concept, Ultralord, Sollubi, King Travolta, Rue, 16, Trenchant,Anal Cunt, Adolf Satan, Insult, Scumchrist, Accept Death and Sloth (US).
With the output of unique and varied sound both have to offer, the Ohio and Massachusetts scene reminds me of the close ties members of various well known New Orleans bands have in common, often sharing the same members in any given outfit. Fistula aren’t your run-of-the-mill sludgers, with their fast paced take on the genre, they would definitely appeal to crust/punk fans as well.
You get psychotic vocals, thickly layered sludge riffs, and an overall gritty sound that picks up in speed at unpredictable moments. Lyrically, their sick and indifferent attitude shines through nicely, with easily audible vocals on most tracks, and the point they are trying to convey is observable in song-title alone. Mostly dealing with topics of suffering, failure, addiction, religion and other hardships in life.
Fistula have went thru some lineup changes over the years and it is all for the better of the band, the music. As we see the recording of Northern Aggression we say goodbye to longtime bassist and vocalist Bahb Branca and hello to Dan Harrington, owner and operator of PATAC Records, you can hear him on the 6 way split coming out on Goat Skull Records on the song ” An 1\8 of Meth Scabs. Fistula did a short east coast run recently and Dan showed to not only all of the guys in Fistula but to the fans that here is where he belongs.
The band is currently in Mass working on a new full length, and are doing some shows in between and then next year working on plans for Europe. The band also has some plans to do various splits, collaborations, etc…. a split with Breathilizor and a collaboration with the legendary Blowfly are currently in the works with the full length 'Bad Credit and Dead Friends'.