Nest is helmed by multi-instrumentalist John Jarvis of Agoraphobic Nosebleed and Scour. Given his connection to Phil Anselmo through Scour, it only makes sense for this project to be on Housecore Records. Endeavors marks the third full-length album of the project. They opened select dates for Pantera’s recent tour; they are at least heavy enough to warrant having a slot on that run. 

At times, the churning sounds might be thought of as grind-gaze. The production of the drums catches the ear and it’s tough to determine if they are real or programmed. Even though Derek Bonn from Casket Robbery is the live drummer, it sounds like the drums are programmed, as they do not punch you in the face. Regardless, they could use a more organic mix. 

At times, their production creates an almost Godflesh-like ambiance. This sound factors heavily into the mood of “Burn Clean”. Despite some of the woozy sonic touches that give the song shoe-gazing tendencies, the vocals do not relent as it scowls with a great deal of malice. 

The inorganic qualities play to both the band’s strengths as well as its weaknesses. Grindcore is certainly in John Jarvis’ musical DNA  given his time in Agoraphobic Nosebleed, but it does not feel as angry as he once was when it comes to songs like “Ripe”.

It sounds more like an actual drum kit might be played for “Fickle” which gives the punk-minded attack of the song more validity. The guitar sound is less dense than former projects, though he was playing bass on those. Things linger a little more on the mood regarding “Concept”.  It captures an effective sonic space. “What’s The Issue” might start with a feral snarl but it wanders off and does its own thing. 

The programmed drums might be a point of contention at times, but when you consider the production was at least able to leave this mysterious shadow of doubt rather than sounding like a straight-up drum machine, speaks to the ability to blur these lines. 

If you are not familiar with this band and are just curious due to their project connections, then you are coming into this with fresh ears and might find the whole thing confounding unless you are open-minded and prefer music that is heavy sonically and not just heavy metal.  This album certainly occupies a unique place and has an audience who will enjoy its stylistic left-of-center approach to blending atmosphere with heavy mood. This is not the label’s heaviest band, but it’s hard not to appreciate someone stepping outside of metal’s status quo. 

Buy the album here:
https://nestofficial.bandcamp.com/album/endeavors

7 / 10
WIL CIFER