Earthbound

Released in 2007 on Forest Records, Earthbound serves as the definitive introduction to Bison B.C. (then known simply as Bison). While technically an EP, its 30-minute runtime and thematic cohesion give it the weight of a full-length debut. The album is a cornerstone of the Western Canadian heavy scene, bridging the gap between the melodic sensibilities of Mastodon and the raw, crusty aggression of High on Fire. Sonically, it is defined by its 'skate-sludge' aesthetic - a term often used to describe the band's ability to maintain high-energy punk tempos while utilizing the downtuned, high-gain rigs of doom metal. Critical reception highlighted the band's ability to inject a sense of fun and movement into a genre often characterized by its bleakness. Tracks like 'Stokasaurus' and 'Earthbound' became live staples, showcasing the band's signature 'landslide' riffing style. This record predates their signing to Metal Blade Records and remains their most unrefined and visceral work.