Buffalo’s own Inertia released their long awaited album “The Human Element” December 13th and it was well worth the wait. They are by far the best band out of my city and it’s so cool to me they’re friends of mine. I’ve been to a ton of Inertia shows and got to see them grow as musicians right before my own eyes. Teratoma was such a landmark in 2019 (also coincidentally releasing towards the end of that year as well!) I couldn’t fathom them releasing another mind bender. By golly did they ever do it again. Inertia showcases their musical wizardry proving yet again their diverse taste and talents as musicians.

THE blows my mind in a good way. As heavy and technical as their sound is, Inertia tones it back with another beautiful instrumental “Riverbed” and a couple other clean sections. It breaks up the heaviness and honestly is equally as impressive. Steve’s spoken word sections are so cool breaking up his insane vocal prowess. Truthfully it wouldn’t be an Inertia release if he didn’t have a ditty like that. Doug holds it down on drums with so many tasty fills and the new(est) addition Gus on bass is well a force to be reckoned with. His tasteful playing added a lot to the songwriting and unique style added to a band that needed such a capable bass player.

As a guitarist, you can tell why I am a simp for Inertia. I can watch the professor of guitar playing Kahlil Sarikey play all day every fucking day. Does it ever get old? No! Every show I parked my lard ass in front of him and watch his seamless work. The guy has some of the most fluent and clean playing for a demanding band. He has some of the heaviest riffs and leads, but man he has so many good clean progressions too! It’s almost tear jerking how Sarikey and company transition into the most beautiful clean passages. The boys have never let me down and make me proud to be a Buffalo citizen. They work hard, play hard, go out of state and well…..are absolutely amazing human beings. I’m honored to have listened to another Inertia masterpiece. The rest of the world better know our Buffalo boys are plotting world domination.

If you live in the area they’re doing a few release shows in both Buffalo and Rochester. They’re seriously stacked lineups and if you live in either area you best get your ass to both of those shows! I know I am!