“Victory of the Pyramids” is the new single taken from Melvins’ forthcoming album Thunderball, set for release on April 18 via Ipecac Recordings. This track marks a return of the Melvins 1983 lineup, featuring Buzz Osborne and original drummer Mike Dillard, augmented by electronic artists Void Manes and Ni Maîtres.
“Victory of the Pyramids” kicks off with a deceptively approachable vibe—almost poppy in its initial moments—before plunging headlong into the sludgy, grandiose territory that Melvins fans crave. Clocking in at 9:36, the track is a sprawling journey that showcases the band’s signature blend of heavy, deliberate grooves and experimental flair. Mike Dillard’s unrelenting drumming anchors the song, driving it forward with a cadence that feels both primal and precise. His description of it as a “lovely blend of beautiful noise and gut-busting grooves” rings true—there’s a raw, visceral energy here that’s impossible to ignore.
Watch the visualizer video for “Victory of the Pyramids” here.
Buzz Osborne’s vision for Thunderball was to make something bombastic, and this single delivers on that promise. His guitar work churns with a thick, gritty tone, layered over electronic flourishes from Void Manes and Ni Maîtres that push the track into uncharted sonic territory. These contributions add an otherworldly edge—think warped synths and glitchy textures—that elevate the song beyond a straightforward sludge metal romp. It’s a bold move, and one that pays off by keeping the listener off-balance in the best way possible.
Pre-order Thunderball on vinyl and CD here.