The raw inspirations that TJ Cowgill, a.k.a. King Dude, draws on for his new 7” Holy Trinity showcases the artist’s dark rockabilly-structured roots and all the while still focusing on more of a heavy folk take on the horror genre that we expect from him. Songs like the album’s opener “Please Stay (In The Shadow Of My Grave)” have a very grim mood, which throws a nod back to his days in black metal outfit Black Earth. It all makes sense after all, because these songs are from the earlier days of Cowgill’s career. The old tunes sound great with the new mix, especially juxtaposed next to his previous release Burning Daylight. The EP was recorded with the members of his new band adding some background feed and percussion, and in the end, it makes for an exceptionally well-rounded sound with welcomed extra reverb. Standout track “Don’t Want Me Still” really shines through with its Bowie-esque vocals, possessing a mournful tone with a speck of hope, as it tramples through the graveyard all the while looking for its meaning. The album is a really nice collection of tracks from Cowgill that are more forgiving in the sense that it is meant to revel in the horrorbilly realm, but relies more on structure and less on despair. It provides fans with a new take on their old favorites and new fans with a foundation into King Dude’s signature shadowy sound, produced without the gimmicks that are usually found throughout the genre. – John Clements