Lodge

Those who don't like their heavy metal challenging will probably be intimidated by Beaver's Lodge, an experimental, chance-taking EP that the Dutch band recorded in the late '90s. Forceful, abstract, alternative metal items like "Repossessed," "Static" and "Tarmac" might pull metalheads in with their brutally attractive guitar riffs, but once Beaver has your attention, the Amsterdam residents are likely to go off on some tangents and throw a few musical curveballs your way. Angular, space-like jamming is always a possibility, and the Amsterdam-based unit doesn't shy away from interesting twists and turns. "Interstate," in fact, even hints at electric avant-garde jazz. Those who are looking for heavy rock that provides instant gratification and a lot of pop hooks won't find it here, but headbangers who don't mind being challenged will find a lot to admire about Lodge.