METAL | Lesser Glow 

While there's undeniable sonic weight in Lesser Glow's formidable brand of sludge metal, what truly sets the Boston band apart is its melodic undercurrent. Its most recent release, this year's "Ruined" EP, calls to mind Midwest doom-titans Fister and Sea of Bones in its thundering, bass-heavy lurch. But it's the moments of sung, Pallbearer-esque emotional gravitas that round the whole experience out. They give you just enough time to reflect on the record's sky-swallowing heaviness before the beatings resume once more.

Lesser Glow will play with Halothane, Blurring, and Day of the Locust on Saturday, July 7, at the Bug Jar, 219 Monroe Avenue. 8 p.m. $8. bugjar.com; lesserglow.bandcamp.com.