Laying Waste to the Metal Scene (March 24)
(aka Albums I’ve Missed & Others Demanding Attention)
Hello, and welcome yet again to another foray into the written dissection of extreme audio. In this entry I’ll be turning the attention toward a wide array of albums plucked from a recent calendar of releases. A few here have already seen the light of day whilst others are only just now about to be able to do so. All are releases which have either been highly praised or that which have somehow up until this point escaped my full attention albeit through no fault of my own (naturally, I’m full of excuses and arenas to which I can and often will point any blame). But enough of the waffling prose, the grammatically degenerate bollocks, the anticipation…
What say we jump in already?
Vomitory (Sweden) – All Heads are Gonna Roll
May 23
Metal Blade Records
It’s been a while since the last Vomitory audio assault. Many thought the legendary act were done. An act in the same vein as God Dethroned and Unleashed. An outfit who undeniably helped form the Thrashier Death darker side of the DM arena. Behind the scenes however, an air of relaxation, it appears, has spawned a regeneration, a reinvigoration, of sorts. And this album I’m pleased to report displays an act at the top of their form, a collective of journeyman musicians unafraid to tinker with (what many perceived) their undeniable style. Imbued with the undeniable melodic, yet brutal, swagger of that which has been composed before and accompanied by a myriad of twists and turns this serves to undeniably hold the attention, perking the interest, inciting the limbs to movement, of veteran, rabid, and casual fan alike. These guys aren’t through, the legends continue to entertain and influence.
https://vomitory.bandcamp.com/album/all-heads-are-gonna-roll
85
A RECC from LFCM (Twitter)
Suffer (USA) – KonQbine
July 15
Graves Media
Suffer are a grand example of an act who apparently have either done one of two things rather successfully; the first being the inability to gain a lasting cohesion, the second managing to get a foothold upon the scene.
This is the acts first LP (or full length within a career of 34 years). Suffer bears a discography is largely comprised of demos, EPs and compilations.
So then, how does this fare?
Just wow. With the audio in mind I cannot fathom how the act did not find themselves under a larger labels microscope. Immediately upon hitting play one notices that this isn’t what one would assume based on the acts geographic location (South Dakota, USA) which would make me think more of Blues, traditional Rock and the like. Rather than an American tone, obvious mid-era Carcass worship (in both guitar tone and vocal approach) finds itself nestled within a style which is notably OSDM and so much more. There’s indications and teasing of certain passages breaking away from the assumed norm, other instances which display wicked pace transformation, and plentiful examples of wider than the aforementioned influence yet a fruition and full realization within the albums composition that’s appreciatively (and pleasingly) far from furiously aggravating copycat arenas. This might not be an album which grabs the immediate attention, it took me a second spin, but once it grabs ahold it makes one more than eager for more. Here’s hoping for another.
https://suffersd.bandcamp.com/album/konqbine
91
Kosuke Hashida (Japan) – Justifiable Homicide
April 24
Horror Pain Gore Death Productions
And how can I not find myself distracted by an album featuring (the “villian” from the 1985 cult movie House) Big Ben on its cover?
I can’t. Seriously.
This is a debut hailing from Tokyo from an artist who’s formerly covered live duties for Abysmal Dawn.
Intrigued yet, sure you are.
But it gets better. The album contains ten tracks and runs for about the time it takes for one to think of not much else other than the golden era of Grindcore, after unceremoniously destroying a room full of random room contents.
This gets to the point and quick, contains enough inciting rhythms, percussive brutal beatdowns and angst to leave one sore and dazed. Stylistically this brings to mind a wide array of influences, notably Lock Up, Oxygen Destroyer, Werewolves, Pig Destroyer and Napalm Death and is set to please fans of the aforementioned as well a somewhat similar wide swath of acts who take pride in practicing the art of bludgeoning brutality, of the Old School variety, slathered with undeniable groove. One of my more recent faves from the HPGD roster.
https://hpgd.bandcamp.com/album/justifiable-homicide
92
Bonestorm (Columbia) – Under the Sight of Time
February 24
Green Revolution Productions
And that was a pleasing surprise! DM in an Old School vein with, it must be said, similarities to the almighty Bolt Thrower. Dirge similarities, pace to get any pit swirling in a killing frenzy and vocals of the brute variety which fit perfectly.
Place this within the albums you should discover stat folder.
https://bonestormdeath.bandcamp.com/album/under-the-sight-of-time
86
Angerot (USA) – The Profound Recreant
March 23
Redefining Darkness Records
If you’re anything like me (I’m sorry) you might confuse Angerot for a European outfit, even though you’ve checked several times (each time a new release invades the senses) to see that they originate from South Dakota. Theirs is a bombastic grandiose style; audio which evokes a well known Swedish tone without bringing to mind thoughts of litigation, and is far removed from repetitive unimaginative chuggery. This album touches upon Doom Death realms as well Blackened arenas, mixing melancholy with the majestic as well the enigmatic, an intriguing addition of medieval introductions and essence adds weight with masterful builds attributing to tracks with definite staying power. Overall the album bears remarkable qualities, delivers from its first to last note, and is yet another strong addition to a discography proving that Angerot are indeed a Midwestern DM force to be reckoned with. (Fun fact; Angerot and the previously mentioned Suffer share members.)
https://angerot.bandcamp.com/album/the-profound-recreant
90
Cruz (Spain) – Confines de la Cortura
September 22
Nuclear Winter Records
There are s few names in the scene which should honestly be household names, other than those already heralded as such. Cruz are one such act. With only a pair of releases and a demo to their credit this seems a mighty statement to utter (or even type) but bearing in mind the quality these affairs offer there really is little argument. Their 2016 offering “Culto Abismal” hit the scene like a continent leveling natural disaster with a multitude left wondering where the unholy hell the talent originated. How and why was a debut such as this possible? Well, I’m here to say Cruz have done it again. OSDM values are front and center, groove, brutality and rhythms leave one reeling, the tone is dense, a dirge of a kind slathered in delicious HM2 values. Compositions are exquisite; dense and dissonant yet busy and then there’s the groove again, making one ponder upon a variety of similar acts ranging from Entombed, Bones and Bolt Thrower. Yet, somehow Cruz also manages to weave cosmic textures without resorting fully to the audio likes of that which Tomb Mold and Gatecreeper peddle. Multi layered yet surprisingly accessible this is another notch on the belt of an undeniable genre champion. If you haven’t yet laid ears upon Cruz, make time to do so. You will not be disappointed!
https://cruzbcn.bandcamp.com/album/confines-de-la-cordura
94
Engulfed (Turkey) – Unearthly Litanies of Despair
April 24
Me Saco Un Ojo Records
My first experience of Engulfed came by way of “Vengeance of the Fallen”. And although it was merely four tracks, I was quite literally floored. Suffice it to say that when faced with laying the senses upon another (an LP no less) I became rather excited, and salivatingly happy in order to be able to do so.
Weaving the same complex spell which transfixed me upon first introduction Engulfed again bring the carnage, the rumbling chaos, the menace. Nestled within the miniature space between brutal, technical and traditional, is where this resides albeit viciously unhappy and able in an instants notice to decimate the boundaries of any of the aforementioned genres. Stylistically the album brings to mind a smorgasbord of influence; Immolation, Morbid Angel and a litany of others to a lesser degree. Impish menace and heady diabolicalism are unmistakable, rhythms are appreciatively varied, a smirk inducing concoction mixing dirge sensibilities, a remarkable archaic aura and wicked compositions showcasing pace transformations and a transformative nature which successfully keeps its audience wide eyed, sweaty, unsuspecting and yearning for more.
This right here is prime, top notch DM, which was well worth the wait.
https://engulfed.bandcamp.com/album/unearthly-litanies-of-despair
96
A Recc from The Twitter Metal Commumity
Eternal (USA) – Cryptic Lust
March 24
Raw Skull Records
If it’s not the blue tone, it’s likely the Italian retro Gothic horror art which grabs the attention. A scantily clad mistress of the dark calling upon her cadaverous companions to do her unholy bidding. But also for me it’s the fact that this act hail from the same state, Arizona, I resided in for close to thirty years. But enough of that!
Diving into the audio itself brings the stark realization that the cover isn’t the only factor which deserves attention.
Compositions are undeniably Old School in tone and bear a wicked vintage European aura, Morgoth, Unleashed and Asphyx among the chief perpetrators, sparking both nostalgia and instant appreciation. Stylistically there’s definite indicators that other influences play an important role and originate from a myriad of source.
Definite menace exists, a foreboding nature which seeps from every note adding to the albums enjoyment. Rhythms are delightfully varied in pace and mood, melding Thrash, DM and Doom elements in such a way as to keep fans of the new school and those foremost within the scenes formation twitching in excitement and anticipation.
This is a fantastic listen, it grabs the attention fast, keeps it and is well-worthy of the praise it’s been given.
The future is bright indeed for this talented bunch, and I’m excited to hear more, as should you.
https://eternalaz.bandcamp.com/album/cryptic-lust
95
Unleashed (Sweden) – No Sign of Life
November 21
Napalm Records
Unmistakably Unleashed but with a slight rawness ala Master-esque production. Too viking in tone for Melodic Death, not quite HM2 enough for typical Swedish DM and not downtuned enough for the dense landscape/tone that is Old School. Unleashed have their own sound, this time with a delicious twist to keep naysayers from spouting that all their albums sound the fn’ same. Put this up there with Across the Open Sea and Victory in terms of riff structures and melodic qualities.
The flagship act of the vintage era of Century Media are back! And this demands attention!
https://unleashed.bandcamp.com/album/no-sign-of-life
87
Alkhemia (France) – Abraxas
March 24
Malpermesita Records
There’s so much noise out there that is rather daunting pondering upon where to start exploring, especially when most within the seething rabble vie constantly for attention. Imagine then my surprise when I stumbled upon both a new act and label. Alkhemia are from France, and play BM. If you’re not excited yet, you should be, as France and BM fit together in a sentence to evoke undeniable expectations based on what’s gone before. And, I’m ecstatic to announce this is a debut which fits the same parameters. Unyielding in its blast beat composition, it also boasts melodies of the most hypnotic qualities. A vicious vocal approach keeps the rabid fans at bay whilst the whole points to a debut exuding a confidence and experience well beyond its years. Atmospheric, melodic and wholly intoxicating this nods to the old school whilst pointing the way forward. In my opinion this an album that should be heralded as a Top of the Year contender (yes, even this early on) and most certainly has my attention, as it should even those whose tastes rarely touch upon BM arenas.
https://alkhemia.bandcamp.com/album/abraxas
92
Crystal Coffin (Canada) – The Curse of Immortality
October 23
Independent
For those wondering if this acts first album was a one off (huge) success. I will say yes, although this is just as good. Blowing apart the notion that concept albums are normally quite difficult to get into this much like it’s predecessor has a definite theme (much like what’s gone before, also ‘science and the mystery of consciousness’ based) which is extremely difficult not to get behind especially based on the mind bogglingly easily consumable this is Black Metal though it’s not your parents Black Metal style. I honestly have no idea how Crystal Coffin have done it again, “The Starway Eternal” was stellar in its delivery, diverse yet far from off-putting experimental approach to tackling the genre and boasted elements which though unpredictable only boosted the albums overall enjoyment. This offers the same, though within a slightly different template resulting in an appreciation which only leaves the listener hankering for more.
https://crystalcoffin.bandcamp.com/album/the-curse-of-immortality
94
Overkill (USA) – Scorched
April 23
Nuclear Blast Records
Life’s decisions sometime come back to haunt you. In this instance it was my decision to not give Overkill a chance after thoroughly enjoying Horrorscope in my teen years. I quite honestly very nearly wore the tape out! I am still dumbfounded at my lack of sticking to the ‘fold’ as it were. But now I’m back. And wow! I’ve read a few words on how impressive this is, but never fully expected nostalgia to come flooding back with the force with which it has. This obviously isn’t the aforementioned album, but it does still reek of the same trademarks; the Blitz vocal assault, rhythms which are impactful, blunt and undeniably Overkill without resorting to this track sounds like this track dynamics and varied rhythms, riffs which are arguably chuggery though yet ‘cataclysm within a moshpit frenzy’ inducing. I’m pleased to announce there’s enough variation here to please most every Thrash aficionado; Crossover elemants ala gang vocals, a smorgasbord of pace, shredtastic leads, and a variation of style the band is known for.
The Dark Lord only knows why I allowed the bands putput to fall to the wayside. Perhaps it’s time to include Overkill into the Big 4 now that one member in particular has decided to “opt out”?
https://overkillmetal.bandcamp.com/album/scorched
89
Atrexial (Spain) – The Serpent Abomination
March 24
Non Seviam Records
Blanketed in a grandiose nature ala Septic Flesh and Behemoth, this album offers an unrelenting tableau of freezing, stark, rhythms, a ritualistic nature and an atmosphere basted in archaic dissonance that one could easily lose oneself within. Epic track lengths and mood evoking melodies heighten the already incredible listening experience to stellar arenas.
Harrowing, furious yet strikingly emotive this is a considerably entertaining audio affair that brings attention to all that the realm of Blackened Death offers.
https://non-serviam-records.bandcamp.com/album/the-serpent-abomination
93
Lutharo (Canada) – Chasing Euphoria
March 24
Atomic Fire Records
Power metal collides with melodic death with just amount of symphonic nuance here. Overlaid with an impressive vocal range, emotional charged lyrics and definite oomph courtesy of Krista’s (likely ironclad) vocal chords, as well soaring solos, limb twitching leads and more than several albums worth of memorable instances. The whole is an impressive package (if there’s even an ounce of justice within the scene) likely to appeal to a wide swath of fans from across the extreme audio spectrum.
Melodic enough and accessible for a radio audience yet impressively charged to sate the thirst of those wandering between genres, undecided as to where their attention should be focused.
Highly recommended, for fans of later Arch Enemy without alienating those who are also able to enjoy both traditional HM and Power Metal arenas.
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_ksdAm1fdbGdf-25pNLMDJaEFKjeSLIuQc
89
And that brings us to climax of this Abrasive Audio entry. Here’s hoping you can tell how excited I am about the above releases. My thanks for making this far and continuing to support the scene. Feel free to comment, suggest acts or albums worthy of discovery, and/or share this and the love of the scene.
Cult
CultMetalFlix 