Abrasive Audio 2020 – Part Ten
…or listening to Metal!
At present these entries have transformed to a few and far between affair. And for that I apologize. It’s frustrating I’ll admit; not being able to scribble upon that which interests me and brings a spot of shining brilliance to an otherwise humdrum existence. But it’s become the norm as of late and I’m having to ‘steal’ time in order to correlate, compose and post anything. However, I’m dedicated and determined to keep this thing going, to get the word out to praise audio which, I believe, demands discovery.
Without further ado…
Plucked from Metal Past
Drontheim (Germany) Down Below
https://wraithproductions.bandcamp.com/album/down-below
Release – February/22/2019
Wraith Productions
ARTWORK – 70
Shadows, more shadows and what could possibly be either water or an outcropping of rock. I’m not even sure. However, if the music is as dark as the image, we’re in for some gloomy, doomy audio.
FIRST TRACK – 90
This could well be the resulting mash up of Paradise Lost and Katatonia if only David Bowie were to take the vocal duties. Then add some 90’s Goth Pop, Abstract lyrics and you’re even closer to what this provides. This is miles from my usual wheelhouse of interests but I’m finding myself strangely drawn to its Alternative, Post, Progressive, Doom allure.
INITIAL LISTEN – 90
With no two Tracks here alike this (album) offers a great deal to discover and get excited about. Industrial tones, progressive arrangements and melancholy all filtered through a veil of a palpable ominous, cinematic, atmosphere. Far from harsh this provides quite the distraction from the norm and offers rhythms to sink within accompanied by a certain nostalgia whose origins only seems to escape from the tip of the tongue as the audio evolves from one track to the next. Simply put if you enjoy the unpredictable diversity of Faith No More and are open to the occasional dip into Industrial Goth and murky Doom waters this is a release you need between the ears. Keep the assumptions at bay and the mind open and this will serve excellently to break up the day’s woes adding a spark to the normalcy of the day’s playlist.
Favorite Tracks; Varied, exciting and hypnotic throughout.
FFO; Rammstein, The Prodigy, Seigmen, Zeromancer, Ljungblut, NIN, My Dying Bride, Ulver, Red Harvest, DHG, Faith No More, Peeping Tom, Anathema, Katatonia, Kent, Ved Buens Ende, 3rd & the Mortal, The Soundbyte, Calmcorder, KkoagulaA, Manes, Atrox. (This is cut and pasted from promotional materials as I fear I couldn’t quite nail its wide influence radius and promote it to the audience it deserves).
Degenerate (The Netherlands) Devastation Ahead
https://band-degenerate.bandcamp.com/
Release – November/15/2019
Independent
ARTWORK- 76
Simple, vivid and to the point. I like it!
FIRST TRACK- 91
It takes a few seconds to realize this is neither Grindcore, nor Tech Death, though it displays elements of both it soon finds its rhythm. This is Thrash, aggressive have no doubt of that, bordering on Melodic Death it has bite, a rabid intensity and a flow which will have the listener up and on their feet in no time. An awesome start!
INITIAL LISTEN- 86
I’m not normally a fan of thrash, unless it makes an instant impact. And this does just that! Razor wire vocals, searing riffs, amazing solos, heritage flavor and vertebrae snapping rhythms, this is just the start of the list which makes this album stand out. I cannot for the life of me wonder why this didn’t feature on a plethora of year end lists, it’s that impressive (and my neck hurts so good).
Favorite Tracks; Adrenaline spiking from start to finish!
FFO; Sepultura, (newer) Exodus, Machine Head.
Interrupting the Normally Scheduled Broadcast for Something Completely Different.
Folian (USA) -Blue Mirror
https://folian.bandcamp.com/album/blue-mirror
Release- January/31/2020
Anima Recordings
ARTWORK – 72
A little artsy, but I get the point; someone has perished, possibly at sea. But is the kelp or seaweed (or is that hair?) to blame or something entirely more sinister still?
FIRST TRACK – 86
“Post Metal”, “Shoegaze”, “Doomgaze”, “Noise Rock”, “Drone”. I’m honestly not sure what either of these terms means but this has an undeniable appeal, a curious start if truth be told, and has somehow managed to capture me in its allure even though at first the track appears rather relaxed and unassuming it slowly builds into a magnificent cinematic arrangement seething with a grandiose nature.
INITIAL LISTEN – 89
Far from what I would normally place in my ear this still has an undeniable charm, a familiarity if you will which is distorted, slightly jaded, taken into Ambient and Drone realms then delivered, repackaged, slathered in each of the aforementioned elements to envelope the listener in (“spacey”) tones which effectively cover a wide radius of the emotional spectrum. There’s an aura here, a strangely relaxed one that wavers, which surpasses atmosphere, an all-encompassing vibe which transcends the typical listening experience transporting the albums audience across transcendental landscapes dotted with passion, intrigue, daunting lows and exhilarating heights. Admittedly, this is a release I had second thoughts about discovering (especially after reading the genres listed as descriptions) however after doing so I’m glad I took the plunge. This is quite simply brilliant, but keep those assumptions at bay, go into this blind without prejudices and make time for a complete listen without distraction. Guaranteed to make more of an impression the more it’s experienced.
Favorite Tracks; Enchanting throughout, this collection is downright hypnotic even though it’s far from “the usual”.
FFO; Somali Yacht Club, NIN, Oasis, Stone Roses, Nuerosis.
March Releases
Reccd by @LFCMFighter
Raider (Canada) Guardian of the Fire
https://raiderofficial.bandcamp.com/album/guardian-of-the-fire
Release- March/20/2020
Independent
ARTWORK- 74
Am I about to plunge my ears into Power Metal, or audio with an Epic feel with a possible fantastical edge? Hitting play…
FIRST TRACK- 83
Well, this is hardly Power, or even Epic, metal. It’s definitely Thrash. The bang yer head wicked variety complete with breakdowns, solos and venom dripping vokills. Suffice it to say I’m diggin the shit outta this thus far.
INITIAL LISTEN – 85
Who says one can’t have a kick ass Thrash album sporting cover art which might hint at more melodic arenas, perhaps audio of a more Epic nature? But that’s not to say that this isn’t. It is most definitely guilty of having riffs (for days) and rhythms you can most certainly without any doubt lose the last vestiges of your sanity too. Also, surprisingly, leads and solos which inspire air guitar aplenty, the air of old school Heavy Metal influence is distinct yet never an element which is utilized too often. I guess what I’m trying to say is don’t let the cover steer you astray. Sure, this bears fantastical elements, lyrics hinting at conflict, menacing forces and the like. If truth be uttered this precariously teases jumping the boundary of the Death fence, though manages somehow to remain firmly rooted upon the Thrash side. This is inarguably audio which incites frenetic movement, sweat and exhaustion, for this makes one move and doesn’t let up till the digit moves against all restraint to hit the play button again.
Favorite Tracks; Blistering throughout!
FFO; Sodom, Annihilator, Crusadist.
Reccd by @uniquehifi
Aodon (France) – 11069
https://aodon.bandcamp.com/album/1-1-0-6-9
Release – March/27/2020
Willowtip Records
ARTWORK- 70
The onset of decay or time, I’m not sure which. This gives little away as to the audio within.
FIRST TRACK- 93
A dissonant nightmarish backbone complemented by evolving rhythms and ferocious vocals. A little different than most in the same arena but it certainly makes an impact. This is rather hard to describe easier to enjoy. An unfathomable impressive commencement.
INITIAL LISTEN- 92
This is my first experience of these guys and just… wow! Honestly, I’m always a little put off by an album which might not make sense to me on first glance, seriously what’s up the title? But after a little proddin’ (thanks to @uniquehifi on Twitter) I allowed this entry into the ears. Fuck me (I never swear, just ask the Fn’ wife) this produced an instant reaction. It’s hardly traditional, actually rather hard to describe without making people shake their heads in confusion, but it works. The style is as equally as ferocious as one is lily to hear but the accompanying rhythms which set this apart from the pack, the feel, the atmosphere, the aura. This is different, you can be sure of that but it’s not so wildly obscure as to be totally out of left field (what, a baseball reference?) Give it a chance and feel free to thank @uniquehifi too.
Favorite Tracks; Astounding throughout!
FFO; Atmospheric Black Metal with a slight Avant Garde aura and a Post/Progressive edge.
Temple of Void (USA) -The World that Was
https://templeofvoiddoom.bandcamp.com/album/the-world-that-was
Release- March/27/2020
Shadow Kingdom Records
ARTWORK- 94
Exquisite inks, oozing with detail and life, displaying an arcane location, a landscape painting which seethes with ominous atmosphere. I’m left to wonder is this the bands rehearsal space?
FIRST TRACK- 92
Slow, crushing, ritualistic with an atmosphere which is palpable. Albums don’t start any better than this. Death Doom of the highest order which makes me wonder why I haven’t laid ears on this band before now.
INITIAL LISTEN- 85
At times the audio sounds as if Grotesquery and Paradise Lost got together and decided to combine their most notable talents. The vocal approach is a brilliant narrative (ala Grotequery) whilst the melancholic aura and arrangements of Paradise Lost (“Shades of God”/”Icon” era) is undeniable. This combination works superbly for the first few tracks offering a depth and aura which is quite simply astounding, but the album somewhat peters out, trudging into Groove Death depths, losing some of the magic the first half exhibited (although to be fair the bar was set extremely high from the get go). Climaxing with the near ten-minute title track the album reaches near the brilliance it started with to leave the listener hungry for another listen. Overall, this is a stunning effort sure to widen the eyes of anyone unfamiliar with how the band tackle the genre they choose to manipulate. Fans of Death/Doom take note this traipses into territories, both rhythmic and arrangement, one might not predict whilst still managing to return to familiar realms without alienating the audience, only one of many reasons why this deserves a slot in the collection amidst other greats. Make room!
Favorite Tracks; The Beast Among Us, Self Schizm, The World that Was.
FFO; Paradise Lost, Grotesquery, Novembers Doom.
Another Reccd by @LFCMFighter
Razgate (Italy) – After the Storm…the Fire
https://razgatethrash.bandcamp.com/album/after-the-storm-the-fire
Release – March/27/2020
Punishment 18 Records
ARTWORK – 89
I’m all about Fantasy. Fantasy and Horror. Combine the two, in this case a questing Barbarian confronting an enigmatic entity perched upon a mountain of skulks, and I’m a salivating fool. Such is the case here!
FIRST TRACK – 91
A classical, Baroque, introduction sets the scene for pummeling, domicile obliterating, rhythms and a vocal style which is…wait for it…eerily similar to a certain Tom Arayas. This is my introduction to the band admittedly; Consider me sold!
INITIAL LISTEN – 94
This might ruffle a few feathers (keep in mind it’s my opinion) but experiencing this for the first time is akin to my virgin experience with Slayer audio. Daaammmmnnnn-! About covers it! This checks all the boxes I require checked to be able to enjoy a Thrash album (not all Thrash is the same, no matter what your parents tell ya). And then it rips the list from my hands and sets it on fire! This seethes with Ill-intent, with no consideration for the listeners well-being, seriously else why would those responsible make this so GD infectious. There’s even slivers of traditional metal and Speed influence in here and sufficient tempo changes to make one think for a brief moment that the punishment is through (but no-!) To make matters worse (just take my wallet!). Bastids the lot of em’, here I am spinnin’ this like one possessed and the day is just slipping away. You know, I’m sure I had things to do today. Ah, well. I can see my digits reaching for the Play button, again, I have zero control. Don’t get caught in the same trap. Save yourself!
Favorite Tracks; I’m going to burn this album before I lose my sanity, my job, my marriage and did I mention control of my appendages? I probably should have started with that, have a spotter when you listen to this and ear plugs for them so they might be about to hit Stop, every once in a while, but not too often.
FFO; Slayer, Nuclear Assault, Havok, Annihilator, Sodom, Three Inches of Blood.
April Releases
Carnal Savagery (Sweden) – Grotesque Macabre
https://carnalsavagery-chaos-records.bandcamp.com/album/grotesque-macabre
Release- April/1/2020
Chaos Records
ARTWORK – 72
It’s as though someone ripped a page out of Seagraves book, blew up the image and added a Zombie, with a few scavenging companions, with his insides falling out. There’s little doubt as to what’s on offer here.
FIRST TRACK – 82
Filthy, mid paced madness with flourishes of abruptly inciteful rhythm (to send one into a moshtastic orgasmic salivating state) oozing with the trademarked genre’s HM2 menace, enough atmosphere to sate and unhurried commanding growls. All in all, a great combination with excellent delivery. A fantastic start to get one in the old school mood.
INITIAL LISTEN – 84
As the title of the album suggests the feel of the album is one of blood, bone, carnage and obliteration. Obviously, this concept isn’t fresh, new, or even ground-breaking but is delivered here in such a way as to make the listener sit up and take note (shit, it even comes complete with atmosphere). Carnal Savagery aren’t another dime a dozen copycat act, these guys have been around (since the scenes inception). Add to that the fact that a certain Dan Swano decided to ‘help out’ and it means be prepared, as he most definitely knows his stuff and the myriad depths of the genre itself. The album itself benefits from a fantastic tone, a dirge, an electric charged distortion which recalls the heyday of the scene and the audio itself? Well, it could well have been recorded in the same era as it reeks of professionalism, wisdom and a quality which will be instantly accepted. Hardly a parody of, and miles from plagiarist material but rather an addition to that which has already left its mark. Jump on this as I can only imagine if these guys stick around, they will stand alongside Entrails, LIK and Nocturnal Hollow to hold the standard for the scene into the new decade.
Favorite Tracks; Not a single one but the whole damn thing.
FFO; Bloodbath, Vomitory, Ribspreader, Dismember, LIK, Entrails.
Grieve (Finland) – s/t (12″ MLP)
https://werewolfrecords.bandcamp.com/album/grieve
Release – April/3/2020
Werewolf
ARTWORK- 86
Black and white ink mastery. A form, a ghost, a wraith looks toward the storm laden distance for meaning, as He/She does so it parts welcoming his arrival. This is my take. I could be miles away but it’s impressive nevertheless.
FIRST TRACK- 92
Malicious blizzard riffs complementing a somewhat Folksy/Viking aura with slightly Cosmic undertones. Howls and snarls makeup up the vocal accompaniment. Blanketed in atmosphere the track makes for an amazing introduction to the band and their style.
INITIAL LISTEN- 91
Only two tracks on offer here, barely ten minutes but it’s more than enough to whet the appetite for more of the same. Blistering frigid riffs, snarled venom, epic narrative lyrics and melodic majesty. This is Black metal with bite, emotion, rhythm and a smidgen of D-beat combined to leave an undeniable mark.
Favorite Tracks; Both tracks are unfathomable impressive.
FFO; The Abyss, Dissection, Emperor.
Graveir (Australia) – King of the Silent World
https://graveircult.bandcamp.com/album/king-of-the-silent-world
Release – April/17/2020
Impure Sounds/Brilliaint Emperor Records
ARTWORK – 78
I’m honestly not sure what to think of this. An excellent shadow heavy image with hidden meaning. Guessing I need to break out my thinking cap. A skull is front and center draped in a shroud of sorts with a plethora of crosses hanging from his/her(?) neck. Perhaps she skull is surveying its domain; “The silent kingdom”. And everyone is also of the not breathing variety, thus incapable of making a sound.
FIRST TRACK – 72
Grandiose Post meets Atmospheric Black metal with wailing vocals and a rumbling dirge nature. Not entirely what I was expecting but I remain intrigued.
INITIAL LISTEN – 76
Hardly tradition Black or even Death or the “assumed” combination of the two this relies more on ritualistic dirge and borders on an industrial tone. Rhythms are often an undercurrent rather than a driving factor and cavort playfully within the arrangements. Post and Progressive properties are dominant as too an undeniable ominous nature though overall this isn’t too far from the ‘norm’ as to alienate fans of either Black or Death, although as it stands it should appeal to those more with Cavernous penchants perhaps even Grindcore and Crust tastes as this shows slight elements from each realm also, rather than that of the straightforward chuggery variety. This has grown on me over several listens, and has blossomed to show a wide swath of influences, so I don’t expect an instant downright appreciation.
Favorite Tracks; The Fetch of Crooked, Immacolata,
FFO; Akercocke, Aodon.
Kurnugia (US) – Forlorn and Forsaken
Release -April/27/2020
Momento Mori
ARTWORK- 78
I can’t get over the fact that the face reminds me of the ‘witch’ creature from the “The Dark Crystal”. Otherwise a nice image with excellent colors and details.
FIRST TRACK- 82
With an intro with sounds like a soundtrack which accompanies the money shot scene to a later day Gothic shocker questions arise as to what might be on offer. But fear not, the first real track on offer displays melodies of a remarkable nature any fan will be able to instantly appreciate. Classic Death metal ripped from the 90’s playbook strangely somewhat both American and European in tone. Chuggery and atmosphere and a vocal approach akin to that of “Corpsegrinder”. I’m all ears; this is quite the opener!
INITIAL LISTEN- 86
Grinding, rumbling Death with enough movement in its arrangements to stray from the realm of boredom. A classic of all that works merging the old school ala Bolt Thrower with a dynamic approach, barely this side of technical bordering on at times Grindcore sensibilities, and plenty of groove to carve a grin on any fans chops and keep it there. This is quite the find for any bored with the plethora of acts sounding the same ole and bringing little to the scene. These fellas know how to play, compose and deliver an album which delights.
Favorite Tracks; Top notch Death metal throughout.
FFO; Angerot, Grave, Unleashed, Benediction, Vomitory, Bloodbath, Gorguts, Morgoth.
And a new segment, because I’m literally drowning in Metal (not time) I wish to promote. Introducing; The “WTF Lightning Review”.
TUUNBAQ (Russia) – Graves of Ice
https://tuunbaq.bandcamp.com/album/graves-of-ice
Release – September/13/2019
Artwork – 74
Ferocity – 88
Groove – 87
Infectiousness – 88
Originality – 76
Genre – Grindcore/Crust
Will I Revisit? YES
Final Score/Remarks – 87
Atmosphere, Grind, Sludge and Groove…Hell to the yes!!
Legendry (USA) – The Wizard and the Tower Keep
https://legendry.bandcamp.com/album/the-wizard-and-the-tower-keep
Release – November/1/2019
Artwork – 74
Ferocity – 24
Groove – 72
Infectiousness – 83
Originality – 76
Genre – Heavy Metal/NWOBHM/Folk/Prog/Doom/Epic Metal/
Will I Revisit? YES
Final Score/Remarks – 84
Exquisite fantastical themed Traditional Metal bursting with nostalgia, diverse styles and an undeniably fluid nature.
Embodiment (UK) – Palingenesis
https://embodimentofficial.bandcamp.com/album/palingenesis
Release – April/24/2020
Artwork – 86
Ferocity – 89
Groove – 83
Infectiousness – 92
Originality – 65
Genre – Tech/Prog Death
Will I Revisit? YES
Final Score/Remarks – 91
Ungodly impressive tech/prog death w. classical elements and a hypnotic allure which is unfathomable.
Divine Chaos (UK) – The Way to Oblivion
https://divinechaos.bandcamp.com/album/the-way-to-oblivion
Release – April/24/2020
Artwork – 84
Ferocity – 75
Groove – 78
Infectiousness – 84
Originality – 60
Genre – Aggressive Thrash/Melodeath
Will I Revisit? YES
Final Score/Remarks – 83
Insanely catchy, dynamic arrangements with wicked vocals topped off by impressive production.
Destroyed in Seconds (USA) – Divide and Devour
https://destroyedinseconds.bandcamp.com/album/divide-and-devour
Release – April/24/2020
Artwork – 89
Ferocity – 86
Groove – 89
Infectiousness – 92
Originality – 70
Genre – D-beat/Crust/Hardcore/Thrash/Dirge-laden Death metal.
Will I Revisit? YES
Final Score/Remarks – 91
Top of the heap D-beat with varied influence which demands ears upon it!
It is impossible to sit still while listening to this!
Well shit, this turned into a Thrash lovefest, I didn’t intend for it to be the case but I just so happened upon a few Releases in the genre worthy of praise. I’m still hurting from Razgate (damn you @LFCMFighter!) And I suspect it might be the case for a great many others whom stumble upon its charm unsuspectingly. Again, this has taken a while, I only wish I could do more but alas thing while Covid thing has me working and babysitting (Can I call it that if it’s my child…?) rather than working and scribbling. Although I have inserted another segment in order that I might be able to promote more albums in a timely manner.
Until next time, don’t fear discovery of that which is normally foreign to the senses.
Cult
CultMetalFlix 