Abrasive Audio – Turbo (September 23′)
Hi Folks, I endeavor to keep this short. A quick run down on notable releases from a single listen standpoint, with a conclusion and a score given from my own perspective as a fan (not a musician).
New headings, which are self explanatory, and considerably less inane chatter.
Here’s a quick explanation;
Artwork – does the albums image garner my attention?
Brutality – well that’s obvious!
Groove – how much does this make you wanna ‘move’, even if you’re trying hard not to.
Melody – is it consumable to those who abhor noise?
Abrasiveness – could you use this audio to keep an invading horde of door thumping Bible bashers at bay?
Progressive Nature – does it twist and turn incorporating any number of diverse elements for any prolonged periods of time?
Technicality – among the albums many elements does it proudly sport its members abilities to play stunning compositions, often at warp speed and in a manner so tight that a ducks arse would be jelly?
Ominous Nature – does this make you want to grab your comfort stuffie and head for the light switch?
Replayability – does it offer nuance enough to make one want to come back for more?
And finally a Score (customarily out of 100) and my ultimate thoughts to top things off.
Temple of Dread (Germany) – Beyond Acheron
August 2023 (Testimony Records)
Artwork – 8.5
Brutality – 6
Groove – 7
Melody – 8
Abrasiveness – 4
Aggressive Nature – 6
Technicality – 6
Ominous Nature – 7
Replayability – 10
https://testimonyrecords.bandcamp.com/album/temple-of-dread-beyond-acheron
Conclusion/Score – Less than a minute in and I’m of the mind that I’m about to slap some biatches for not telling me about these folks sooner. And I’m pleased to state the album holds the high caliber throughout. At times a likely melding of Asphyx, Morbid Angel and Unleashed (even in instances Nile and Cannibal Corpse) it provides all the requisite elements a fan of Old School DM could hope. Traditional rhythms, tons of movement, plentiful atmosphere and an aura which stand outs with a myriad of instances which alight a smirk on the ever maniacal looking chops. A Must own, and admittedly (and rather easily) one of my fave releases of 23′!
98
Ascending Olympus (Greece) – Frontlines
April 2023 (Drakkar Productions)
Artwork – 7
Brutality – 6
Groove – 7
Melody – 6
Abrasiveness – 4
Aggressive Nature – 4
Technicality – 7
Ominous Nature – 5
Replayability – 8
https://ascendingolympus.bandcamp.com/album/frontlines
Conclusion/Score – A hybrid of Thrash and DM this delivers sharp riffs, a touch of Djent, a slight Industrial tone and Old School DM textures aplenty (check “Fatal Nightmare” for insane Bolt Thrower vibes). A varied vocal attack and rhythmic approach adds that little bit extra to keep this from the same old, same old, clamoring masses.
82
Virtusira (Canada) – We Will Writhe
March 2023 (Independent)
Artwork – 8
Brutality – 7.5
Groove – 6
Melody – 6
Abrasiveness – 5,5
Aggressive Nature – 7
Technicality – 8.5
Ominous Nature – 6
Replayability – 9
https://virtusira.bandcamp.com/album/we-will-writhe
Conclusion/Score – There’s a little for everyone here. Technical prowess, Brutal Death sensibilities and frequent Progressive landscapes (although left thankfully this side of the annoyingly wizard like side of the fence). Fantastic production and top notch musicianship aid in the albums overall (wide genre radius) appeal. It’s safe to say that a single listen will lead to another as there’s a considerable amount to unpack here.
88
Gutrefaxion (Finland) – Total Rotten to the Gore Zombie Extravaganza
August 2023 (Independent)
Artwork – 8.5
Brutality – 9
Groove – 7
Melody – 5
Abrasiveness – 8
Aggressive Nature – 9
Technicality – 7
Ominous Nature – 7.5
Replayability – 8.5
https://gutrefaxion.bandcamp.com/album/total-rotten-to-the-gore-zombie-extravaganza
Conclusion/Score – Twelve tracks coming in at just under thirteen minutes? You guessed it – this is utter Grinding madness. Admittedly it plays to most all of my ‘weak spots’; Zombies, cult films, females in metal (am I allowed to still say that?) and an act with only a solitary member, soundbites and Scooby-Doo (need I mention another offering with a Bad Taste quote as a title?) Add to this ingredient list a slew of nostalgia inducing soundbites and enough groove to derail a Japanese train full of polaroid snapping tourists and you have a bonefide winning achievement. Seriously, this is surprisingly listenable and with its short running length it is sure to deliver devastating damage in record time. I don’t think anyone will have to remind me to dive deep in the discography, I think I’m in love.
92
Nordicwinter (Canada) – This Mournful Dawn
August 2023 (Naturmacht Productions)
Artwork – 8
Brutality – 3
Groove – 2
Melody – 9
Abrasiveness – 8
Aggressive Nature – 5
Technicality – 6
Ominous Nature – 9
Replayability – 9
https://nordicwinter.bandcamp.com/album/this-mournful-dawn
Conclusion/Score – Multi layered, somber, haunting and beautiful yet doused in an almost palpable ominous atmosphere this certainly sets the scene for those frigid winter nights when the elements have the upper hand and one is unable to go anywhere, the cable is out, and absinthe is as welcome as the warmth which blankets provide.
89
Outer Heaven (USA) – infinite Physic Depths
July 2023 (Relapse Records)
Artwork – 9
Brutality – 7
Groove – 8.5
Melody – 7
Abrasiveness – 6
Aggressive Nature – 6
Technicality – 8
Ominous Nature – 7.5
Replayability – 9.5
https://outerheaven.bandcamp.com/album/infinite-psychic-depths
Conclusion/Score – And Outer Heaven have somehow done it again! If you thought their stunning previous entry was a fluke, you’re very much mistaken. Taking the hint from the success of Realms of Eternal Decay the band have chosen to double down with much the same varied grimy Technical unpredictability. Featuring a slew of guest contributors (among them Dave – “Dechristianize” – Suzuki) the result is a landscape fraught with a smorgasbord of cosmic textures, bludgeoning passages, galloping rhythms, Old School dirge and all manner of that which carves a stoopid sized grin on the chops. This about has all a fan of DM could wish and in a capacity which continues to excite as the album blossoms with each and every spin
96
Recc via CupiousCheeseFellow (Twitter)
Lobstrosity (USA) – No Mercy in the Stars
August 2023 (Independent)
Artwork – 7.5
Brutality – 8
Groove – 3
Melody – 7
Abrasiveness – 7
Aggressive Nature – 7
Technicality – 8.5
Ominous Nature – 6
Replayability – 8
https://lobstrositysav.bandcamp.com/album/no-mercy-in-the-stars
Conclusion/Score – There’s quite a bit going on here. To state the obvious. Much like the tendrils in the albums art rhythms are spread far and wide, unpredictability reigns supreme as the album progresses. Black Metal sensibilities are locked in combat with jagged Tech riffs drenched in molasses, as meanwhile hints of Melodic DM and a Doors-esque progressive nature prances without warning from camouflage arenas to give an audience false hope in regards to a listening experience which is easily consumable without first sharpening the senses upon numerous other scathing and multi-textured audio offerings.
78
Recc via Void (He who requires little introduction at this juncture)
Lost Harvest (Mexico) – Deluded Seas of Diverge
February 2023 (Independent)
Artwork – 7
Brutality – 6
Groove – 6
Melody – 7.5
Abrasiveness – 5
Aggressive Nature – 6.5
Technicality – 8
Ominous Nature – 8
Replayability – 8.5
https://lostharvest1.bandcamp.com/album/deluded-seas-of-diverge
Conclusion/Score – It isn’t often one is faced with an album which runs an hour in length (let alone one closer to an hour and a quarter such as this). Naturally, there are exceptions more often than not within the Doom arena when it’s not altogether unusual for an album to have several tracks running into double digit territory. In this instance I’m pleased to report the attention is held for the duration. A wicked amalgamation of Doom/Prog and Tech Death, an exquisitely crafted inventive ‘vision’ in short, with a slightly raw production edge this delivers a landscape rife with riffs aplenty, a myriad of rhythms to get the limbs a twitchin’ and (unpredictable) movement enough to please those who yearn for ‘epicness’, more than mere chuggery and brutality for brutality’s sake.
93
Another Void Recc & Plucked From Metal Past
Venenum (Germany) – s/t EP
April/November 2011 (Sepulchral Voice Records/Independent)
Artwork – 7.5
Brutality – 6.5
Groove – 4.5
Melody – 6.5
Abrasiveness – 7
Aggressive Nature – 7.5
Technicality – 5.5
Ominous Nature – 8
Replayability – 9
https://venenum.bandcamp.com/album/venenum
Conclusion/Score – Altogether lo-fi and grimy in its approach this might leave many wondering where this resides in the extreme audio spectrum; the album certainly boasts BM elements (including an unhurried, snarling vocal assault) alongside Old School foundations. Blanketing menace and a diabolical essence will please fans of vintage Morbid Angel, while compositions with plentiful mood and movement will appeal to those who are long time fans of the scene and on the search for an offering which is slightly different than standard affairs. My opinion is that this will grown on the listener given repeated experiences.
81
Olkoth (USA) – At the Eye of Chaos
May 2023 (Everlasting Spew Records)
Artwork – 9.5
Brutality – 8
Groove – 6
Melody – 6.5
Abrasiveness – 7
Aggressive Nature – 7
Technicality – 7.5
Ominous Nature – 8
Replayability – 9
https://everlastingspewrecords.bandcamp.com/album/at-the-eye-of-chaos
Conclusion/Score – Ferocious, pummeling, often intricate yet unrelenting this is sure to please fans of acts in the Nile, Vader and Hate Eternal vein. Brutal Death with complex rhythms set against a foundation of palpable menace and diabolical atmosphere meanwhile is guaranteed to garner the interest of Morbid Angel and similar acts who also peddle arcane audio with classical medieval nuance. Lyrical content is based upon the occult, mythology and corruption throughout history (so obviously there’s plenty of material to research and work with for future efforts) for all those yearning to ‘dive deeper’. As a debut this speaks volumes, and is likely to grab the attention of a huge fan base and a myriad of year end scribes.
92
And that about brings this installment to its finale. As always feel free to comment. suggest or tell me to stop scribbling like one possessed.
Cult
“Don’t fear discovery of that which is typically foreign to the senses”.