Abrasive Audio; The Year in review; aka Cults favorites from the past 365 days (part Four II)

Abrasive Audio – The Year in Review

Part the Fourth (the second, and final, installment; so much metal one part just isn’t enough!)

This is it. The final installment. Before I continue I’d like to say a huge thanks to all concerned, the PR companies, the people I’ve interacted with, those I’ve reconnected with, those I’ve started new friendships with, those who continue to support my scribbles (you the reader) but most of all the bands who continue to strive to entertain even though the road is fraught with difficulty and the fact that it isn’t paved with gold as many might think. Here’s to another year overflowing with audio brilliance.

Without further waffling, I present my final picks;

Nocturnalia – III Winter

https://nocturnaliamusic.bandcamp.com/album/nocturnalia-iii-winter

This offers a collective of radio friendly tracks with mesmerizing qualities running the gauntlet of traditional rock, folk and a style perilously close to speed metal. Never boring, this delights throughout and serves as a stunning palette cleanser for those evening when one just wishes to unwind. Fluid from the first until the last note with its fluid though varied composition, unique nature and thoroughly stunning delivery and execution.

Novembers Doom – Nephilim Grove

 https://novembersdoom1989.bandcamp.com/album/nephilim-grove

Shattering my preconceived notions Novembers Doom have utilized all the death/doom genre is known for then added their trademark thunderous rhythm approach, passionate vocal diversity and stupendous epic arrangements (which tug at even the most hardened of emotions) and have fashioned an album which delivers from start to finish. This is perhaps their finest work to date.

Sentient Horror -Morbid Realms*

https://sentienthorror.bandcamp.com/album/morbid-realms

Somehow Sentient Horror have utilized a familiar style and have added their own flair making it fresh and exciting again. All the ingredients a fan of the HM2 genre have come to expect. However, this band have imbued the formula with a certain something; be it maniacal solos, fluid lead moments or instances of ominous atmosphere which combine to levitate this to another level entirely. Lay your ears upon this and rekindle your love of the ‘Stockholm sound’.

Schammasch – Hearts of No Light

https://schammasch.bandcamp.com/album/hearts-of-no-light

Atmospheric black metal with arrangements of astounding caliber the likes of which one will be surprised to discover here, this is so more than merely ‘black’ in any sense of the imagination. This takes the listener to realms which are quite unexpected though strangely don’t seem at all out of place. A release with both depth and cinematic opus qualities one needs to experience to fully appreciate, for my words cannot even come close. A fantastic introduction to the band and a style which is easily consumed for those like myself who are relative newcomers to this genre.

Swamp Beast/Void Terror SPLIT – Holocaust of Terrestrial Empires

 https://mesacounojo.bandcamp.com/album/holocaust-of-terrestrial-empires

Swamp Beast – Unrelenting death grind complemented by suffocating catacomb-esque atmosphere. A mesmerizing soundscape combining Napalm Death touches, passages of groove and a brutal whirlwind chaotic attack.

Void Terror – What Bolt Thrower “Realm of Chaos” might have sounded like if it had decidedly black metal undertones. Dirge laden and wickedly dark, yet chaotic and shot through with diabolical essence. A swirling maelstrom of audio madness one doesn’t wish to escape.

An excellent split with plenty on offer from two acts ripe for discovery. Keep an ear out for these guys they are both poised for greatness.

The Deathtrip – Demon Solar Totem

https://the-deathtrip.bandcamp.com/album/demon-solar-totem

The Deathtrip have created an album which has the potential to garner appeal from across the BM landscape. Varied in both scope and approach raw audio (with an intensity to appeal to traditionalists and those acclimatizing themselves to the variety the scene offers; aka me) cavorts alongside melancholic atmosphere hypnotic, trance inducing, rhythms and surprisingly melody drenched under occult skies an effect which holds the attention from first to last. And the more one sinks into the experience the greater detail and intricacies it provides. This boasts an appeal which cannot be argued, begs to be repeated and often.

Unfathomable Ruination – Enraged and Unbound

https://unfathomableruination.bandcamp.com/album/enraged-unbound

Track structures, although longer than most in the same genre, are infectiously contagious showcasing abrupt pace transformations, frenzied and maniacal moments and technicality the likes of which precariously straddles the fence between technical death and grindcore arenas. In short, this audio depicts an act who have no desire to fuck around. It’s straight down to business and these guys are bringing all the requisite ingredients to make a lasting impression, albeit one which will leave a mark whose after effects will require meds and most probably a trip to the ER.

Vampyromorpha – Herzog

https://vampyromorpha.bandcamp.com/

Although this occasionally dips into ultra-melodic realms it remains intriguing throughout and is most likely to fit nicely in the ‘guilty pleasures’ folder of those whose daily audio is drenched in nature extreme. A Gothic nature, Southern groove and passion alongside hard rock sensibilities (including soaring solos), and rough vocal approach (which oddly fits) and a willingness to experiment makes this stand out but it’s the caliber which makes it stick, and instantly!

Warsenal – Feast Your Eyes

 https://open.spotify.com/album/58SvjDQbXqTG2Ng5qHohme?autoplay=true&v=L

In moments one could well imagine this is what Destruction (Germany) might have sounded like if they’d have spent more time listening to NWOBHM. The music is often face-melting fast though imbued with undeniable traditional heavy metal elements and even on occasion a tone likened to crossover thrash. As a whole the album is neither “this” nor “that” but rather a stunning smorgasbord of styles combined with expert cohesion plucked with reverence from a myriad of genres. This only gets infinitely better after the initial listen.

WolfBrigade – The Enemy: Reality*

https://wolfbrigadesl.bandcamp.com/

This is unapologetically formulaic at times, even a tad simplistic, but it hits home and has an effect that borders on hypnotic. Ungodly infectious and especially potent following a workout or participation in an activity with similar “results”, short and to the point this is to be played loud, but probably not in rush hour traffic as it tends to incite uncontrollable movements and a shit eating grin hardly anyone is likely to understand. Suffice it to say Wolfbrigade strike again and much like their last this destroys most everything in its path.

December

Bethledeign – Iconography of Suffering

https://edgewoodarsenal.bandcamp.com/album/iconography-of-suffering

Maniacal leads, slower paced passages and breakdowns for sorts with familiarity aplenty, riffs to leave one salivating and a varied style to please a great many bar those who yearn for silly, overburdening, technicality and heaps of progressive nature within their extreme audio. For fans of Cannibal Corpse, this will leave an impression.

Death Wolf (formerly Devils’ Whorehouse) – IV: Come the Dark

https://helterskelterproductions.bandcamp.com/album/iv-come-the-dark

This is slightly different, familiar but not for the reasons one might think and a little experimental. At times the times the album has a ‘if Ministry played black metal this is how it might sound’ vibe while in others epic triumphant qualities take center stage and rhythms take on more a simplistic groove approach ala more recent Satyricon. However, you slice it this is unexpected but cannot be written off. Be prepared though for it has the potential to grow to criminally infectious levels.

Hvile I Kaos – Black Morning, Winter Green

https://rednebula.bandcamp.com/album/black-morning-winter-green

Intricate melodies writhe and duel for dominance, a narrative is carefully constructed utilizing an assortment of details and depth forming a rich tapestry to enrapt the listener. This is an experience sans a vocal accompaniment, for it doesn’t need such. It speaks volumes and stands testament to the talent, passion and composition brilliance of Kakophonix; the single soul behind the manipulation of the strings involved. A rich texture of melodies invoking darkness and beauty and the many grey areas in between. More classical than anything remotely extreme metal in nature.

Oath of Cruelty – Summary Execution at Dawn

https://darkdescentrecords.bandcamp.com/album/summary-execution-at-dawn

Chaotic, tumbling melodies shot through with veins of maniacal madness and capillaries of diabolical finesse. This could well be Morbid Angel under the Kreator banner of old imbued with South American aggression. Unrelenting blackened thrash draped in a generous helping of sinister recommended for fans of the old school.

Revel in Flesh – The Hour of the Avenger*

https://open.spotify.com/album/1vXNFib8ODt2uuRMIkzYbt?autoplay=true&v=L

Boasting a collection of tracks with a slew of stylistic ambiance this album offers a great deal to enjoy. Comforting in its nostalgic familiarity this seethes with an undeniable air of superiority.

I don’t know where Revel in Flesh have been between albums. I only wonder if there’s a location someplace in a remote mountainous region whereupon enigmatic Monks strip one of everything they know only then reeducate one (in the most mysterious ways imaginable) in the true path of Godly extreme audio. For this really is that good! Fans of Entombed, Nocturnal Hollow, LIK, Dismember and Entrails cannot afford to miss out on this!

And that’s it. A whooping 153 releases spanning January through December 2019, only the tip of the proverbial iceberg if truth be told (there’s a whole ton of releases I didn’t have time to get to) Showcasing a total of 36 (absolute favorites) which looking back I could probably have shortened this list down to. A tip of the hat to those who have made it this far, hurdling the obvious obstacles which my horrid grammar produces. As always free to share and comment. I’m always up for suggestions, perhaps even a few people who wish to aid me in my quest to entertain (I’m talking unpaid contributors, I’ve yet to make a cent, I require someone else with the equal dedication). The comment link is at the bottom of this article. It’s been a pleasure, and even though I’m exhausted it’s been worth every keyboard stroke if only to preach the word of metal and support acts who bring me a modicum of pleasure in an otherwise dull, tedious existence.

Cult

Abrasive Audio…to Soothe the Senses. Werewolves in Siberia’s Top Five of 19′

Abrasive Audio…to Soothe the Senses.

Another Year End List – Werewolves in Siberia

The year has come and gone, it’s cold, Santa is busting out his supply of energy drinks for his annual global philanthropist trek, the trees are…blah, blah, blah. Enough with all that! Welcome to another Year End list. Another one? Yes, another one. This one however, you can guarantee is going to slightly different than those before it. This is plucked, in the nicest way possible (naturally), from the creative mind of none other than synth mastermind Werewolves in Siberia. In short, he’s responsible for introducing me to the world of synth. Let me be more specific.

Great synth. In actuality, one of my first, non- metal, music reviews was of his “Beyond the City of the Dead” album (from 2014). https://werewolvesinsiberia.bandcamp.com/album/beyond-the-city-of-the-dead

If you enjoy listening to audio which puts you in mind of raunchy celluloid from a bygone era whereupon people are being feasted upon by the undead, having their face pulled toward “inconspicuous” splinters or being torn limb from limb by frustrated Amazonian natives then this is a must listen. But it gets better.

His newest, “Terrifying Tales from the Mausoleum” (released December the thirteenth. On a Friday, which seems to be his thing) is a step up and widely considered his best work to date (I agree, although the aforementioned holds a special place in my music collection). Before you continue feel free to give it a listen (or do so as you read this, it doesn’t matter!)

https://werewolvesinsiberia.bandcamp.com/album/terrifying-tales-from-the-mausoleum-3

Without further waffling, I’m honored and proud to present…

Werewolves in Siberia’s Top 5 of 2019

Usually, it would probably be pretty hard to come up with a list of my top 5 favorite albums of the year.  This year though, I really didn’t get into many more than five albums all year, to be honest.  The year just kind of flew by.

I’m not going to actually rank these albums because none of them are really in the same vein with one another.  There’s something different about all of them but, either way, these were my absolute favorites from the year.  I can’t see even a possibility that, no matter how many albums I listened to this year, these wouldn’t be my top 5 anyway.

I’m also linking the Spotify pages for each of these albums for easy access to their music.  I mean, just about everybody’s using Spotify these days, right?

Municipal Waste – “The Last Rager”

I’m a big fan of old school thrash.  The kings, Slayer, have just hung it up but Anthrax and Testament are putting out some of their best albums ever after over 30 years of being around.  Municipal Waste, though, are the leaders of the new school of thrash.  I say new school and realize they’ve been putting out music for over 15 years.  They embody all that the old school brought and never stray from what they do well… full-on, all out thrash metal.

In 2019, they released the EP “The Last Rager” and I jumped on it.  It’s a great follow up to 2017’s “Slime and Punishment”.  If you haven’t heard them yet, it’s a great way to dip your toe into the water because it’s about ten minutes of thrashing fury and it’s over.  If you’re a thrash fan, this will leave you wanting more.  Luckily, they have a whole slew of other albums for you to enjoy after this one.

https://open.spotify.com/album/2DUJrtvNvNprAipiCJP3fK?si=SXaV_JHnReOH4fpM-yQR3A

The Seatopians – “Underwater Ally”

If you’re a fan of beach life, tiki culture or just dig a little surf rock once in a while. The Seatopians have got to be on your radar immediately.  I came across these guys earlier in the year on Instagram when surf-promotion-site-turned-surf-record-label Altered State of Reverb happened to mention them.  Then, I saw something really weird; they’re from the little city I live in.  That little city is Boise, Idaho.  I was definitely intrigued.  I was skeptical… because, Boise?  Surf rock?  Intrigued, nonetheless and had to check them out.   Their demo was good.  Really good.

Altered State of Reverb took the steps to jump into the record label game and released “Underwater Alley”, the debut from The Seatopians.  I quickly snatched that up and immersed myself in it.  I still can’t get enough of this album five months later.  Pretty sure I listened at least once a day for the first couple weeks and I’m still throwing this one on at least every couple of weeks.

There are legends in the surf rock game.  Legends that will live on forever; from the early days of The Ventures, Dick Dale and The Impacts to those who took the torch in the late 80s and beyond like Los Straitjackets.  Then, there is this new wave of surf bands coming around.  While I’ve come across some really good ones, The Seatopians are sitting on top of that heap as kind of the kings of the new wave of surf rock.  I mean no disrespect to any other surf band.  I’m listening to tons of it on a regular basis these days, but these guys are really making waves.  (See what I did there?)

https://open.spotify.com/album/3SuP80CDsuybUk7S8StMS0?si=lJf4AIdJTKS1yJaIZiNTnw

Voyag3r – “War Mask”

I’ve said it so many times but when it comes to synth driven music, Voyag3r are on a whole different level than most anyone out there.  They bring a full band to the mix that most don’t.  Maybe a lot of synthwave doesn’t need a full band to make a good album… but these guys are still just on a different level.

Voyag3r don’t actually fall into that synthwave category to me but they bring plenty of that culture to their sound.  They’re also bringing inspiration from horror and sci-fi soundtracks as well as crossover prog rock bands like Goblin.  Again, another level.

“War Mask” was released in April and instantly took the synth world by storm.  Rightfully so.  This album took their already sci-fi, horror and cult film score-inspired sound and leveled up.  Their sound has broadened a bit on this release but still has that Voyag3r sound we’ve all come to love.  Stellar guitar, synth and drum work is even accompanied by the occasional saxophone this time around.

If you’re a fan of John Carpenter, Fabio Frizzi, Goblin or anything in between, this is for you.  As a side note, synth master/smooth saxophonist, Steve Greene, has some amazing solo albums, too.  Check out everything any of these guys have done that you can find.

https://open.spotify.com/album/7kxmLiqSrEx3U8AnNmLnT1?si=uaWHuSnoTwy-lR1xxIOccA

Calabrese – “Flee the Light”

What can I say about this one?  Calabrese shot onto my radar way back in 2005 with their catchy-as-hell horror punk.  Rather than heading up the often-taken route of just sounding like a Misfits ripoff, they had their own sound.

Over the years, they took a more rock and roll approach, sort of a death rock sound.  It took a little getting used to at first and, while I wasn’t as into this sound as their earlier material, I still really liked those last couple albums.  With “Flee the Light”, the brothers Calabrese have reinvented themselves yet again by adding synths to their ever-evolving sound.

Usually, when a rock band adds keyboards/synths to their already-stellar arsenal, it kills the vibe.  It’s overkill.  Not here.  Not at all!  I’ll be damned if they didn’t pull it off and end up with their best release since 2012’s “Dayglo Necros” album.  I never would’ve thought that synths could add anything great to a Calabrese record.  I really wasn’t into the idea but over the years I’ve rocked out to the albums, I’ve done some distro for them, I’ve taken in their live shows, interviewed them, you name it.  Now, somehow, they have absolutely blown me away 14 years after first hearing them yet again.

https://open.spotify.com/album/1sNY7MpBrQ0qpwv9rLsDI5?si=qXXYLB_uScOt9LxutZI-vA

Majeure – “Mass Flashback”

You might not be familiar with the name Majeure.  It’s the solo project of AE Paterra from synth/prog rock duo Zombi.  Aside from it being the name of the Italian release of Dawn of the Dead or the Italian version of Fulci’s “Zombi 2”, you also might not be with Zombi.  Let me help you with that.

They’ve been one of my favorite bands since I stumbled across them on a Relapse Records sampler in ‘04.  They stood out amongst the extreme metal acts of the label and grabbed my attention like no other non-punk or non-metal band had in years.  They sounded like all those killer scores from horror movies like Dawn of the Dead and I was hooked.

Over the years, the two members have done numerous solo records and side projects.  Steve Moore has really made a name for himself with some great film scores and even jumped into Goblin’s live lineup for several shows.  Paterra has made some great music, himself.  He made a couple sci-fi synth collaborations with UK new age artist Paul Lawler called Contact that I really dug as well as quite a few singles, EPs and splits.

When this year’s “Mass Flashback” came out, it drew me in.  Something about this release feels head and shoulders above any of Paterra’s past solo releases to me.  There’s a very laid-back tone overall that you get lost in.  Close your eyes and take the journey.

This album is only six songs long but it can loop endlessly for days.  It’s that good.  If you’re not into the synth thing, it might not be for you but I’d still say you should give it a try because, to me, it transcends all barriers.  It’s not just a synth record.  It’s a damn near flawless album for any genre.

https://open.spotify.com/album/2puInERaWhQ0HVcUM8UFZq?si=sGaMX7RZQImuOYpl4Jh50g

 

C’mon whatcha doing? Bang out some synth already!

Editor’s Note ; Thanks goes out to Chris for allowing me to jog his memory and send over his thoughts and recommendations. Admittedly, the only release here which I’m familiar with (although I have yet to lay ears upon it) is the first mentioned. It appears I have some exploration to embark upon and a diverse pool of audio in which to leap into.

Scorching the Retinas – Hirsute Cinema

Sheep Skin (2013)

USA

Director/Writer – Kurtis M. Spieler

Runtime – 80 minutes

Invasive Image

Unearthed Films

 

“Sheep Skin” adds to a genre already bursting at the seams, so what does it offer? The film opens on a sleazy, scum bag, corporate type whose work centers around an office in which his family photos face away from him (is he really that ashamed of them?) His day ends and he discovers that, apparently, the elevator is out isn’t that always the case? (“Big Bang Theory” nod here) so he takes the stairs but not before being shot down by a temp whom he invites out for a drink and a spot of accelerated corporate ladder climbing shenanigans. His descent down the stairs is fraught by a collective of pig mask wearing types and an abrupt bag over the head motif. Credits roll, a montage of slashed up victims lying about the woods flashes across the screen and the movie “begins”.

(Trailer courtesy of Invasive Image)

The corporate scumbag is hastily transported to a warehouse environment, placed in a comfortable chair, placed in front of a big screen, offered treats, beverages and a choice of movies from which to choose. Ha! I jest. An interrogation commences and he’s obviously the prime suspect in a series of local grisly murders. But it doesn’t stop there.  The collective donning the pig masks soon reveal themselves and the reasons to believe him to be a killer and possibly something else. There, I haven’t spoiled anything, this is all ‘on the box’ though obviously my own twist (and prose) is that which just flashed across the retinas.

“I don’t know man, he could just be a scumbag corporate type”

Even early on one might notice that this is a low budget affair (it was supposed shot in eight days for $25,000). There’s a small cast and the locations used are minimal. Undeniable too is that the audio is a tad low in the mix. This results in the volume turned higher than normal in order to fully comprehend the myriad of character interaction which the film thrives on in its infancy. There’s a great deal of ‘talkie bits’, a few scuffles and not much else unless you count confusion, frustration, regret and trepidation. The story is kept interesting by the addition of added elements and the premise of a ‘whodunit’. There’s an air of mystery shrouding the while affair, as if someone is holding something back and antagonizing an original premise to its ‘inevitable’ conclusion. As the movie plays out and incidences occur which add an added excitement element assumptions and predictions run rampant as to who (or what) might be holding back as the tension level elevates exponentially.

Man, I’m scared. I feel like I’m about to have my blood drawn like in “The Thing”

For a low budget affair, the acting is surprisingly competent, huge kudos to actors who are trying their best to get their foot in the industries door, the movies flow and feel easily consumable. “Sheep Skin” also boasts surprisingly good effects (great throat slashed effects) a passable creature effect which you don’t see much of but when you do its shrouded in shadows (trying to keep the spoilers at a minimal here) and more than enough nods to cult Lycanthrope cinematic affairs (“The Howling” and “An American Werewolf in London”) to keep the fanatics of the genre happy.

Just the tip

Shit, this movie even has a chainsaw (are there any in the genre which don’t nowadays?) and enough crimson to give the local butcher a stiffening in the groin area (wait wha-?) Naturally, the films budget forbids an effective splatter effect every minute (based on the films feel comedic cheaper, silly looking, effects would feel out of place) but the creators did well with the budget they had to work with. Add to that an ending which doesn’t fall in the Hollywood category and you have a film which is curiously watchable ( I only wonder if this might transform into another long eared, fang toothed, franchise, did i just spoil it?) and far surpasses that which a mountain of other films with a similar budget offer. Obviously, those going into this with exceedingly high expectations, who believe all the hype the blurbs often promise, might be disappointed but for those whose penchants run to Indie productions this will be a fun viewing experience. Based on this and the caliber on offer here I’m expecting a bright future for the director. I have my eyes peeled.

For added fun the DVD offers a punk rock soundtrack and a montage of pictures during the credits to further emphasis the fact that the pig mask wearing collective were in fact in a band (as if the one guy talking about being ambidextrous which helped being out as being the drummer wasn’t enough). Also it offers two viewing options; the movie can be witnessed in either color or BnW if this isn’t a homage to roots of the scene/Universal cinema I don’t know what is, a fantastic added touch.

 

For other Unearthed cinematic treasures from across the globe visit https://www.unearthedfilms.com/ and tell them I sent you, as if that makes a difference.

Cult

Abrasive Audio…To Soothe the Senses Part Seventeen

It’s been a while folks. Please excuse the absence. The kids are in town, it’s the summer holidays, so admittedly my attention is divided. Alas, the word of metal must be spread so I find myself making time (stealing it if you will just like those vertically challenged folks from Time Bandits) in order to preach on my most recent of stellar audio procurements.

 

 

 

Freighter – the Den

(USA)

Release – July/12/2019

Self-Released

Dewar PR

https://freighter.bandcamp.com/album/the-den

ARTWORK – 7.5

A secluded shack/cabin (that really doesn’t look like so) surrounded by a copse (like that word!) of trees with a Post It (trademark name right there) note attached to the image. There’s something going on here folks and this art really doesn’t give much away in regards to that which might grace the ears when the PLAY button is pressed. Regardless I’m intrigued.

FIRST TRACK – 8

Hard to describe, even harder not to instantly like. There’s truly something unique and utterly mesmerizing about the style, or rather the mixture of styles here. To be honest I was thinking I was about to be introduced to college rock of sorts but this threw for a complete loop. The lyrics are comic book-esque and fantastical in their scope with a style that’s somewhat comical and the audio is a hodge-podge of styles which are familiar yet hard to instantly place. Riffs here and there leer at the listener with an air of arrogance as if to say I dare you to pair me with an act, track and album. I dare you to tackle the quest. I’ll try my damndest to do so as I let the remainder of this album frolic between my ears.

INITIAL LISTEN – 9

Like the result of a head on collision between coaches leaving a musical festival of sorts transporting SOD, Mr Bungle, Polkadot Cadaver, Meshuggsh, Gojira and SOAD with a sprinkle of Mike Patton creative genius and the experimental madness of Crotch Duster the audio here is rather hard to effectively define though incorporates elements of punk, alternative, nu-metal, djent, thrash/hardcore crossover and a slew which haven’t even been truly defined yet. Varied and assorted vocal styles bring to mind Billy Milano (“Bigger Than the Devil” era SOD), Serj Tankian (SOAD) added to by a plethora of growls, grunts and bellowed passages. Get ready, though truly nothing can really prepare you as this is an orgy of audio which is wild, frenetic, dynamic, unpredictable, often chaotic but always a truck load, a freighter full (to coin a phrase) of fun which one will only want to repeat again and again. Suffice it to say one will need a rather large notebook, a whole lot of time on their hands and an encyclopedic knowledge of metal, rock and similar genres to even begin to tackle the quest set forth.

Favorite Tracks; Future Duke, Hot Car Death Dad, King Pigeon, Harbor of Dieppe.

Don’t sleep on this album as you will hear a great deal upon it following its release.

Dogbane – Idylls of Woe

(USA)

Release – July/19/2019

Heaven and Hell Records

Clawhammer PR

https://dogbane1.bandcamp.com/

ARTWORK – 7

A tad simplistic. A dog’s skull and a barbed wire crown. This really doesn’t do much for me, it feels more like a sticker, perhaps the music will…?

FIRST TRACK – 7.5

The audio’s tone instantly struck me. A definite late 70’s, early 80’s feel with a style to match. This is traditional heavy metal with a heaping helping of doom accompanied by clean vocals. Melodious and vintage in aura I have a feeling this is going to garner a great deal of attention.

INITIAL LISTEN – 8

Think early Iron Maiden, Candlemass with carefully woven Paradise Lost melodies, soaring leads and song structures all ingredients that combined will alight a grin on any traditional metal fans visage. Paired with passionate/dramatic (love them or hate them) traditional vocals this is a treat for those who welcome the resurgence of traditional heavy metal with open arms.

Add to the album an introduction (“Blood in the Snow”) that’s reminiscent of “Fast as a Shark” by Accept minus the yodeling and riffs which recall the earliest of Rainbow (With Dio) material and you have all the makings of audio which will delight while making the listener reminisce upon albums they should most probably save from the ravages of being lost to merely memory alone.

Favorite Tracks; Blood in the Snow, Land of Shadows, Sin Eater.

Anticosm – The Call of the Void

(USA)

Release – August/16/2019

Hell Kill Destroy Records

Clawhammer PR

https://anticosm.bandcamp.com/

ARTWORK – 8

Quite the dramatic departure from their last efforts art (which depicted the band traversing a lava field in heavy machinery with their logo emblazoned upon its blade) This is more an exercise in optical illusion territory an approach which hopefully doesn’t turn/drive long-time fans away. Am I to expect audio of an experimental nature, only one way to know for sure…?

FIRST TRACK – 9

Undeniable is that Anticosm have significant chops in the rhythm department. This track encompasses atmosphere and blackened values whilst also offering riffs which produce instant appreciation. For some reason this track also puts me in mind of Atheist output lyrically not so much technically although this track is miles from mere ‘chuggery’. A fantastic commencement and introduction to the album and the band.

INITIAL LISTEN – 9

Dynamic, ever evolving, melodic, passionate and draped in atmosphere yet miles from what could be termed traditional, both in rhythm and vocal departments. This is thrash (bordering on death) and shrouded in traditional heavy metal values (especially the albums final track, “Never Enough” which showcases inciteful melodies with undeniably more a ‘rock n roll’ leaning) with a decidedly darker approach and it works, tainted by melodic black nuances this is sure to appeal to a wide audience. And for those who aren’t quite wiling to fully immerse themselves fully in any one genre this is great location to start a life-long exploration drenched with realms of amazement and wonder which is guaranteed to set the senses on fire.

Favorite Tracks; Viral, Scorched Earth, Call of the Void, Never Enough.

Pestis Inferos – Beyond the Veil of Light (EP)

(USA)

Release – June/24/2019

Self – Release

Clawhammer PR

https://pestisinferos.bandcamp.com/album/beyond-the-veil-of-light

ARTWORK – 7.5

It took me a while for me to understand, or gather an assumption as to what, might be going on here. I believe angelic forces are taunting earth bound spirits as Eve (?) in all her uncovered glory (she’s nekkid!) looks on somewhat amused. Archaic somewhat primitive black and white imagery which doesn’t give much away as to the audio within, although I’m of the believe that this isn’t going to be traditional heavy metal in the slightest but something ‘slightly’ darker in tone.

FIRST TRACK – 9

Clear production bolsters a style which is firmly staked in the blackened death arena, albeit with an added gothic aura (by way of the tracks introduction). Furious drumming, of the somewhat technical variety (think Misery Index), stands out in the mix, rhythms which are sure to make one want to move as well the riffage which is somewhat Morbid Angel in nature though drip with wicked intent of the blackened variety. Traditional ‘clawing at the air’, snarling, black vocals add to the mix making for a track which has my attention and bodes extremely well for the remainder of this release.

INITIAL LISTEN – 8.5

Chock full of majesty, fury and an overall style which borders on black metal meets punk meets death meets speed metal (what a mouthful) with oodles of atmosphere tossed in for effect this is sure to drum up some attention (I’m surprised it hasn’t yet!) The black element is front and foremost here and though this is far from primitive in its production it still drips with an archaic nature and familiarity fans (can and will instantly fall ass over tits for) which only adds to the overall listening pleasure. On a personal note it’s the drum sound and style in the mix which makes me a salivating fool who hits the repeat button like a hopeless addict.

Don’t miss out on this!

Favorite Tracks; From Throne to Funeral, Invoking the Sigil, Poison Falling Star.

VHS – We’re gonna Need Sime Bigger Riffs

(Canada)

Release – July/26/2019

Rotten Roll Rex (CD) Horror Pain Gore Death (Digital)

Anubi Press

https://vhshorror.bandcamp.com/album/were-gonna-need-some-bigger-riffs

ARTWORK – 8.5

Fun, and obviously a tongue in cheek nod to everyone’s favorite prehistoric California beach terrorizing, boat chomping, Spielberg creation complete with other iconic imagery which evoke the 80’s. I’m sold! (Did I mention I’ve been following these guys since their first release?)

FIRST TRACK – 8

A whole sixteen seconds dedicated to a nonsensical scene in a Fulci classic like only theses guys can pull off! I don’t believe anyone’s going to argue this album’s track list proves this to be a release firmly rooted in grindcore values, VHS are known for the style. This, folks is going to be a bumpy ride. But you can forget the seatbelts, it’s more fun that way!

INITIAL LISTEN – 8.5

Leaping from the more traditional into more murkier depths finds VHS concentrating more on sea creatures (Jaws, Lake Placid, etc.) and the carnage they often evoke rather than land-bound knife wielding maniacs and the like. Another change comes in the form of a number of tracks lasting more than a single minute. Truthfully the bands style truly hasn’t evolved much since their earlier output. If anything, it’s been polished some, but thankfully not too much. Grindcore is the audio foundation and still frolics, cavorts and playfully teases a number of other genres to great effect. Punk is front and center also as too is undeniable humor (which could well be called “splatstick” if this were the celluloid equivalent) that’s difficult not to appreciate, obviously this style, and the bands output, would look rather silly without it being present. The production is still a tad muddy but it fits the style perfectly and I don’t believe the fans would want it any other way. I certainly wouldn’t! I’m excited for where the band will turn their attentions to next, perhaps the unfathomable vast expanse of space?

Favorite Tracks; Voracious and Violent, An Old Lady and her Crocodile, Death and Carnage, From the Murky Depths, Marine Monstrosity.

 This installment is a tad shorter than normal (it’s cold here what can I say?) my apologies though I did manage to sneak in some audio which I deemed deserved of attention in the time I’ve managed to put aside. Now back to chores, the demanding brats and gardening. Summer, how I loathe thee.

Until our paths of audio interest intersect again,

Cult