Deathly duo: albums from Static Abyss and Assumption reviewed
Two death-doom releases are examined under a blood-stained microscope
Static Abyss – ‘Labyrinth Of Veins’
Line-up:
Greg Wilkinson – guitars/bass
Chris Reifert – drums/vocals
‘Labyrinth of Veins’ is the debut offering from the duo of Chris Reifert and Greg Wilkinson. Whilst many will already be familiar with their names via work in bands such as death metal legends Autopsy and Death, this album could also serve as a great opener for newcomers to the DM scene.
Whilst being considered a ‘death-doom’ release, IMO that’s very much a simplified view; there’s more to offer here, with enough variation to please fans of various extreme genres. Opening tracks ‘Feasting On Eyes’ and ‘Nothing Left To Rot’ go straight for the throat, but both also have a sense of groove and the sort of crunchy riffs that bring to mind ‘Wolverine Blues’-era Entombed. Shortest track ‘You Are What You Kill’ might appeal to those with grindcore leanings, with a chrous riff that has an urgency that wouldn’t be out of place on a Napalm Death album. The whole album is steeped in a foreboding atmosphere, at times almost sounding like the deranged rantings and manifesto of a horror movie villain, particularly during ‘Mandatory Cannibalism’. It’s also on that track, the title track and ‘Jawbone Ritual’ that their doomy side comes to the fore, slowing things down to a stalker-like pace (the two lyric videos released for these are included here), along with album closer ‘Clawing To the Top Of The Dead’. Littered throughout the album, you’ll also find Death-esque moments that should please long-time fans of Reifert’s work.
Varied in execution but never disjointed, atmospheric but with the crunch and groove of a 90s DM album, this is a record that should please death metal bands across the spectrum. Here’s hoping that ‘Labyrinth of Veins’ isn’t just a one-off. Available now digitally from https://peaceville.bandcamp.com/album/labyrinth-of-veins, or on CD and vinyl at https://burningshed.com/store/peaceville/artists-a-z-peaceville/peaceville_store_AZ_statisabyss.
For fans of: Autopsy, Entombed, Morbid Angel, Death
Contact:
https://www.facebook.com/staticabyss/
https://www.facebook.com/PeacevilleRecords
——
Assumption – ‘Hadean Tides’
Line-up:
Giorgio Trombino (vocals/guitars/synth)
David Lucido (drums/percussion)
Matija Dolinar (guitar)
Claudio Troise (bass)
The second death-doom release to get reviewed here is ‘Hadean Tides’, the second album from Italian metal quartet Assumption. Despite coming from a more guttural place than the other album reviewed here, it’s no less forward-thinking.
Rooted more in the funeral-doom sound, this is a more brooding, slow-moving proposition. But, this release could also be regarded as an album of two-halves, with sides ‘A’ and ‘B’ each having something different to offer. The first three tracks, opening with ‘Oration’, would perhaps appeal more to those who lean more towards death metal than doom, going from a mid-paced classic DM stomp to the slower, creeping feel of ‘Daughters Of The Lotus’.
It’s on track four though that Assumption’s experimental side starts to come in, with ‘Breath Of The Dedalus’, a slow-grinding, ambient droning piece that could soundtrack a slow descent to Hell. Whilst ‘Liquescent Hours’ returns things to normal programming, it’s on the following track that we see another left-field turn – ‘Triptych’ begins with a spooky spoken intro, with a dark folk-ish feel and vocal delivery that’s reminiscent of Einsturzende Neubaten, before gradually launching back into heavier territory.
Album closer and longest track ‘Black Trees Waving’ almost feels like it’s split into chapters; opening with a brooding, creeping riff and guttural delivery, it’s around the half-way mark that the vocals become a clean but sinister croon, before ending on a looping riff finish.
Ambitious and with nothing off-limits, it’ll be interesting to see where Assumption go from here. ‘Hadean Tides’ is available now digitally and on CD from https://everlastingspewrecords.bandcamp.com/album/hadean-tides, tape and vinyl from https://sentientruin.bandcamp.com/album/hadean-tides, or CD and tape from the band’s Bandcamp at https://assumption.bandcamp.com/album/hadean-tides.
For fans of: Rannoch, My Dying Bride, The Drowning
Contact:
https://www.facebook.com/assumptiondoom
https://www.facebook.com/everlastingspew
Corpsing – ‘Civilisation Under Nefarious Tyrants’ review
New album from returning UKDM band
Line-up:
Kyle Austin – Vocals
Giuseppe Cutispoto – Rhythm Guitar
Mick Cutispoto – Rhythm & Lead Guitar
Stevie Dewar – Bass Guitar
Nick Plews – Drums
Tracklisting:
1. Void (intro)
2. Heart Of Darkness
3. House Of The Common Enemy
4. Brexshit
5. Transcendence (interlude)
6. Black Ocean
7. Across The Sea Of Time
8. To Thine Own Self
9. Space (outro)
London/Herts-based death metallers Corpsing have just released their new album ‘Civilisation Under Nefarious Tyrants’, the first recordings to feature vocalist Kyle Austin and bassist Stevie Dewar, who joined in 2018.
Whilst this may on the surface appear to be a death metal album rooted in the old school sound, dig a little deeper and you’ll hear more going on. During ‘Heart Of Darkness’ and ‘To Thine Own Self’ for example, there are nods to black metal and thrash, with walls of sound that wouldn’t be out of place on a Emporer or Dimmu Borgir record, along with some solid heads-down thrash riffing and drum blasts. ‘Brexshit’ throws in some punk attitude, before the ambient interlude ‘Transendence’ closes off the first half of the album. There are even some proggier moments, with instrumental piece ‘Across The Sea Of Time’ adding in some adventurous but relentless riffing, and it’s worth mentioning that ‘Void’ and ‘Space’ would be perfect for a horror or sci-fi soundtrack (DIY film makers may want to get in touch with these guys…).
To summarise, this is a solid death metal album with a thrash centre and sprinkling of black metal, but there’s enough ground covered here to appeal to fans of both old school and modern extreme metal.
‘Civilisation Under Nefarious Tyrants’ is available digitally now, with a CD release coming very soon.
For fans of: Celtic Frost, Cannibal Corpse, Napalm Death, old school death metal, Bay Area thrash
Contact:
http://www.facebook.com/corpsingmetal
http://www.instagram.com/corpsing_metal_uk
Ten reasons why Herts rocked in 2019!
A look back at Herts’ metal scene this year
Hertfordshire’s metal scene has been a vibrant and healthy scene for quite some time now, but this year in particular has been quite a busy one for everyone involved, with new members, expanded touring schedules and new releases. Here’s a list of just ten bands and their releases that came out of this scene throughout 2019, listed in order of release.
Outright Resistance – ‘Cargo Cult’ album
The OR guys released their long-awaited debut album, with a handful of official videos to support it. This 10-track long-player features some of their heaviest work to date.
Everest Queen – ‘Dead Eden’ album
Another band to release their debut album this year, 2019 also saw EQ expand to a quartet, with the addition of second guitarist/keyboardist Tom Clements. Everest Queen also expanded their fanbase, with mini-tours in Scotland in Ireland.
Dorylus – ‘Without Sin’ album
Death metallers Dorylus released their debut full-length album ‘Without Sin’ along with their first official video for the track ‘Sunrise. This was the first release to feature their new line-up, featuring Ant Pinnell (of Kill Confirmed) and James Kelly (also in Draugr, previously Cerberus Unchained).
Jackal’s Backbone – ‘Live At Beermageddon’ EP/’Dead Prey’ single
2019 was the year that JB finally acheived one of their goals, when they were invited to play at last year’s Bloodstock Festival. They’ve also managed to keep themselves busy this year, releasing a live EP recorded at this year’s Beermageddon Festival and also a new single, as a preview of things to come with next year’s debut full-length album, to be titled ‘Red Mist Descending’.
https://jackalsbackbone.bandcamp.com/track/dead-prey
Praetorian – ‘Knee Deep In Detritus’ EP
Praetorian released their second EP, and their first CD to feature current vocalist Tom Clements (also a member of Everest Queen and Orme) and new drummer Andrew Bisgrove.
Earthbound – ‘Desolate’ EP
The melodic-death metallers released their second EP, and their first to feature new second guitarist John Stacy. Earthbound also made their first appearance in a recent issue of Metal Hammer, along with a postive review of the EP.
Gevaudan – ‘Iter’ album
The doom quartet released their debut full-length album, with positive reviews in Zero Tolerance and other publications.
The Best Medicine – ‘Lightweight’ single
Featuring former members of Aghast and Rising Tide, TBM made their debut appearance in 2019 after a year in the making, launching their first track ‘Lightweight’ with a lyric video. Recommended for fans of Clutch.
https://thebestmedicinerock.bandcamp.com/
Ritual – ‘Petrified In Ash’ single/’Operation Copacabana and the Punch Drunk Blues’ EP
Those unicorn-worshipping guys Ritual released both a new track/video for the track ‘Petrified In Ash’ (which has since been packaged with two previous singles as a free download) and new EP ‘Operation Copacabana and the Punch Drunk Blues’, also a free download on Bandcamp.
Elysian Divide – ‘Beast’ EP
The London/Herts outfit launched their EP ‘Beast’, and also introduced their new and expanded line-up, with Atashi and Jon being joined by new bassist Troy Wicks, drummer James Kelly (also of Dorylus and Draugr) and second guitarist James McGrenery (also in Dreadbeggar and The Graven Sign).
Let’s not forget this!
As an addition to all this, it’s also worth mentioning the compilation that I put together earlier this year, available on Bandcamp – a free 28-track downloadable mixtape of Herts-based metal acts, showcasing our diverse scene – enjoy!
Melo-death metallers Earthbound release new EP and video
Herts metallers release their second EP and new video
Herts’ melodic-death metallers Earthbound have just released their second EP ‘Desolate’, their first recording since expanding to a quintet, along with an official video.
Tracklisting:
1. Of Suffering
2. Solitude
3. Worlds Apart
4. Remnants
Line-up:
Tom Watson – Vocals
Louie Penfold – Guitar/Vocals
Richard Shearing – Drums/Keys
John Stacy – Guitar
Chris Stroud – Bass
Kicking off with the frantic riffing of ‘Of Suffering’ (for which a video has been produced, posted below), it’s not difficult to imagine this being the soundtrack to moshpits and circle pits at festivals in years to come, along with a mass singalong for the chorus. This is also the first track to feature new guitarist John Stacy, making a welcome return to the live circuit. ‘Solitude’ and ‘Worlds Apart’ are reminiscent of Trivium at their most restrained, and ‘Remnants’ starts off at a frantic riff-filled pace, before easing for the close – if you like your guitar solos, this track will not disappoint.
Hertfordshire has long been a healthy breeding ground for strong metal acts, with Earthbound being among the number of local acts who have hit the stages at the world-renowned Bloodstock Festival. The ‘Desolate’ EP should see them continue to spread their name further afield – available now via Bandcamp, Spotify and all digital platforms.
The official video for ‘Of Suffering’:
For fans of: InFlames, Countless Skies, Killswitch Engage
Catch Earthbound live at the following dates:
Saturday 25th October – Club 85, Hitchin
Sunday 17th November – Ragnarok Metal Fest 2019, B2 Venue, Norwich (with fellow Herts alumni Thirteen, Jackal’s Backbone and Dorylus)
Also touring with Helgrind in early 2020 – check their Facebook for local listings.
(Main photo by Victoria Boston Photography)
Contact:
https://www.facebook.com/EarthboundMusicUK/
http://www.instagram.com/earthboundmusicuk/
http://www.twitter.com/Earthbound_band
Dorylus – ‘Without Sin’ reviewed
Herts metallers release their debut album
Tracklisting:
1. Under My Flesh
2. Bite The Bullet
3. Lesser Evil
4. First Stone
5. Witch Hunter
6. Mirrors
7. Serpents
8. Upon The Horizon
9. Sunrise
10. Decency Derailed
Four years after their initial inception and two solid EPs, Joe and his band of North Herts-based metallers have launched ‘Without Sin’ their debut full-length album. Having worked with these guys since their formation and seen all the changes that have occured since, it’s good to see these guys now achieving this next level.
Right from the opening track ‘Under My Flesh’, it’s an absolute riff-fest, showcasing their blend of melodic death metal and thrash, and frontman Joe Lyndon’s growls that lie somewhere between Randy Blythe-esque and Jens Kidman. Tracks such as ‘Lesser Evil’ and ‘Witch Hunter’ continue to pile the riffs in, ‘Witch Hunter’ in particular being occasionally Maiden-esque but mixed with a Gothenburg scene-like heaviness, whilst adding enough originality to avoid sounding like mere copyists. There’s a certain sense of maturity and adventurousness to be found in moments on this album; ‘Serpents’ for instance has a melodic opening riff that might appeal to fans of Testament, demonstrating that the band can show some restraint when required. Album highlight and penultimate track ‘Sunrise’ (for which an official video has been shot, posted below) and ‘Decency Derailed’ close the album, the latter complete with acoustic moments that only serve to solidify that sense of growth shown within ‘Without Sin’s ten tracks.
With this, Dorylus finally have the album that they needed to produce – ‘Without Sin’ should see the band continue to expand their fanbase and prove them to be a force to be reckoned with within the UK’s underground metal scene.
‘Without Sin’ is available now on CD at live gigs and from their Bigcartel site at https://dorylusband.bigcartel.com/product/without-sin-album, on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/artist/41BStS4SHDO5KApFfb20Tk, iTunes and other digital platforms.
For fans of: Lamb Of God, Testament, InFlames, Soilwork, Meshuggah
All photos taken by myself at Club 85, Hitchin on 7th June 2019, their album launch.
Contact:
https://www.facebook.com/dorylusband
https://www.instagram.com/dorylusband
Sounds Of The Underground – May 2018
Rumblings from Hertfordshire’s underground metal scene
It’s been a while since I reported back on here about the current local scene, so here’s a collection of some of the most recent underground releases, along with news of forthcoming releases.
Jackal’s Backbone – new lyric video/EP coming soon
Jackal’s Backbone have undergone some big changes in recent months. There was a line-up shift, with bassist Becca Swinney also taking on permanent frontwoman duties, and the addition of Praetorian’s Greg Neath and Sam Farrington as new guitarists, as well as a overhaul of their whole sound. The revamped JB will be releasing their new EP ‘Tear My Eyes Out’ on June 16th, with the track ‘World in Darkness (Your Demise)’ getting a release as a preview track and lyric video. Atmospheric extreme metal given a gothic, post-punk coat, this slow-burner is already going down well with live crowds.
Download – https://jackalsbackbone.bandcamp.com/track/world-in-darkness-your-demise
Black Skull Ritual – industrial-doom duo’s debut album
Black Skull Ritual have released their debut album ‘The Frequency Of Doom’, available as a CD and digital download from Bandcamp. If you’re a fan of the likes of early Pitchshifter, Nailbomb, Godflesh or anything from Tom G Warrior, give this one a listen – twelve tracks of industrialised, punk-tinged doom.
Elysian Divide – debut single/album
The London/Herts-based melodic metallers release their long-awaited debut album on May 18th, with a new single being released ahead of this tomorrow (Friday 11th May) titled ‘Love Is War’, which also features a live version of ‘Destruction’ as a b-side. Elysian have been doing well in this year’s Metal 2 The Masses tournament (the competition that offers bands a chance to play at the world-famous Bloodstock Festival), as they play a semi-final of Hitchin’s branch of the tournament at Club 85 on Sunday 20th May.
St Fenton The Tainted – debut album released
St Fenton The Tainted, the duo comprised of Gilla Bruja/Phlefonyaar mainman Paul March and Outright Resistance’s drummer Michael O’Neill, have recently released their debut album ‘Jaw Of The Tyrant Hills’, which has been getting a lot of praise from music sites recently. Produced by Everest Queen’s frontman Adam C Taylor (who also handled the new Jackal’s Backbone material), it’s a dark, sludgy southern-tinged release that fans of their other bands will appreciate.
Skullfucked – new single out now
Those cheeky scamps in death/grind merchants Skullfucked recently relased a new track, sans any pre-release hype – check out the free download below.
VNDTA – new EP/videos
VNDTA (formerly Vendetta) have just released new EP ‘Pale Glow’, featuring a mix of new tracks alongside older revamped favourites from the new line-up, which now includes the recent addition Billy Howard on bass. They’ve released a trio of new videos for this over the past several months, which includes ‘Excuses’, below.
Spotify users can check the EP out at https://open.spotify.com/album/3PXL5E2bcN8NbrX0wojxvQ
Prysmcrypt – debut track now streaming
Local techno-industrial act Prysmcrypt have posted their first track ‘Unsatisfy’ on Youtube. It’s early days for these guys at the moment, but this debut offering shows some promise – watch out for further tracks coming soon.
Earthbound – CD release/new video
Promising new melodic death metallers Earthbound have recently released a CD version of debut EP ‘Endure’, now available at gigs. They’ve also released a lyric video for the track ‘Finches’, now on their Youtube site at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eadNPyhcJA. Check out their full EP below.
Download: https://earthboundmusicuk.bandcamp.com/releases
That’s all for now, enjoy this heavy eight, there’ll be more soon.
Links/contact:
https://www.facebook.com/jackalsbackbone
https://www.facebook.com/blackskullritual
https://www.facebook.com/ElysianDivideOfficial
https://www.facebook.com/stfentonthetainted
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Skullfucked
https://www.facebook.com/vndta
https://www.facebook.com/EarthboundMusicUK
Slaine – Get Cut review
Herts sludgers release their debut album
Tracklisting:
1. Chugganaught (Barry Chuggle)
2. Beer Fueled Boogie Blues
3. Acid Binge Hate Crime
4. Your Favorite Party Banger
5. Banger? I Hardly Even Know Her
6. Blob Gobler
7. The Internal Monologue Of A Junkie Longing For Their Next Fix
8. Mudslut
9. Get Cut
North-Herts based metallers Slaine have recently released this, their debut album ‘Get Cut’, and made it available as a free download. Featuring nine tracks of intense metal blending sludge, grindcore and death metal, there’s enough here to appeal to fans of any of the subgenres that make up Slaine’s sound, from the southern-tinged groove of ‘Beer Fueled Boogie Blues’ to the grinding UKDM riff’s in ‘Mudslut’ and the pounding sludge of the closer and title-track. If you like your metal deep-fried and shot-through with a dark sense of humour, give this album a listen.
‘Get Cut’ will also be Slaine’s last release for the foreseeable future, as the band have now gone on hiatus, whilst their members concentrate on their other bands Skullfucked and Mind Mourner. Grab it from Bandcamp at the link below.
For fans of: early Napalm Death, Brutal Truth, Trigger The Bloodshed
Contact:
https://www.facebook.com/slainesludge
https://www.instagram/slainesludge
UKDM act Corpsing release new video
First video outing from returning death metallers
Reactivated UKDM act Corpsing have recently released their first video for the track ‘Bloated Enigma’. Taken from the EP ‘Regnum’, the first new materal since the 2007’s ‘The Stench Of Humanity’ album, the band have wasted little time in picking up where they left off, having already played at this year’s Bloodstock festival.
The ‘Regnum’ EP also features a number of guest appearances from other members of the UK’s extreme metal scene – Edd Amos of Damim, Jason Mendonca of Akercocke/Voices, J Lucifer Christ of Met-stasis/Ted Maul, and longtime drummer Nick Plews’s former Aghast bandmates James Anson and Daniel Henderson (the latter of whom has since joined as a full-time member on bass) on their Emporer cover.
Line-up:
Joe Collins – Vocals
Giuseppe Cutispoto – Rhythm guitar/Bass
Mick Cutispoto – Rhythm/Lead and Spanish guitars/Bass
Nick Plews – Drums
The full EP can be streamed/downloaded from Bandcamp at https://corpsingmetal.bandcamp.com/album/regnum
Corpsing’s next live appearance will be at this Halloween gig in Hitchin.
Contact:
https://facebook.com/corpsingmetal
https://www.instagram.com/corpsing_metal_uk
Introducing…. Jackal’s Backbone
Groove-injected extreme metal from North Herts
Line-up:
Nathan Draper – vocals
Becca Swinney – bass
Jake Eaton – drums
Mitch Boost – guitar
Odin Long – guitar
Jackal’s Backbone are a North Herts-based metal act, recently boosted to a five-piece, who have already gone down well with Herts’ metal fans and are looking to go further.
Blending death metal, sludge and grindcore influences, JB have proven themselves to be solid live performers and built a loyal local fanbase, and will be playing their first London date at Camden’s popular Fiddler’s Elbow on April 5th. They currently have one EP available on Bandcamp, iTunes, Spotify and other outlets, and are currently working on a follow-up. Extreme metal with a sense of groove, Jackal’s Backbone are recommended to any fans of the various sub-genres.
Here’s a handful of opinions about them from other members of the local scene:
“Their new expanded lineup only foresees promising things on the horizon. Faster, heavier and raunchier”. – Mark, Praetorian
“Heavy with a groove, always an energetic show.” – Jim, Skrugg/Phlefonyaar
“Jackal’s Backbone is a band that you have to see live to fully experience the power and intensity they bring to their specific brand of metal. It is surely a thing to behold, with Nathan’s extremely wide vocal range and Jake’s impossibly tight and tasteful blast beats.” – Joe, Dorylus
Jackal’s Backbone are one of four bands set to play at this weekend’s Metal 2 The Masses tournament heat at Club 85, Hitchin, vying for a place at this year’s Bloodstock Festival.
For fans of: Napalm Death, Brutal Truth, Discharge
For further information on new releases and live dates, and for booking queries, please get in touch at the links below.
Contact:
https://www.facebook.com/Jackalsbackbone
https://twitter.com/jackalsbackbone
htt://www.instagram.com/jackalsbackbone
https://www.youtube.com/user/jackalsbackbone
UK metallers Skullf*cked release debut album
New noise from Herts headbangers
Line-up
Morri Haig – Guitar
Fred Jessop – Vocals
Jordan Allard – Drums
Max Hummerstone – Bass
Herts-based quartet Skullfucked have just released their debut album ‘Blasphemy’, available now from Bandcamp. Combining death metal and grindcore with groove, a punk attitude and a twisted sense of humour, ‘Blasphemy’ literally goes up to 11.
Sounding reminiscent of the sort of albums being released by Earache Records during the 90s (I could actually imagine them snapping this band up, had they been around back then), this is recommended to fans of old school death metal and British extreme metal. Behind every NSFW song title there’s some (almost) no-nonsense intensity, with tracks like the brooding ‘Impending Foetal Doom’ and ‘Bloody Tissues Daddy Issues’, and the riffy closing self-titled track, continuing the metal tradition of ending with the longest track.
Skullfucked will be headlining an album launch party at The Red Lion, Stevenage on Friday 16th December, with support from Phlefonyaar, FSI and Praetorian. Entry is free.
‘Blasphemy’ is available now from Bandcamp at https://skullfuckedbgka.bandcamp.com/album/blasphemy, with a CD release coming soon.
For fans of: Obituary, Carcass, Earache Records, 90s death metal
Contact:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Skullfucked/414048352059522?
Sounds Of The Underground, December 2015
Recent rumblings in the underground music scene
A round-up of recent releases I haven’t had time to blog about in more detail over the festive period.
Bad Pollyanna – new album
UK rockers Bad Pollyanna have just released their second album ‘The Broken Toys’, available now via their website. Immediately engaging and dramatic, ‘The Broken Toys’ has a varied sound that might appeal to a broad range of audiences, from the electro-rock/goth crowd, to fans of 80s post-punk – imagine an act somewhere between Toyah, Evanescence, The Birthday Massacre and The Dirty Youth, and you’d be getting close. Coming as a result of a successful Pledgemusic campaign, and getting strong reviews everywhere in the rock press, 2016 may just be Bad Pollyanna’s year.
A solid album that features some catchy tunes (highlights include ‘Define Me’, ‘Hooks’ and ‘Ugly Love”) with little filler, ‘The Broken Toys’ is available now as a digipak CD and digital download at http://shop.badpollyanna.com/album/the-broken-toys, live gigs and other digital outlets.
Toy Birds – new EP
Toy Birds, featuring The October Game’s drummer Ollie Taylor as frontman, have released their debut self-titled EP. Having offered a preview of their sound with the track ‘These Eyes’ earlier this, the band have now expanded on this with these five tracks, with an electronic-pop sound not a million miles away from some of the popular acts of the 80s – if you’re into pop in the A-Ha/Paul Young/Nik Kershaw vein, give this a listen.
Dorylus – debut tracks
London/Herts-based metallers Dorylus have released their debut EP, two tracks from which are streaming now over at Reverbnation. Having formed less than a year ago, the band have been gigging since May and winning fans with a melodic-death metal sound that would appeal to fans of the likes of Lamb Of God, Meshuggah, In Flames and DevilDriver. The whole EP is out on iTunes, Spotify, Deezer, Googleplay and other outlets.
The Tuesday Club – new EPs
St Albans post-punk/glampop crew The Tuesday Club have recently released EPs 3 and 4 for this year’s set of releases. Titled ‘Lady Gargar’ and ‘Boo Hoo’ respectively, both EPs comprise of three tracks each and are available now via their website. These complete the set of four releases which make up their second album.
Despite recently losing a couple of members (The Minx and J-Rod), the band look set to continue as a five-piece for 2016.
The Wolves Of Avalon – new single/album
Pagan-black metallers The Wolves Of Avalon released a two-track vinyl single a few months ago, and are currently working on the release of their next album for 2016. The A-side of their single is a cover of Venom’s track ‘Die Hard’ and features guest vocal appearances from Rob Miller of Amebix, Mirai Kawashima of Sigh, Alan Averill of Primordial and Venom’s own Mantas guesting on vocals and guitar. The B-side, ‘Carrion Crows Reprise’ is an alternate version of a track originally featured on their first album. Released via Eternal Death Records, available on their Bandcamp site.
The next album, to be titled ‘Across A Twilight Field Of Corpses Grey, Only The Trilling Of Nightingales Can Be Heard’ , is currently scheduled for a May 2016 release via Godreah Records.
Contact:
http://badpollyanna.com
https://www.facebook.com/badpollyanna
https://twitter.com/Badpollyanna
https://www.facebook.com/RagePr
https://www.facebook.com/toybirds
https://twitter.com/ToyBirdsBand
https://www.facebook.com/dorylusband
https://twitter.com/DorylusBand
https://www.facebook.com/thisisthetuesdayclub
https://twitter.com/thetuesdayclub1
http://thetuesdayclub.tmstor.es/
https://www.facebook.com/thewolvesofavalon
https://www.godreah.com
Rannoch – new video & EP
New releases from UK prog-death metallers
West Midlands metallers Rannoch have just released the video to their track ‘Age Of The Locust’, originally featured on their album ‘Between Two Worlds’. In addition to this, they’ve also announced that they plan to release a new EP of previously unavailable material. Also entitled ‘Age Of The Locust’, this EP will feature this track and various others written during the album sessions but never released, in an updated and re-recorded state.
The ‘Age Of The Locust’ EP will be released digitally on September 14th via Eulogy Media, and will also feature guest appearances from Sabbat/Skyclad frontman Martin Walkyier (with whom members of Rannoch also perform in his current Skyclad line-up) and James Stephenson of The Black Stymphalian. The artwork has been produced by Kishor Haulenbeek, of US metal act Black Harvest.
You can listen to/download the ‘Between Two Worlds’ album here – https://rannoch-uk.bandcamp.com.
My review of the album was posted here – https://thursdayaddams.wordpress.com/2014/01/13/rannoch-between-two-worlds-review/.
Contact:
https://www.facebook.com/rannochband
http://www.eulogymedia.com/
https://www.facebook.com/eulogymedia
Voices – ‘London’ review
Blackened concept album from ex-Akercocke members
Line-up:
Dan Abela – bass/producer
David Gray (Akercocke/My Dying Bride) – drums
Peter Benjamin (Akercocke) – vocals, guitars
David Loynes (Akercocke/Diminished Fifth) – guitars
Tracklisting:
01. Suicide Note
02. Music For The Recently Bereaved
03. The Actress
04. Vicarious Lover
05. Megan
06. Imaginary Sketches of A Poisoned man
07. The Antidote
08. The FuckTrance
09. Hourglass
10. The House Of Black Light
11. The Final Portrait Of The Artist
12. Last Train Victoria Line
13. The Ultimate Narcissist
14. Cold Harbour Lane
Another album I’m finally catching up with – ‘London’, the second album from Voices, the band comprising of former members of highly-regarded UK progressive death metallers Akercocke. Formed with the aim to create a more avant garde sound, ‘London’ makes for an interesting listen.
At its heart, ‘London’ is a black metal album, yet offers so much more than that. A concept album written about existence in our country’s capital, rich in texture and varied in sound, this album transcends the boundaries of BM to the point that it could appeal to fans of many subgenres of metal. Often switching between restrained acoustic passages and brutal riffs with intense drumming in a majestic death metal territory, interwoven with spoken word pieces and field recordings that provide a backbone for the album’s theme, tracks such as ‘Music For The Recently Bereaved’, ‘Vicarious Lover’ and ‘Hourglass’ are a satisfying experience for those who want more than just standard meat-and-potatoes metal. ‘Megan’ could even appeal to fans of tech-metal acts such as Textures, and ‘The House of Black Light’ is perhaps the greatest horror movie soundtrack yet-to-be, perfect for anyone who wants a slice of straight-up classic DM. Offering extremity and subtlety in equal measure, this is an ambitious, progessively-minded album, and one that deserves repeated listens to truly take it all in.
More than just a black metal album, ‘London’ is a richly-textured extreme metal album that pushes the envelope – fans of progessively-minded/adventurous heavy music should seek this one out.
Voices’ ‘London’ is available now via Candlelight Records at http://candlelightrecordsuk.bandcamp.com/album/london and iTunes, or on CD at http://www.plastichead.com//item.asp?ex=fitem&target=CANDLE487CD.
For fans of: Akercocke, My Dying Bride, Emporer, Textures, Tesseract, Talanas
Contact:
https://www.facebook.com/voiceslondon
Spires – ‘The Whisperer’ review
Complex and dramatic second album from British death metallers
Tracklisting:
1. Ethereal Organisms
2. At His Behest
3. Surrogate
4. Primal Revelations
5. The Fevered Spirit
6. Elsewhere
7. The Whisperer
Line-up:
Paul Sadler – Vocals, lead, rhythm, acoustic and classical guitars, keyboards
Richard Corrie – Lead and rhythm guitars
Alex Jolley – Fretless bass
Chris Barnard – Drums
‘The Whisperer’, the second album from Manchester-based metallers Spires, has actually been out since November of last year, but it somehow missed my attention until recently, after a recommendation from a labelmate of theirs. I wasn’t disappointed.
Much like two of their labelmates Talanas and Rannoch, Spires specialise in an adventurous, more expansive take on death metal. Rather than bludgeon with constant brutality (which is no bad thing when done properly), they offer a more complex palette of sounds, alternating between heavy riffs and growls, and long melodic, twisting passages, with a strong, dramatic delivery. Despite only consisting of seven tracks, this album totals up at over an hour long, but manages to keep the listener interested by refusing to stick to one path for too long, and the delivery is faultless, with tight musicianship displayed and fascinating arrangements. Opening track ‘Ethereal Organisms’ contains more ideas than some bands will throw into an entire album, and middle track ‘Primal Revelations’ in particular might be of interest to fans of Opeth. Title track and album closer ‘The Whisperer’ also features a special guest appearance from Exivious/former Cynic guitarist Tymon Kruidenier, among other guests on the album. Ending the album on a high, Spires have managed to create an album as complete and accomplished as a band can hope for, with repeated listens required to take it all in.
‘The Whisperer’ offers up progressive, technical death metal with a gothic, almost operatic sense of drama, a genuine theatrical feel. I’ll be curious to hear what future releases from Spires bring.
‘The Whisperer’ is out now via Eulogy Media, as a limited edition digipak CD and digital download at http://spiresband.bandcamp.com/album/the-whisperer, and at live gigs.
For fans of: Opeth, Cradle Of Filth, Within Temptation, Ephel Duath, Triptykon, Gojira
Contact:
http://www.spiresband.co.uk/
http://www.facebook.com/spiresofficial
https://twitter.com/SpiresOfficial
Sounds Of The Underground – February 2015
Rumblings from the underground music scene
There has been so much good music released this month – here’s some of what’s on offer!
Vendetta – new EP
North Herts metallers Vendetta have released a new 6-track demo EP ‘Illusions’, which they’ve made available as a free download via Bandcamp. Living up to the potential that was demonstrated when they released the track ‘Martyr’ some time ago, ‘Illusions’ is just pure intensity – anyone looking for new metal acts to listen to should definitely check this one out.
Toy Birds – new track
The October Game’s Ollie Taylor has released the first track from his new project Toy Birds, ‘These Eyes’. Very similar in sound to this solo album released back in 2012, ‘These Eyes’ is a catchy electronic pop number which hints at interesting things to come from Toy Birds.
Owen Stephen – new EP
Ollie’s TOG bandmate Owen Stephen has also just released his second EP, ‘Day & Night’. The follow-up to his debut EP ‘Just Dreaming’, that EP saw Owen win new fans on both sides of the Atlantic (when he toured the US with Ramin Karimloo), ‘Day & Night’ may well see him continue to do so.
Healyum – new video
Young Milton Keynes act Healyum have released a video for their track ‘Feels Good’, a song that will also be appearing in an upcoming episode of E4’s ‘Banana’ series. Formed by the trio of sisters Jeana and Katie and their brother Jed, this folk-pop act could be one to watch. ‘Feels Good’ appears on their EP ‘Fools Eyes’, available on iTunes, Bandcamp, Amazon and Spotify.
White Line Diaries – new track
WLD have released yet another new track online, entitled ‘(Welcome To) The Circus’. Featuring backing tracks from funk rockers Indi & The Vegas, this continues their run of new tracks being released on a monthly basis (after ‘Hurricane Body’ and ‘Come Back To Mine’) as ‘Name your price’ downloads. Offering a heavier, edgier sound that still displays their knack for writing a catchy tune, these new tracks are highly recommended.
As You’re Falling – new track
Another metal act from North Herts, As You’re Falling, have just released a new track ‘Cry Of The Banshee’, which you can download for free from their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/AsYoureFalling. These guys will also be releasing a new EP very soon.
Contact:
https://www.facebook.com/Vendetta.uk
https://twitter.com/VendettA_1000
https://www.facebook.com/toybirds
http://www.facebook.com/owenstephenmusic
https://twitter.com/OwenStephen
https://www.facebook.com/healyumband
https://twitter.com/healyumofficial
http://www.facebook.com/WhiteLineDiaries
https://twitter.com/WLDmusic
https://www.facebook.com/AsYoureFalling
Top tunes of 2014
10 just isn’t loud enough.
I know that at this time of year, every man and his blog (see what I did there) will be posting up their personal top 10s of the past year’s musical releases. Rather than spew forth with all manner of hyperbole and superlatives for the same albums everyone’s already talking about, here’s a simple but complete list of my picks, in no particular order, including some that I’ve written about previously and others which might not have caught your attention (yet). Oh and rather than condense my favourites down to 10, I’ve gone up to 11. That’s right, you saw that too.
Talanas – ‘My Apostle’
Taken from their acoustic EP ‘Asylum’, there’s something addictive about this atmospheric track.
Victorian Whore Dogs – ‘Prayer of Dust’
Taken from the EP ‘Hobo Chic’. Post-metal infused sludge from Guildford.
Vendetta – ‘Martyr’
Like ‘Prayer Of Dust’ above, this was featured on a free mixtape download I compiled and released this year.
Lord Skrugg – new demos
I’ve had the pleasure of listening to the demos of their forthcoming EP (repeatedly!) – looking forward to seeing it get released. Have a listen to these Herts-based sludge metallers.
Indi and the Vegas – ‘She’s On Fire’
Taken from the funk-rock trio’s debut full-length album. Difficult to pick just one favourite.
Professor Elemental – ‘All In Together’
Couldn’t help but admire the message of acceptance here. Catchy chap-hop, featured on both the ‘All In Together’ EP and ‘The Giddy Limit’ album.
Empty Yard Experiment – ‘Untitled’
Taken from the multi-cultural prog-metallers’ album ‘Kallisti’, this one will lodge itself in your head.
The Wolves Of Avalon – ‘The Gorging Glut of Sodden Clay’
I’ve heard a handful of tracks from this album (‘Boudicca’s Last Stand’) and it’s definitely on the to-buy list.
Slipknot – ‘The Negative One’
A tad predictable maybe (I’m sure it’s on many people’s highlights list) but that chorus has had me hooked. Taken from ‘5: The Gray Chapter’.
Mastodon – ‘High Road’
Another popular one I’m sure – taken from the album ‘Once More ‘Round The Sun’.
The Pierces – ‘Kings’
Some might call it a guilty pleasure for a metalhead (if I believed in feeling guilty!). One of the few modern pop acts I still listen to. Lovely melodies here, taking from their album ‘Creation’.
Contact:
https://www.facebook.com/talanasband
https://www.facebook.com/VWDBAND
https://www.facebook.com/Vendetta.uk
https://www.facebook.com/lordskrugg
https://www.facebook.com/pages/indi-and-The-Vegas/194619403537
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Professor-Elemental/220071498035746
https://www.facebook.com/eyeband
https://www.facebook.com/thewolvesofavalon
https://www.facebook.com/thepiercesmusic
Aghast! – ‘All The Rage’ album review
UKDM quartet release debut album
Tracklisting:
1. Die Laughing (intro)
2. All The Rage
3. Hollywood Ending
4. Afterlife Crisis
5. Drop Dead Famous
6. Bang To Rights
7. It’s Your Funeral
8. Look Alive!
9. Sea Of Trees
10.Hells Bells (And Buckets Of Blood)
11.We Fear Silence
12.Noise Pollution
After months of hard work and preparation, and a well-received set at this year’s Bloodstock Festival, UK metallers Aghast! have finally released their debut album, ‘All The Rage’.
Featuring 11 tracks of relentless death metal, including tracks you might have missed from their previous couple of (now out of print) EPs, ‘All The Rage’ is everything that longterm fans of this Herts/London-based quartet would hope for; the title track is a full-on statement of intent (have a listen below), tracks such as ‘Drop Dead Famous’ and ‘Bang To Rights’ race along at almost unhuman levels, and live favourite ‘It’s Your Funeral’ sounds as sharp as ever. New track ‘Sea Of Trees’ is possibly one of the angriest songs I’ve ever heard from this band; clearly (and thankfully), there was no holding back during these recording sessions. If the reception they received at their album launch gig at Club 85 in Hitchin is anything to go by, all that hard work is about to payoff.
Whilst there may be the occasional moments of restraint and melody, Aghast largely deal in lessons in OTT extremity and heaviness, which have been finely honed and shaped into these 11 tracks. If you want subtlety then look elsewhere – for unrestrained UKDM, go to Aghast!
The official lyric video for title track ‘All The Rage’:
Aghast!’s ‘All The Rage’ is available now at live gigs and from UKEM Records’ website at http://www.ukemrecords.co.uk/product/aghast-all-the-rage/.
Contact:
http://www.aghastmetal.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AGHASTKVLT
https://twitter.com/AGHASTKVLT
http://www.futurepr.net/
Aghast – new lyric video + album info
Herts metallers reveal new album details
Herts’ heavyweights Aghast have not only just signed up with Chaotic Tapestry Management, they’ve also released the tracklisting for their forthcoming debut full-length album, and a lyric video for its title track.
Entitled ‘All The Rage’, the album will be released independently on October 1st 2014, tracklisting is as follows:
1. Die Laughing
2. All The Rage
3. Hollywood Ending
4. Afterlife Crisis
5. Drop Dead Famous
6. Bang to Rights
7. It’s Your Funeral
8. Look Alive!
9. Sea of Trees
10. Hells Bells (and Buckets of Blood)
11. We Fear Silence
12. Noise Pollution
Check out the lyric video for ‘All The Rage’ here:
The band have been on something of a roll recently, as they’re also preparing for their appearance at this coming weekend’s Bloodstock Festival – be sure to catch them if you’re going. Details of a UK tour will also be released soon.
Contact:
http://www.aghastmetal.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AGHASTKVLT
https://twitter.com/AGHASTKVLT
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chaotic-Tapestry-Management/248263275214845
The album’s artwork was designed by Zak Simmonds-Hurn – more of his artwork can be found at http://www.zaksimmondshurn.co.uk/.
Free metal mixtape now online
20 tracks of heaviness from the UK’s underground metal scene
I’ve recently compiled another online ‘mixtape’, which you can download for free from my Bandcamp profile at https://musikalsin.bandcamp.com/. Entitled ‘Extremities’, it was compiled and released to coincide with the first EXTREMITY night I held at Club 85 in Hitchin that same day, featuring acts from the heavier, darker ends of the UK’s underground metal scene. If you’re a fan of the heavier/more extreme ends of metal, of sub-genres such as grindcore, progressive death metal, sludge, doom or thrash (amongst others), then please check it out. I’ve posted it below, along with a track-by-track breakdown of all the tracks featured.
1. Sectioned – Parasite
Intense building intro. Imagine Neurosis meets The Dillinger Escape Plan.
Taken from the EP ‘Outlier’, available for free from http://sectioned.bandcamp.com/album/outlier. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sectioned/110534288996228
2. Rannoch – The Forgotten (edit)
8-string progressive death metal with dashes of black and tech metal.
Full-length version appears on the album ‘Between Two Worlds’, available from http://rannoch-uk.bandcamp.com as a digital download and limited edition two disc CD/DVD digipack via Eulogy Media. The official video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5oVoZsh6Kg. https://www.facebook.com/rannochband
3. Concave – Filthy Rotten Luck
Utter chaos in aural form.
Taken from the album ‘Back Down The Drain’, available for free from http://concave420.bandcamp.com/album/back-down-the-drain. https://www.facebook.com/concaveband
4. Boss Keloid – Skipper’s Pipes
Dark, catchy sludge goodness.
Taken from the album ‘The Calming Influence Of Teeth’, available from http://bosskeloid.bandcamp.com/ as a digital download and limited edition digipack CD. The official video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OrA_fT3-3A. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Boss-Keloid/244839332562
5. Confessions Of A Traitor – The Blinded
Punishing metalcore, might appeal to fans of Lamb Of God and Meshuggah.
Taken from their self-titled debut EP, available for free from http://confessionsofatraitor.bandcamp.com/album/confessions-of-a-traitor. https://www.facebook.com/confessionsofatraitor/
6. Purging The Venom – The High Priest of Holocaust
Thrash meets old school death metal.
To be included on their next EP. Further tracks available from http://purgingthevenom.bandcamp.com/. https://www.facebook.com/PurgingTheVenomOfficial
7. Vendetta – Martyr
A new level of heaviness from the sole Herts-based band.
Previously unreleased – further tracks available from http://vendettamusicuk.bandcamp.com/. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vendetta/164586970287781
8. HorseBastard – Giraffetermath
Short sharp grindcore specialists.
Taken from the album ‘Giraffetermath’ available on vinyl via Dead Heroes Records – please visit their Facebook site for the link.(http://deadheroeslabel.bigcartel.com/product/lahar-the-shining-split-7-ep) Full album stream at http://horsebastards.bandcamp.com/album/giraffetermath. https://www.facebook.com/HORSEBASTARD
9. Nervewrecker – Stoic
Doom/hardcore/stoner hybrid.
Taken from the EP ‘EP’ available as a free download from http://nervewrecker.bandcamp.com/ – CDs coming soon. https://www.facebook.com/Nervewreckeruk
10.Reprisal – Atomic Tectonics
All-out modern thrash, for new and old school fans.
Taken from the EP ‘Ichneumanity’, available from http://reprisal.bandcamp.com/. https://www.facebook.com/reprisalmetal – https://twitter.com/ReprisalGB
11.Talanas – Diaphora
Progressive death metal with a gothic touch.
Taken from the EP ‘Reason & Abstract’ available as a download and CD from https://talanas.bandcamp.com/album/reason-abstract or http://talanas.org/shop. The official video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMNxIK8vX1M.
http://www.facebook.com/talanasband – https://twitter.com/talanasband
12.Victorian Whore Dogs – Prayer Of Dust
Sludgy, atmospheric post-metal.
Taken from the EP ‘Hobo Chic’, available from http://victorianwhoredogs.bandcamp.com/ as a download and limited edition CD. http://www.facebook.com/VWDBAND
13.Donkerkarnuffel – The Greatest Show On Earth
‘Clown-core’ death metal.
Taken from the album ‘Zombie Clown Apocalypse’, which you can stream from http://donkerkarnuffel.bandcamp.com/ – head to https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/donkerkarnuffelks/donkerkarnuffel-zombie-clown-apocalypse-metal-debu for details on how to help the band fund a hardcopy release. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Donkerkarnuffel
14.TORPOR – Ashes
Forward-thinking sludge/doom/post-metal hybrid.
Taken from the EP ‘Bled Dry’, available for free from http://torpornoise.bandcamp.com/album/bled-dry-ep. New EP coming soon. https://www.facebook.com/torporsound
15.Black Veins – The Cruel Mind of Man/Through the Depths of Reality
Difficult to label, post-metal with elements of other things.
Taken from the EP ‘The Cycle Will Cease To End’, available for free from http://blackveins1.bandcamp.com/. http://www.facebook.com/blackveinsmusic – http://www.twitter.com/blackveinsband
16.Hellsworn – Repulsive Existence
Old school death metal – imagine Entombed, Brutal Truth and Obituary having a jam together.
Taken from the EP ‘Repulsive Existence’ available from http://hellsworn.bandcamp.com/album/repulsive-existence. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hellsworn/108153215880655
17.Undersmile – Hives
Intense brooding, grinding doom.
Taken from the Coma Wall/Undersmile split EP ‘Wood & Wire’, available as a download and CD from http://undersmile.bandcamp.com/album/wood-wire, and on limited edition vinyl from http://www.shamanrecordings.com/releases/coma-wall-undersmile-wood-wire/, and from their Bigcartel site. https://www.facebook.com/Undersmile
18.Foreboding Ether – House of Cards
Intense, catchy tech-prog metal.
Taken from the EP ‘Beyond Conjecture’, available from http://forebodingether.bandcamp.com/. http://www.forebodingether.com/ – http://www.facebook.com/forebodingether
19.Codex Alimentarius – Arise
Symphonic, blackened death metal.
New EP ‘The Hand Of Apophis’ coming soon. http://www.codexthemasses.co.uk/ – https://www.facebook.com/codexalimentariusband
20.Sedulus – Foxhole
Tool-esque doom meets stoner metal.
Taken from ‘The Beta EP’, available from http://sedulus.bandcamp.com/. http://www.sedulus.co.uk/ – http://www.facebook.com/seduluslondon
Direct Link – https://musikalsin.bandcamp.com/album/musikal-sin-mixtape-vol-3-extremities
Hope you enjoy it!
You can also find my other free mixtapes at https://musikalsin.bandcamp.com/.
Facebook pag – http://www.facebook.com/musikalsinmixtapes
Talanas – ‘Asylum’ acoustic EP/Kickstarter campaign
New EP and Kickstarter campaign from Brit prog metallers
Last month, progressive death metallers Talanas released their acoustic mini-album ‘Asylum’, a stripped down affair which, whilst stripped of all full-on riffing and deathly roars, still maintains a definite sense of darkness and underlying menace. This month, the London-based quartet have launched a Kickstarter campaign, in a quest to raise funding to turn the mini-album (currently only available digitally via Bandcamp, iTunes and other outlets) into a hardcopy CD, with various special offers attached.
—-
The EP
Their first acoustic release, and fourth overall, ‘Asylum’ showcases a different side to the Talanas sound, with riffs replaced with restraint, drawing influence and inspiration from the likes of Fields Of The Nephilim, and from British occult and supernatural history. The resulting output is an enjoyable set of tracks which only get better with each listen, easily accessible to any newcomer or curious listener, with tracks such as the atmospheric ‘The Apostle’, and the mini-album highlight track ‘Nothing Gained’, with its 80s goth edge. Still progressively-minded and losing nothing of their dark edge, ‘Asylum’ sits quite comfortably within the Talanas canon, and is recommended to any fan of dark/gothic/progressive music.
Tracklisting:
1. Sister Damnable (for which a video will be released soon)
2. My Lady White
3. The Apostle (featuring fellow Eulogy Media artiste Beth Ryan)
4. Asylum
5. Nothing Gained
—-
The Kickstarter campaign
Talanas are aiming to create a 20+ page digibook CD version of ‘Asylum’, and have recently announced that, if they can hit their target, they will also be able to add a bonus DVD, featuring promotional videos and production/behind-the-scenes footage. As added incentives, people can also opt to pledge on having their name featured in the promotional video’s credits, and in the digibook’s ‘Thanks’ list, with further options including an exclusive signed poster and even a meeting over tea with the band in Camden. Further details available at the link below:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/halsinden/talanas-asylum-digibook-album
Contact:
http://www.talanas.org/
http://www.facebook.com/talanasband
http://www.twitter.com/talanasband
http://www.eulogymedia.com
Rannoch – ‘Between Two Worlds’ review
Adventurous new album from British prog-death metallers.
Tracklisting:
1. Age Of The Locust
2. Will To power
3. The Forgotten
4. Faith
5. The Navidson Record
6. Hallways
7. Between Two Worlds Pt 1. The Faith
8. Between Two Worlds Pt 2. The Path
9. Between Two Worlds Pt 3. The Lodge
Line-up:
Ian Gillings – vocals/guitars
Richard Page – guitars
Paul Lloyd – bass/backing vocals
Damian Powell – drums
Rannoch’s ‘Between Two Worlds’ album has been available digitally since November of last year, but this month gets released in hardcopy format. For the newcomer to their sound, West Midlands quartet Rannoch are a unique, interesting proposition, in that they appear to combine elements of black, death, progressive/technical and almost ‘djent’ metal (think Meshuggah/Gojira) sounds – I say ‘almost’, as that genre has become something of a bandwagon of late, and it would be a disservice to this band to imply that they’re merely following any trends – there’s much more going on here, and it’s more in the 8-string guitar tones than the rhythms that any similarities arise, possibly more coincidence than design.
Opening track ‘Age Of The Locust’ is an intense slice of blackened metal, one that could also appeal to fans of more traditional styles – at various points in this album, it’s difficult to really pin them down to one subgenre, yet it manages to avoid sounding too busy or indecisive. ‘Will To Power’ is a straight-ahead pummeling metal track, and is perhaps the closest that this album comes to what might be considered ‘conventional’ in terms of structure, with a cool solo – if it’s guitar solos you want, this album has plenty. Much like their label mates Talanas (whose frontman Hal Sinden performs a spoken word piece, a recital of William Wordsworth’s poem ‘A Poison Tree’, during the album version of lead track ‘The Forgotten’) Rannoch are easily able to make the switch from full-on extremity and vicious riffs to lush, melodic sections and calmer moments, making the album’s title quite apt. ‘Faith’ is one of the longest tracks on offer, a slowburner and an album highlight (not to say that there are any weak moments), one for old-school death metallers perhaps, and ‘The Navidson Record’ is another onslaught of a track. The only time that the band really lets the reins loosen is during the ambient instrumental ‘Hallways’ – perhaps named as such, as one could imagine hearing it whilst walking through abandoned locations akin to those pictured in the album and single’s covers? A definite symbolic act of transition/travel there, for what is to follow. Their Facebook profile states that “this album was conceived as a ‘virtual vinyl’, presented with an A/B side approach to its arrangement of tracks”, as made clear in the tracklisting, where the title track has been split into three separate acts; ‘The Faith’, ‘The Path’, and closing track ‘The Lodge’ – an adventurous trio that clocks in at close to half an hour. ‘The Faith’ is another album highlight, and ‘The Path’ is a ferocious proggy instrumental which goes a long way in demonstrating just how finely-tuned and talented these four musicians are.
Rannoch offer a heavy, expansive sound best suited to those with tastes at the more progressive and/or extreme ends of metal, with ‘Between Two Worlds’ offering many twists and turns, tightly-tuned musicianship and Gillings’ equally diverse vocal range. There’s a lot on offer in these nine tracks, and I’d be curious to see where future recorded output takes them. Keep a close watch on this band; they could well become one of the main players of British underground metal in the near future.
‘Between Two Worlds’ is available now via Eulogy Media, from http://rannoch-uk.bandcamp.com/ as a digital download and limited edition CD/DVD digipack, which includes their entire Bloodstock 2011 performance and more.
The video for ‘The Forgotten’ (single edit, which you can also download for free from their bandcamp page):
For fans of: Cradle Of Filth, Meshuggah, Devin Townsend, Opeth, Apocalyptica, Moonspell
Contact:
http://rannochband.com/
https://www.facebook.com/rannochband
http://www.eulogymedia.com/
Free Musikal Sin mixtapes online
Free downloadable compilations, ideal for any tastes.
I’ve recently put together two contrasting online mixtapes, both of which are free to download from Bandcamp, not only showing the different sides of my musical tastes, but also promoting the local and underground music scene. Titled as ‘Saints’ and ‘Sinners’ respectively, the former is a melodic, more chilled-out mix, whilst the latter is the exact opposite – a heavier, rockier mix of tracks.
Side A: Saints
1. Stuart O’Connor – Cage Is Rattling
2. Holly Knowles – Blue Heart
3. Lost Without Cause – Right Angle
4. Owen Stephen – Place Called Love
5. Professor Elemental – Pay Me A Visit (Ajuda remix feat. Count Bass D)
6. Fallow Fields – This Feels Like Home
7. Craig Harris – Sometimes I Forget
8. Disco Zhivago – Pistols In The Sun
9. AlicebanD – Catharsis
10.Indi And The Vegas – Pheromones
11.Asya Fairchild – Another Night
12.Hello Lazarus – I Am No Explorer
13.Sons Of Guns – I Am The Refugee
14.My Pet Junkie – Away
15.Trial By Fire – Demons At Your Door
16.Black Noise – I Turned my Heart into a Monster (demo)
‘Saints’ features artists mostly (with about four exceptions) from/based around the Herts area, from genres such as folk, electronica, pop-punk, funk-rock and more.
Side B: Sinners
1. Billy Skins 5th – The Incorruptibles
2. Rising Tide – Like A Shadow Of A Shadow
3. Speedshot – Too Far Gone
4. The Projectionist – Hide From The Facts
5. Daken – Weapons
6. Aghast – We Fear Silence (Megaton remix)
7. Hey You Guys – Record Deal
8. Cantarella – Beauty And The Beast
9. Distance To Fall – Hero
10.Castrovalva – Dining With The Pope
11.Ilenkus – Ram
12.Derange – Ego
13.Scar City – City Lights
14.Let’s Talk Daggers – #1 Spicy Bugger
15.Black Polaris – Lost Souls
16.Faces Of Eve – Dwellers
‘Sinners’ features artists from across the UK, and is ideal for anyone who likes the heavier veins of music, whether it be the various sub-genres of metal, alt-rock, punk or hardcore, etc.
I started making my own mixtapes when I was a child – I think seven-year-old-me would be quite pleased with what I’ve put together here. The main difference is that these weren’t recorded from records on an old turntable onto a separate Fisher Price cassette player, nor feature any young Cockney-tinged voices in the background. Seriously though, it was fun putting them together, and judging by the reception they’ve had recently, the hard work that went into them has been worth it. My gratitude goes out to all artists featured, for wanting to get involved.
Enjoy!
https://musikalsin.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/musikalsinmixtapes
Black Polaris – ‘Life/Death’ EP review
Royston quintet breathe new life into their sound.
Tracklisting:
1. Life/Death (intro)
2. S.I.M
3. Taken
4. Lost Souls
5. The Tyrant
Line-up:
Sam Burgess – vocals
Paul Futter – guitar
Gaz Groombridge – guitar
Luke Jackson – bass
Neil Prenty – drums
If you like intense metalcore/deathcore, then Herts-based quintet Black Polaris may just be for you. Firing back with their strongest and heaviest material to date, this band deserves to get some attention on the back of this EP, featuring their first recordings with new drummer Neil Prenty (also guitarist for Scar My Eyes). The follow-up to last year’s ‘Envisage’ EP, this is a great step forward.
Kicking off with a sample-littered intro which sets the tone nicely, the band then launches into the lead track ‘S.I.M’, for which the band have also recorded their first ever music video (see below). Typifying the sound they’ve captured here, ‘S.I.M’ is a good indication of where they are now, sounding the most confident they’ve ever been, which they continue with ‘Taken’. EP highlight ‘Lost Souls’ is quite possibly the heaviest thing the band has ever released; frenetic riffing, intense drumming with frontman Sam sounding like he’s screaming from the very depths of his soul, injected with a sense of groove. Manic, yet catchy. Closer ‘The Tyrant’ is a pulverising number that I’m predicting will become a live favourite – this will get heads banging and moshpits going.
This is the best that Black Polaris have ever sounded in their five years together so far, taking every aspect of their sound and taking it up several notches. This is groove-injected deathcore which avoids the usual cliches and the pitfalls that the genre often suffers from. This is not one for the fashionistas, but for genuine fans of modern metal.
The video for ‘S.I.M’:
For fans of: In Flames, Bring Me The Horizon, Bleeding Through, Zao
The ‘Life/Death’ EP is available from http://blackpolaris.bandcamp.com/album/life-death-ep.
Free mixtape online
After a little planning and a couple of minor hitches, I’ve got my first ‘mixtape’ online, and it’s completely free to download or stream.
Carrying the ‘Musikal Sin’ name, it features 14 tracks from artists across the South East of England, across various genres, and also features cover artwork courtesy of my friend Carla Johnston, who’s a talented artist and upcoming game developer.
Bands/artists who’ve contributed tracks include Distance To Fall, The Floe, Stuart O’Connor, Nothing Gained, Sons of Guns and more – whether you’re into metal, acoustic, electronic, alternative or experimental music (amongst others), there’s something for everyone. It also features a couple of exclusives from Ollie Taylor and The October Game, currently unavailable elsewhere.
To download Musikal Sin Mixtape Vol.1, just type in ‘£0.00’ when prompted. No sign-up or email address required.
thursdayaddams 