‘Beholden To The Flame’ EP – Dystopian Future Movies/Grave Lines
Brooding split EP of post-metal and doom metal
Tracklisting:
1. Dystopian Future Movies – Beholden
2. Dystopian Future Movies/Grave Lines – Dead Sleep
3. Graves Lines – False Flame
Haven’t posted anything new on here for quite some time, so thought I’d break the old writer’s block by reviewing a release that came out earlier this year – the collaborative split EP from Nottingham’s post-metallers Dystopian Future Movies, and London’s doom metallers Grave Lines, ‘Beholden To The Flame’.
Opening track ‘Beholden’ was written and recorded by Dystopian Future Movies and features additional vocals from Grave Lines’ frontman Jake Harding – the lighter side of this project, it offers dramatic, gothic post-metal that might appeal to fans of Chelsea Wolfe or Tori Amos. It wouldn’t be out-of-place on a horror/gothic drama soundtrack.
Second track ‘Dead Sleep’ is a stripped-down collaboration featuring vocals from both DFM’s Caroline Cawley and GL’s Jake Harding, along with DFM’s Bill Fisher on keys, a dark piano-based piece that’s reminiscent of the Jarboe/Gira-led era of Swans’ back catalogue.
Closing track ‘False Flame’ was written by Grave Lines and features guest vocals from DFM’s Caroline Cawley – a dark, brooding piece, starting out as slow-burning gloomy folk, before launching into a heavy doom riff that would appeal to fans of Paradise Lost circa their ‘Draconian Times’ output, alongside Jake’s almighty roar. Just when you think it’s over, it comes back with another heavy riff to finish off. This track in particular is actually one of my favourite releases of 2019 – doom metalheads need to check this out.
‘Beholden To The Flame’ is highly recommended to any fans of darker music, in particular goth, post-metal or doom metal, and is a fine showcase for the material from both bands. Whilst physical copies are now severely limited, ‘Beholden To The Flame’ can still be purchased digitally from either band’s Bandcamp profiles:
https://gravelinesuk.bandcamp.com/
https://dystopianfuturemovies.bandcamp.com/
For fans of: Paradise Lost, Bismuth, Swans, Chelsea Wolf, Tori Amos
Both live photos featured were taken by myself at the GL/DFM gig at The Black Heart, Camden, 09-02-19.
Contact:
https://facebook.com/gravelinesband/
http://facebook.com/dystopianfuturemovies
http://dystopianfuturemovies.com/
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
Lost Without Cause – Revival EP review
Herts alt-rock trio revived
Herts-based trio Lost Without Cause are back with their new EP (and guitarist), ‘Revival’, their first new material in six years. Having parted ways amicably with former guitarist Andy Holland, they’re now joined by Tony Stead, and are set to get back on the live circuit to play the new tracks soon.
The past few years have seen the trio go through their own ups and downs, and this is reflected in these new tracks; whilst they haven’t lost their bounce and ear for a catchy riff, there’s also dashes of cynicism and introspection, but coupled with a sense of determination. Rather then let the dark times overpower them, LWC have used them to push themselves forward. ‘Depleted’ is the liveliest track here, opening with the sort of punchy riff that longtime fans will appreciate, whilst ‘Teardrops And Cigarettes’ shows them at their most restrained and reflective, a slower track that features a nice solo from Stead.
Tracklisting
1. Breathe
2. Depleted
3. Teardrops and Cigarettes
4. Another End
Lost Without Cause have always been a band with the potential to go far – here’s hoping ‘Revival’ puts them back on the radar.
‘Revival’ will be released on October 10th, available on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Spotify and other platforms.
If you’re unfamiliar with LWC’s previous material, here’s a couple of examples from the previous release ‘Take Back Everything’ – first, ‘Trigger’, currently sitting on over 217,000 views. Below that, EP highlight ‘You Won’t know’.
For fans of: Fall Out Boy, Less Than Jake, Linkin Park, All American Rejects
Contact:
https://www.lostwithoutcause.com
https://www.facebook.com/LostWithoutCause
https://twitter.com/LWCband
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
Kill Confirmed – Hell In A Cell EP review
Fiery second EP from Herts metallers
Tracklisting:
1. Hell In A Cell
2. From The Darkest Place
3. Whiskey And Nicotine
Line-up:
Joe Savage – vocals/guitar
Tommy Savage – bass/backing vocals
Ant Pinnell – guitar/backing vocals
Dave Ward – drums
‘Hell In A Cell’ is the second EP from North Herts metal quartet Kill Confirmed, the follow-up to last year’s ‘Descend’ EP. If you like no-nonsense headbanging metal that doesn’t conform to trends, you’ve come to the right place.
Opening track ‘Hell In A Cell’ doesn’t waste any time with a long intro or build-up, instead opting to grab the listener’s attention straight away with a solid riff and kickdrum combo that’s likely to become a firm live favourite soon – this one might appeal to fans of Stone Sour’s heavier moments. ‘From The Darkest Place’ is a little more restrained but injects some groove, and demonstrates how far the band has come in both confidence and writing; vocalist Joe Savage’s clean vocals are sounding stronger than ever, and the band are sounding tighter as a unit – this may just be the one that gets them noticed further afield. Closer ‘Whiskey And Nicotine’ has a Maiden-esque riff that would appeal to the old school crowd, without sounding dated or like a mere clone of what’s come before, demonstrating KC’s knack of blending older and contemporary influences to create something that could appeal right across the board.
At a relatively young age, Kill Confirmed are already producing strong material that demonstrates both growth and the potential to appeal to a larger fanbase – these guys are ready to stake a claim as a band to watch out for in the UK’s’ underground metal scene. ‘Hell In A Cell’ is the EP they needed to make, and deserves to be heard. Here’s hoping for a full-length album further down the line.
‘Whiskey And Nicotine’ on Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udaDkZav0HE
The ‘Hell In A Cell’ EP will be available from November 1st as a download from the band’s Bandcamp site at https://killconfirmed.bandcamp.com, or on CD at live gigs.
For fans of: Trivium, Bullet For My Valentine, Iron Maiden, Machine Head, Stone Sour
Contact:
https://www.facebook.com/killconfirmedofficial
https://twitter.com/KillConOfficial
http://www.youtube.com/killconfirmedherts
The Tuesday Club – ‘Forbidden Kiss’ EP review
Post-punk with a modern twist
Tracklisting:
1. Forbidden Kiss
2. Cities Alive
3. One Idea And A Lonely Voice
Imagine if you blended glam-pop-rockers Do Me Bad Things with Adam And The Ants, threw in some Kaiser Chief-style group chants and gave it all a 80s post-punk coating – you’ll then get St Albans’ rockers The Tuesday Club, presenting here their latest EP, ‘Forbidden Kiss’.
The second in a themed series of EPs (with a third coming very soon), the EP comprises of the title track and two new tracks, with the CD set to become a part of an eventual 4 x EP boxset. You can check out the official video for ‘Forbidden Kiss’ below. Whilst the main song is a lively slice of pop-punk, the real star here in my opinion is second track ‘Cities Alive’; easily one of the catchiest songs I’ve heard in the past 12 months, having originally heard this on their Soundcloud profile I already knew the EP would be worth getting for this track. Infectious and worth hitting the repeat button for. Closer ‘One Idea And A Lonely Voice’ is a slightly edgier track with a quirky side, keeping things interesting and suggesting it’s worth keeping a look-out for the forthcoming next EP.
The ‘Forbidden Kiss’ EP is available digitally at The Tuesday Club’s online shop at http://thetuesdayclub.tmstor.es/cart/product.php?id=25308, and on limited edition CD at live gigs.
Their full-length debut album ‘See You Next Tuesday’ is also available as a download, CD and vinyl from the website and at gigs.
For fans of: Do Me Bad Things, Kaiser Chiefs, Adam And The Ants, Blur, 80s post-punk
Contact:
http://thisisthetuesdayclub.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/thisisthetuesdayclub
https://twitter.com/thetuesdayclub1
Skrugg release debut EP
New sludge from Herts quintet
Tracklisting:
1. Insect Whore
2. Sanity Of A Madman
3. I Spit On Your Grave
4. Isolation Trip
5. 88.8mg
Line-up:
William Jennings – vocals
Jim Males – guitar
Sam Farrington – guitar
Sammie Donnelly – drums
Jimmy Long – bass
Herts-based sludge quintet Skrugg have just released their eagerly-awaited debut EP, ‘Asylum Mist’. Formerly known as Lord Shrugg and featuring three former members of the promising but short-lived doom act Burn The Yeti (and two currently from black metallers The Graven Sign, who’ve also just released a new EP), members have also previously played in acts such as Gilla Bruja, Wrongly Accused, Zebediah Crowe and Wyndforge, so these guys are no mere newcomers to the scene.
Featuring five tracks of dark, dirty sludge metal, ‘Asylum Mist’ is the result of several months’ hard work and, combined with their touring schedule which is already seeing them getting booked for underground festivals, should see Skrugg expand their fanbase further. Including established live favourites such as ‘Insect Whore’ and ‘Isolation Trip’, this is filthy down-tuned sludge that even non-fans of this particular subgenre could into, with its heavy yet catchy groove-injected riffs, intense vocal delivery, one almighty hook of an opening track and all the elements required for a solid metal release.
‘Asylum Mist’ is available now to download via Bandcamp at http://skrugg.bandcamp.com/, or on CD at live gigs.
For fans of: Down, Crowbar, Nailbomb, Sepultura
Live photo courtesy of Chris Woor Photography.
Contact:
https://www.facebook.com/lordskrugg
https://twitter.com/Skruggband
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
Alone With Wolves – debut video released
Debut music video from Herts rockers
Hertfordshire’s metallic post-hardcore quintet Alone With Wolves have just released their debut music video, for the track ‘Cutting Ties’. Taken from their most recent EP ‘The End Of Nothing’, this recent release is just one of many highlights the band has enjoyed over the past year, with others including the aforementioned EP release, being picked up by new management, starting work on the new album and landing a slot at last year’s Bloodstock Festival.
Watch out for these guys – you may well be hearing a lot more from them in the future.
The ‘End Of Nothing’ EP, available from Bandcamp at https://awwofficial.bandcamp.com/album/the-end-of-nothing
Contact:
http://www.facebook.com/alonewithwolves
https://twitter.com/AWW_UK
https://www.youtube.com/user/AlonewithwolvesUK
Photo courtesy of Graham Dullaghan Photography.
Heavy new charity compilation released
Intense new compilation/fundraiser for mental health charities
Glasgow-based collective ripcord have released an intense 22 track compilation of UKHC, punk and metal acts, ‘RE:MIND Vol 1’, to raise money for two mental health charities – Mind, and the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH). Featuring acts such as Svalbard, Ithaca, Pariso, Rope Spasm, No Honour and World Weary amongst many others, it is available to download now via Bandcamp for just £4. ‘RE:MIND Vol 1’ is not only a great way of raising funds for worthy causes, it is also an impressive showcase of the UK’s underground heavy music scene – useful to anyone looking for new bands to listen to.
This is just the first of a planned series of compilations from ripcord – head over to their Facebook page (linked below) for further updates and releases.
Contact:
http://weareripcord.com/
https://www.facebook.com/weareripcord
https://twitter.com/weareripcord
http://mind.org.uk/
http://samh.org.uk/
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
Gévaudan – ‘Message For The Damned’ EP
Decade-jumping debut EP from Herts doom metallers
Tracklisting:
1. The Cursed Undead
2. Lament Of The North
3. Message For The Damned
Line-up:
Adam Pirmohamed: Vocals
Bruce Hamilton: Guitar
Andy Salt: Bass
David Himbury: Drums
‘Message Of the Damned’ is the debut EP from North Herts-based metal act Gévaudan, who feature former/current members of other unsigned acts such as Burn The Yeti, Jesus Hooligan and Hazel Turnock & The Finger Choppers. Formed a short period after BTY’s split, this band are in similar territory sound-wise, but with a more retro feel. Sounding like a mix of Sabbath-inspired psychedelic doom with elements of 70s trad metal and 90s stoner rock, this quartet has the potential to reach across to fans of different subgenres.
At times, this EP does feel like travelling through the ages of metal; ‘The Curse Undead’ and ‘Lament Of the North’ have a similar stoner/doom groove, occasionally reminiscent of the much-missed Kyuss, but when title track ‘Message Of the Damned’ hits, we’re transported back to the 70s, a time when metal was steeped in mysticism and occult influences. Deeper and darker in sound, the title track is the most adventurous on offer and could be the one that people latch onto.
The EP clocks in somewhere around the 22 minute mark despite only consisting of three tracks, meaning that whilst they aren’t afraid of making their influences clear, Gévaudan also aren’t afraid of giving each riff and song room to breathe. It’s metal with a sense of adventure. If you’re a fan of riffy, retro-fuelled metal with solos aplenty, hunt down ‘Message For The Damned’.
‘Message For The Damned’ is available on CD at live gigs and from http://gevaudan.bigcartel.com/product/gevaudan-message-for-the-damned-released-13-12-2014.
The track ‘The Cursed Undead’ can also be found on the current issue of Zero Tolerance Magazine’s free covermount CD.
For fans of: Black Sabbath, Kyuss, Electric Wizard, Corrosion Of Conformity, Cathedral, Acrimony
Contact:
http://www.gevaudandoom.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/Gevaudandoom
https://twitter.com/Gevaudandoom
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
Kill Confirmed – ‘Descend’ EP review
Promising debut from fierce Herts metallers
Tracklisting:
1. Beyond Black
2. Descend
3. The Ghost That Haunts
4. Epiphany
5. A Memory In Ashes
6. Addiction
Line-up:
Joe Savage – vocals/guitar
Reece Fowell – guitars
Tommy Savage – bass/vocals
David Ward – drums
(Former frontwoman Sian Farrell also receives a writing credit for ‘Addiction’)
Courtesy of Native Eye Film and Photography, 2014
North Herts-based metal quartet Kill Confirmed have been gigging around the area for a couple of years now, and built themselves a bit of a following as a result. Following a line-up change, which saw their former frontwoman depart and guitarist Joe Savage move forward to frontman, their sound changed, the product of which can be heard here on their debut EP, ‘Descend’.
Opener ‘Beyond Black’ is a strong start and a good indication of what to expect from KC; a fierce thrashy, melodic metal sound flavoured by metalcore and unafraid to throw in plenty of guitar solos, which they are more than capable of pulling off. Lead track ‘Descend’ could appeal to fans of latter-day Machine Head and Trivium, but could also easily appeal to fans of older metal styles, without sounding dated or clichéd – those who got into the thrash revival a few years ago might also find something of interest here. ‘The Ghost That Haunts’ is the longest track here, clocking in at over six minutes, suggesting that KC aren’t interested in throwing out any old riff or appealing to the short attention-spanned. Throughout this EP, I get the impression that none of these tracks were rushed or thrown in to pad the EP out; time was taken writing and honing each song and riff. ‘A Memory In Ashes’ was the first song to be launched prior to this EP’s release, and has already been proven to translate well in the live environment. Closer ‘Addiction’ is one of the strongest and catchiest tracks featured, opening with some bouncing bass and featuring some BFMV-esque riffing, and strongly suggests that Kill Confirmed have far more to offer in the future.
For a debut EP, ‘Descend’ is a good start for Kill Confirmed. They’ve already proved they’ve got the ideas, skill and songwriting ability to produce some promising material, and with some proper label backing and beefier production, they could go places. Here’s hoping they can get themselves noticed.
For fans of: Machine Head, Trivium, Evile, Metallica, Bullet For My Valentine
The ‘Descend’ EP is available now from http://killconfirmed.bandcamp.com and at live gigs.
Contact:
http://www.facebook.com/killconfirmedofficial
http://www.twitter.com/KillConOfficial
Alone With Wolves – ‘The End Of Nothing’ EP review
Promising new EP from rising Herts act
Tracklisting:
1. Cutting Ties
2. The End of Nothing
3. My Life In Your Hands
4. The Change
5. With You In Mind
Line-up:
Danilo Fiocco – vocals
Lewis Watson – vocals/guitar
Mark Stanford – bass/vocals
Kieron Baker – guitar
James Nobel – drums
Back in 2012, I wrote a glowing review for the Herts-based Alone With Wolves’s promising self-titled EP, stating they had the potential to become the UK’s answer to Alexisonfire. Now, two years and another line-up change later, they’re back with ‘The End Of Nothing’, their first EP with new frontman Danilo Fiocco.
Thundering in with opening track ‘Cutting Ties’, the first thing I noticed was how well new vocalist Danilo fits in with the AWW sound – his powerful, melodic voice is an ideal counterpoint to Lewis’s heavier vocals. The second thing, was just how confident the band sounds now; not to say they didn’t before, as I know they’ve always had a high level of enthusiasm, but here it sounds like a whole new level, in both the songwriting and the delivery, where the energy doesn’t falter at all during the EP’s five tracks. Title track ‘The End of Nothing’ sounds like a fierce statement of intent, the sound of a band eager to claim their place and refusing to hold anything back. Whilst it’s difficult to pick a favourite track, ‘My Life In Your Hands’ is, in my opinion, one of the best tracks the band has released to date, equal parts heavy and catchy, with amazing vocal delivery against a cool staccato riff. Credit must also to this EP’s producer Ed Sokolowski – there’s a much beefier sound here, and he’s captured AWW at their best. ‘The Change’ is the EP’s calmest moment but sill has a kick, whilst ‘With You In Mind’ is a high energy closer, another highlight and potentially a crowd pleaser I think.
I honestly can’t say enough nice things about ‘The End Of Nothing’ – if you’re already a fan of Alone With Wolves, you’ll love this, and if you’re a newcomer, then I’d recommend this to fans of any post-hardcore, screamo and heavier alt-rock bands. It’s good to see that AWW lost nothing in their step in the space between EPs and changing frontmen. At the time of writing this, they are also heading to the M2TM finals to compete for a place at the UK’s Bloodstock Festival (a prestigious event on the UK’s metal festival calendar), and added to a continuously increasing fanbase, their hard work is now paying off. Given that this is just as good as, if not better than, releases from many of the signed touring acts across the UK, here’s hoping it’s only a matter of time before Alone With Wolves get signed. All the best to these guys.
‘The End of Nothing’ is available digitally now at http://awwofficial.bandcamp.com/, with CDs coming soon.
For fans of: Alexisonfire, Thrice, Hell Is For Heroes, Atreyu
Contact:
https://www.facebook.com/alonewithwolves
http://twitter.com/AWW_UK
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
Sounds of the underground – Feb 2014
A round-up of current underground rumblings
Here are just some of the current happenings in the UK’s underground rock and metal scene, featuring new and upcoming releases.
Talanas – acoustic mini-album coming soon
Progessive-death metallers Talanas will soon be releasing the acoustic mini-album ‘Asylum’, via their own Eulogy Media label. Showcasing a different side to their sound, though still not a million miles away from their brand of progressively-minded/goth-influenced death metal, the first track to go public ‘Sister Damnable’ still has the same dark atmosphere and sense of menace we’ve come to expect from them. Pick up the latest edition of Terrorizer magazine to hear the new track exclusively, or check out this teaser below. ‘Asylum’ will be released digitally on Saturday 22nd February.
https://www.facebook.com/talanasband
Alone With Wolves – new EP in the works
Cambridge/Herts-based quintet AWW are currently working on their new EP, the first with their new(ish) vocalist Danilo Fiocco, who joined them last year. You can hear samples of what’s to come, in the series of studio diary videos they’ve posted on Youtube, the first of which is below. Their 2011 self-titled EP suggested they had what it takes to become the UK’s answer to Alexisonfire – if that sounds appealing, check out the video below.
https://www.facebook.com/alonewithwolves
Gilla Bruja – new EP available for free
Southern-tinged sludge veterans Gilla Bruja have just released the new EP ‘Clubbed Hands and a Fist Full of Snakes’ and have made it available as a free download on Bandcamp. Frontman Paul March has been in various bands and kept the Gilla name active for the past 16 years, and this is one of his heaviest, more direct releases to date. If you’re into the NOLA sludge/metal scene, obsessed with horror or anything heavy from the UK’s underground scene, give this a listen.
https://www.facebook.com/gillabruja
Lord Skrugg – new noise coming soon
New Herts-based act Lord Skrugg, featuring former members of the aforementioned Gilla Bruja, Zebediah Crowe and Burn The Yeti, are currently busy putting together their debut material, with an aim to go public very soon. Below is a sample of what to expect – whilst still sludgy and doomy like their previous acts, this is sounding more intense, sharper and immediate. Lord Skrugg will be making their live debut soon – watch this space.
https://www.facebook.com/lordskrugg
The Dirty Youth – new single out now
Welsh rockers The Dirty Youth have just released the new single ‘Alive’, with an accompanying video, below. TDY have seen their fanbase grow to an international level over the past couple of years, thanks to tours with the likes of Korn and The Rasmus, and that looks likely to continue this year, with further tours and an album release imminent. ‘Alive’ features everything you’d expect from TDY – frontwoman Danni’s powerful heart-on-sleeve vocal delivery, backed by stadium-sized riffs, packed into a catchy tune that won’t disappoint fans. ‘Alive’ is available now via iTunes with an exclusive b-side, with new album ‘Gold Dust’ set for release in coming months.
https://www.facebook.com/thedirtyyouth
Further links:
https://twitter.com/talanasband
https://www.facebook.com/eulogymedia
https://twitter.com/AWW_UK
https://twitter.com/thedirtyyouth
Sons of Guns – ‘Bad Blood’ EP
Dance beats with a punk rock history.
Tracklisting:
1. Bad Blood
2. I Slept In The Car
3. Refugee (Grey Matter remix)
4. War Harps
5. Bad Blood (Zero Call remix)
6. Butcher – covered by ASHCAT2DANS
Line-up:
Mark Smith – keyboards/vocals
Rosie Allen – bass/vocals
Tom Flinders – drums
If you fancy a bit of electro-rock, then have a listen to the new EP from Hitchin-based rockers Sons of Guns. Featuring members with an extensive background in Herts’ punk rock scene, SOG are a catchy trio who are also responsible for putting on some well-received ‘Deadbeats’ clubnights in the area. Besides the title track, the EP also features two previously unreleased tracks, two remixes and a cover of their song ‘Butcher’ by ASHCAT2DANS.
Mixing bouncy beats, dashes of dub and catchy lyrics, the title track and the accompanying studio tracks are infectious and will stay with you, especially ‘I Slept In The Car’, the calmer of the three – some might recall that this track already has its own art video on YouTube. The track ‘I Was A Refugee’ (from the first SOG album, downloadable from their Bandcamp page) appears here in a remixed form; whilst it was originally the most chilled track on the album, here it’s been given a BPM boost and turned into a potential dancefloor filler. Zero Call’s remix of ‘Bad Blood’ strips away some of the vocals in favour of a robotic-like techno feel, and ASHCAT2DANS’ version of ‘Butcher’ gives the track a more raw, chaotic feel; imagine Mike Patton fronting a cyberpunk band for an idea of what to expect. You can download the entire EP for free, or for just £4 you can purchase a limited edition CD in handmade packaging, whilst stock lasts.
The video for Bad Blood (clown alert!):
The ‘Bad Blood’ EP is available from http://sonsofgunsmusic.bandcamp.com/ as a free download, or £4 for a limited edition CD.
For fans of: Hadouken, Enter Shikari, Chvrches
Contact:
http://www.sonsofgunsband.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/sonsofgunsband/
https://twitter.com/sonsofguns
God Damn – ‘Heavy Money’ EP review
Genre-defying EP from heavy rock trio.
Tracklisting:
1. Red Checker
2. Heavy Money
3. I Don’t Really Mind
4. New Invention Victory Club
5. Like Meat To Morrissey
6. Dangle Like Skeletons
Line-up:
Thom – vocals/guitar
Dave – vocals/guitar
Ash – drums
Ever encountered a band whose sound incorporates so many different influences, that you found it difficult to pin down and describe to others? That’s what you get with God Damn, to their credit. I was introduced to this Birmingham trio via a link to their EP on Facebook (it pays off to click on these things people!), and have since been addicted this band’s sound. Taking in everything from doom metal to grungey garage rock, this recently-released EP has a lot to offer.
A frantic riff opens up first track ‘Red Checker’, a short but effective statement of intent, followed by the title track, a thundering Deap Vally-esque number. The slower but infectious ‘I Don’t Really Mind’ would appeal to fans of old school goth and post-punk bands of the 80s. ‘New Invention Victory Club’ is a slow-building instrumental, like a guitar-laden, dark and psychedelic carnival march that builds into a heavy finish, followed by the all-out rock-out of ‘Like Meat To Morrissey’. Occasionally sounding reminiscent of the likes of The 80s Matchbox B-line Disaster and BRMC, but never sounding like mere copyists, GD make each sound their own. The more sombre ‘Dangle Like Skeletons’ closes the EP, the longest track by some length (there’s no sticking to a formula here), another builder that mixes their post-punk side with doomy riffs. I predict you’ll be going back for repeated listens upon finishing; I was!
More than just the sum of their myriad of influences, God Damn have created something almost impossible to pigeonhole (a very good thing indeed); a dark, heavy alt-rock EP that transcends boundaries and could easily appeal to fans of just about any genre/subgenre of heavy and alternative music. Metalheads, goths, grungers, garage/indie-rockers – check ‘Heavy Money’ out. This deserves to be heard, and I could imagine this band becoming a festival puller in time.
The video for ‘Red Checker’:
The video for ‘Heavy Money’:
For fans of: Electric Wizard, Deap Vally, 80s post-punk, DFA 1979, Black Sabbath, early Smashing Pumpkins, The Lost Boys’ soundtrack
God Damn’s ‘Heavy Money’ EP is available as a free download and on limited editon cassette tape from http://gravyrecords.bandcamp.com/album/heavy-money-ep
Contact:
https://www.facebook.com/goddamntheband
http://twitter.com/GODDAMNTHEBAND
Local music from local people.
Hello Daaavvee (sorry, couldn’t resist)
Over the past couple of weeks, lots of new music has appeared online from local(ish) acts, some of which I thought I’d share here.
Sons Of Guns – ‘Bad Blood’
The lead track from their forthcoming EP, which will be available on August 22nd digitally (as a free download) and on limited edition CD. Features one angry clown, and some familiar faces from Herts’ scene. It was also given some exposure via Artrocker’s website, where it was featured exclusively on the day of its release.
—-
The October Game – ‘Beg Cycle’
TOG are coming back with a darker, more electronic-sounding third album ‘Balancing’, which will be released via Scylla Records on Monday 7th October. Pre-order packages include a limited double 12″ vinyl, bonus CD (with exclusive track) and digital bundle.
http://scyllarecords.bigcartel.com/product/the-october-game-balancing
—-
The Floe – ‘T-Minus One’
Well, not really new as such, as it was released in July 2012 (after being written and recorded in less than 24 hours for The Nathan Timothy Foundation – The Songwriting Charity) but it’s now been made available as a free download.
—-
Stuart O’Connor – ‘Ons’ (Live Looping Under a Tree)
This track originally featured on last year’s ‘Bright’ album, as part of the ‘Go Forth Bright Scenic’ multi-format/genre project. This live version was posted online last week, recorded by Mark Garvey.
http://stuartoconnor.bandcamp.com/album/bright-2
—-
Further links:
https://www.facebook.com/sonsofgunsband
https://www.facebook.com/theoctobergame
http://www.scyllarecords.blogspot.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/TheFloeMusic
http://www.stuartoconnor.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stuart-OConnor/169812053077845
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.
The Projectionist – ‘Now It’s Time To Carve The Pigs’ EP review
Vicious metal from Cambridgeshire
Tracklisting:
1. Kreed Kafer
2. Hide From The Facts
3. Carve The Pigs
4. Now You Have Lost Them All
Line-up:
Leigh Gray – vocals
Chris Revitt – guitar
Adam Cooke – bass
Robert Miller – drums
Coming up from Cambridgeshire, intense quartet The Projectionist are preparing to release their second EP ‘Now It’s Time To Carve The Pigs’ and as the cover suggests, it’s a snarling beast of a CD. Sounding like a band who’ve mixed discordant punk, hardcore, grind and metal in a cement mixer and spat out the results in all directions, this is hyper, angry music, the sound of a band jumping on your desk, grabbing you by the throat and demanding your attention.
Right from the opener ‘Kreed Kafer’, The Projectionist immediately hit with relentless riffs and intense drumming, and do not let up for a second. There are no melodic passages or pseudo-surprise ‘clean’ choruses; this is a tight, finely-tuned attack from four competent musicians who seemly aren’t interested in bandwagons or conforming to a trend. Occasionally sounding like a heavier Refused meets Cancer Bats, this is ideal for fans of heavy, high-energy, uncompromising music, regardless of your favourite subgenre.
This is not casual background music. This is violence in aural form, and it comes highly recommended.
You can check out the track ‘Carve The Pigs’ ahead of the release on Soundcloud or Bandcamp:
The ‘Now It’s Time To Carve The Pigs’ EP will be released digitally and on CD via High On Pritstick Records, on 14th October, available from http://www.theprojectionist.bandcamp.com/. Their debut EP ‘Meat Parade’ can also be downloaded for free.
For fans of: Vision Of Disorder, Steak Number Eight, Refused, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Cancer Bats
Contact:
http://www.thisistheprojectionist.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thisistheprojectionist
https://twitter.com/weprojectionist/
One Minute Silence – Fragmented Armageddon EP review
British rap-metal legends return.
Tracklisting:
1. Fruit From The Lie
2. Pandemic Schizophrenia
3. You So Much As Move
4. Fruit From The Lie (Ben Hurd Remix)
5. You So Much As Move (Massimo Fiocco Remix)
6. Early Morning (acoustic)
Line-up:
Yap – vocals
Massimo ‘Massy’ Fiocco – guitars
Glen Diani – bass
Martin Davies – drums
Following a 10 year absence from our stereos and venues, UK rap metallers One Minute Silence are back with a brand new EP of fresh material, the first batch since 2003’s ‘One Lie Fits All’ album. After spending several years dabbling in their own respective projects in various genres, the band came back together in 2010 to begin the honing and recording process for what was to come. The first to feature new drummer Martin Davies, alongside the much missed Yap, Glen and Massy, this EP has been highly-anticipated by both press and their fanbase, who never forgot their high-energy live performances and ability to deliver catchy, in-your-face tunes with a message. Made possible by the Pledge Music incentive, fans who pledged money to the project will also be receiving limited physical versions and other items of appreciation.
EP trailer:
The six tracks on offer here would appeal to their older fans, whilst newcomers might also appreciate the remixes. Opening track ‘Fruit From The Lie’ has a slow, steady build-up that eventually hits with a chorus that only OMS could offer, signalling a true-to-form return that won’t disappoint longtime fans. ‘Pandemic Schizophrenia’ is a manic number that recalls the bouncy but sharp delivery of their debut album (‘Available In All Colours’), married to the more adventurous feel of the ‘One Lie..’ album, whilst the calmer reworked ‘You So Much As Move’ (which originally featured on ‘One Lie..’) is carried along by a floaty riff. The first of the two remixes featured, ‘Fruit From The Lie (Ben Hurd Remix)’, shows that OMS haven’t failed to keep up with today’s musical climate and are still just as open to experimentation as before, injecting some dubstep into the mix. The second remix, by OMS’ own Massy, turns ‘You So Much As Move’ into a darker, brooding track, replacing the original’s proggy feel with one of chaos. In contrast, the final track brings the EP to a chilled close with the suitably-titled ‘Early Morning’, an acoustic track that winds things down – the perfect ‘morning after’ soundtrack.
A solid, varied effort, one that should please fans and build anticipation for a full-length album. Welcome back One Minute Silence, you have been missed.
Lead track ‘Fruit From The Lie’:
For fans of: System Of A Down, Breed 77, Lockdown Project
One Minute Silence’s ‘Fragmented Armageddon’ EP will be released on Monday 17th June by Freeport Entertainment via iTunes. OMS have written 10 new tracks towards a new album, which they hope to record this year for release in 2014, with live dates to follow.
Contact:
https://www.facebook.com/oneminutesilence.band
https://twitter.com/OMSofficial
http://www.youtube.com/user/OneMinuteSilenceBand
thursdayaddams 