Monday 18 March 2024

Fathomless Ritual - Hymns For The Lesser Gods


Labels: Transcending Obscurity Records

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 01 Mar 2024


Tracklist:


1. Hecatomb For An Unending Madness

2. Exiled To The Lower Catacombs

3. Gorge Of The Nameless

4. Grafted To The Chambers Of Mirth

5. Wielding The Bone Wand

6. Cosmic Reflections From The Basin Of Blood

7. Gelatinous Being Of Countless Forms

8. Gifts For Aranaktu


I'm often reminded of how much artwork plays a role in the music I buy (in physical form) and review. I invest the time to let the music itself do the talking, but visual art is important too. Nowhere is it more important though than in the death metal genre and that leads me to the focus of this review. Canadian solo tech/prog death metal band Fathomless Ritual released it's debut album Hymns For The Lesser Gods via the ever impressive Indian extreme metal label Transcending Obscurity Records on March 1st. Little did I know that the sole creator behind Fathomless Ritual also performs in Fumes (the same Fumes that featured on a split LP with Celestial Sanctuary, Thorn and Perilaxe Occlusion) and Gutvoid, amongst others. 


The opening song is often difficult to nail, especially on a debut release. ‘Hecatomb For An Unending Madness’ is one that hits with rawness but also technical precision. The guttural, gurgling vocals are a shock to the system when performed alongside the instrumentation, which is more than accomplished. ‘Exiled To The Lower Catacombs’ sees Fathomless Ritual reach for a lengthier composition. In doing so, the band’s death metal takes on a form of it’s own. There’s a significant element of brutal death metal that overpowers the avant-garde instrumentation, especially with the vocals sitting higher in the mix. 


There’s absolutely no denying the quality of the instrumentation on this record, especially on ‘Gorge Of The Nameless’, which is an Atheist/Cynic-esque prog/death song that flows really well. There’s plenty of old-school nastiness seeping through the pores of ‘Grafted To The Chambers Of Mirth’. It’s a welcome addition to the album but the blasting brutality is never too far away either.


The second half of Hymns For The Lesser Gods throws out the meticulously played ‘Wielding The Bone Wand’. It’s tempo never dips, giving the listener a constant pounding. It’s also where the guitar/bass riffs are at their most hypnotic (if that were possible). The title ‘Cosmic Reflections From The Basin Of Blood’ conjures up all kinds of vivid images and they truly match up to the song itself. This one has a little bit more urgency, but that urgency doesn’t affect the band’s precision in any shape or form. If you’re listening to this on bandcamp, make sure you watch the accompanying video as well!


This record goes by way too quickly and before you know you’re getting dragged headfirst into penultimate song ‘Gelatinous Being Of Countless Forms’. It proves that even fast albums can take you on a journey. One that’s filled with imagery inspired by the amazing artwork that adorns it. In what feels like a bit of a contrast, album closer ‘Gifts For Aranaktu’ is a near-seven minute mammoth. It’s not the lumbering, slow beast I was expecting but that’s fine, because there are still some surprises going on. More avant-garde, cosmic riffing fills the speakers and around the five minute mark, you’re greeted with subtle slams and grooving instrumentation that signals the end of the record. 


This record is definitely worth taking time on. I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy it as much as I did to be honest, as I can get turned off by some brutal death metal at times; however, this has much more to offer musically and it’s a really strong debut. Old-school murk, technical precision and flourishing progression are all present. Fathomless Ritual will appeal to a whole spectrum of death and extreme metal fans.


You can stream and purchase the album digitally below, where you can also buy countless merch items and physical copies:-



Fathomless Ritual - https://www.facebook.com/profile

Transcending Obscurity Records - https://www.facebook.com/transcendingobscurityrecords

Monday 11 March 2024

Frozen Blood - Revenge


Labels: Adirondack Black Mass/Death In Pieces Records/Diabolical Summoning Records/Dry Cough Records/Excarnation Records/Frozen Screams Imprint

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 10 Feb 2023


Tracklist:


 1. Revenge

2.  Castración Violenta

3. Esquizofrenia Podrida

4. Mercilessly

5. Die By The Sword (Slayer Cover)


This debut EP from Chilean death metal duo Frozen Blood has been in my personal tape collection for sometime now but I hadn't realised for how long. It's been over twelve months since A.A and S.A released their first body of songs. UK label Dry Cough Records were first to commit the EP to tape, before Mexican label Death In Pieces Records produced a cd/tape run. Brazilian label Excarnation Records followed soon after with their own cd pressing for the South American fans, while both Chilean label Diabolical Summoning Records and US label Frozen Screams Imprint did additional tape runs. Note: all info courtesy of Metal Archives, so I can't vouch for it's accuracy but I hope it's correct.


A year in metal music seems like ten years, such is the pace at which bands release new music. This debut EP from Chile’s Frozen Blood was released thirteen months ago today. Beginning with the title-track ‘Revenge’, you can hear exactly why Dry Cough Records have been championing this band over the last year or so. Frozen Blood’s take on the sub-genre is raw and blasting straight from the off, which is absolutely perfect. The harrowingly named ‘Castración Violenta’ is a mix of blackened-death and doom, with crisp percussion and similarly expressive guitar melodies. It twists and turns in various ways throughout it’s near three-minute playing time, proving that even when the duo turns up the urgency, they still know how to bring on the gloom.


‘Esquizofrenia Podrida’ oozes old-school ferocity and (dare I say it) charm. It’s a glorious slab of South American extremity that overpowers everything in it’s path, especially annoying and noisy neighbours! I haven’t knowingly been on the receiving end of a noise complaint before, so go figure. Frozen Blood’s final original song ‘Mercilessly’ is also their longest song, which is absolutely fine because it slays (no pun intended. You’ll understand why shortly). One again, that captivating melodic guitar work makes an appearance towards the end of the song before it gets overtly extreme. The way it fades out is a bit stark but it’s to be expected given what’s to follow.


Slayer’s ‘Die By The Sword’ is Frozen Blood’s choice of cover to round out this EP and I can totally understand why, as it matches their frantic and raw approach pretty damn well. They don’t try to make it into something it’s not, yet they inject their own personality into it at the same time. Metal purists probably hate covers, especially Slayer fans but there’s nothing to be afraid of here. Frozen Blood stay true to their own sound and approach. It’s much more enjoyable that way and it’s no surprise that so many independent labels jumped to help them spread Revenge around the globe.


You can stream and purchase Revenge digitally via bandcamp below:-



Frozen Blood Instagram - @frozenblood_osdm


Physical copies are still available from the below link:-


Death In Pieces Records - https://deathinpiecesrecs.bigcartel.com/category/releases


Death In Pieces Records - https://www.facebook.com/deathinpiecesrecs

Diabolical Summoning Records - https://www.facebook.com/DiabolicalSummoningRecords

Dry Cough Records - https://www.facebook.com/DryCoughRecords

Excarnation Records - https://www.facebook.com/excarnrecs

Frozen Screams Imprint - @frozen_screams_imprint Instagram


There is also a vinyl pressing of Revenge coming via Adirondack Black Mass, so keep an eye out for news here - https://www.facebook.com/AdirondackBlackMass

Wednesday 6 March 2024

Gxllium!/Onewaymirror - Split


Labels: Zegema Beach Records

Formats: CD/Digital

Release Date: 26 Feb 2024


Tracklist:


1. Gxllium! - If Hector Was A Beaver

2. Gxllium! - The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs

3. Gxllium! - Who Pooped (The Dinosaur Did It)

4. Onewaymirror - Let's Make The Most Of This

5. Onewaymirror - She's Only Yours For A Minute


A new release on CD?! That's right, the physical medium that mainstream media outlets will have you believe is dying is definitely still alive and kicking. This split features two of California's newest emo-violence bands and was limited to 200 copies, with ZBR's 20 selling out almost instantly. The other 180 copies went to the bands.


Once again I prove that I’m ahead of the curve by reviewing a sold out release! Of course I’m joking (I know that British sarcasm doesn’t often translate well in a written form). All releases deserve time and space, especially sick splits like this. First up are three tracks from Gxllium! beginning with ‘If Hector Was A Beaver’, which is quite frankly a disgustingly good slab of noisy, mathy emo-violence with quality guitar work thrown into the mix on a song that darts all over the place. Mind-already-blown.


Their next track ‘The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs’ is no less intense with a brutal intro, scathing vocals and instrumentation that is anxiety-inducing to say the least. Add to that a penchant for bass-heavy noise and you’re onto a winner if you like your music chaotic. Final song ‘Who Pooped (The Dinosaur Did It) is that crazed mix of every sub-genre ever, from grind to hardcore to power-violence, not necessarily in that order.


Onewaymirror initially sound a lot more straightforward as they open ‘Let’s Make The Most Of This’ but it’s not too long before they go for the jugular too. The low-end riffs and harsh/semi-clean vocals add to their already hefty sound. With a greater nod to metalcore, Onewaymirror grab your attention without even trying.


Their second and final song ‘She’s Only Yours For A Minute’ lasts all of about ninety-seconds and while they don’t in anyway attempt to hit that illusive “brown note” that apparently exists in some musical circles, they do make the earth move thanks to their love of downtuned riffs and bass-heavy tones. It would have been awesome to have had one more song from Onewaymirror here, but beggars can’t be choosers. 


This split is wild. It’s on the extreme end of screamo for sure but that’s exactly where Gxllium! and Onewaymirror sit. 2024 is already going too quickly and new releases are proving harder than ever to keep up with but you’d be remiss if you overlooked this one. 


You can stream and purchase the split digitally below:-



Gxllium! - https://gxllium.bandcamp.com

Onewaymirror - https://onewaymirror.bandcamp.com

Zegema Beach Records - https://www.facebook.com/zegemabeachrecords

Monday 4 March 2024

Gates Open - Voice After Silence


Labels: Inverse Records

Formats: Digital

Release Date: 09 Feb 2024


Tracklist:


1. The Awakening

2. Let The Night Become Your Guide

3. Till Death Unite Us

4. A Place Called Home

5. Gates Open

6. I, The Intellectual

7. We Are No More

8. Death

9. Northern Dark


It's been a little while since I last felt the urge to write here and a long while since I last featured new music from Finland. Cue death/thrash duo Gates Open and their debut album Voice After Silence, which was officially released digitally in February via Inverse Records. Gates Open was formed in 2023 by Jere Neejärvi (guitar/bass/drums) and Tommi Manninen (vocals), who were previously members of melodic death metal band Down Into Silence. 


Album opener ‘The Awakening’ was first released as a single back in June of last year. Thankfully, Gates Open didn’t go down the route of just releasing every song (that makes up an album) as a single, which is an odd trend amongst new bands currently. The song is a strong way to kick off Voice After Silence though, with it’s exhilarating thrash metal tempos, melodic guitar work, snarling harsh vocals and even a nod to industrial music too. 


The album’s second single was ‘Let The Night Become Your Guide’. I like how Gates Open unleashed their first two songs as singles. Whether they’re the strongest choices remains to be seen as we make our way through the album, but judging by the moodier atmosphere and the more than articulate guitar solo, this song is certainly one that catches the ear.


Dare I say that Gates Open remind a little of Children Of Bodom. A big name to be compered to but their sound and delivery on ‘Till Death Unite Us’ could easily sit on a Bodom album. There’s nothing subtle about it and nor should there be. Sometimes, good old ripping death/thrash is all that’s needed.  There’s a direction change on ‘A Place Called Home’ as Gates Open slow things down after a nice melodic intro. It has a folk-like/symphonic undertone too, much like that of viking/folk metal bands Ensiferum and Finntroll. It certainly shows that the traditional Scandi sound is still alive and well.


The song that bares the band’s name draws you back into more familiar uptempo territory, while also encompassing black metal influences and synths too while, ‘I, The Intellectual’ follows with a much more heavily layered approach musically. The pace of ‘We Are No More’ is out of this world, especially during the opening bars. It’s the percussion that creates that pace and it carries on throughout the song, adding an extra layer of extremity to the recording. The succinctly titled ‘Death’ is apt as well because it leans much more towards death metal, which Gates Open perform brilliantly in their own style.


Closing out their debut with ‘Northern Dark’, Gates Open provide one final high-octane blast of quality death/thrash. Finland has always had a unique and experimental take on extreme music, and while Gates Open do tap into that sound on Voice After Silence, they also pay great homage to the more straightforward death metal sound the aforementioned Children Of Bodom and also Norther. This is a strong debut overall and Gates Open will surely go on to develop their sound further. A great starting point.


You can stream and purchase Voice After Silence digitally via bandcamp below:-



Gates Open - https://www.facebook.com/gatesopenband

Inverse Records - https://www.facebook.com/inverserecords

Wednesday 21 February 2024

The Oldest House - A Worm Through Time


Labels: I, Voidhanger Records

Formats: CD/Digital

Release Date: 26 Jan 2024


Tracklist:


1. Objects Of Power

2. The Oldest House

3. A Worm Through Time

4. Interdimensional Mold

5. The Painting On The Wall


It's been a pretty sobering start to the year if I'm being honest, hence the sporadic nature of things here. The focus of this review will do nothing to brighten the mood but sometimes it's better to sink to the lowest depths, so you can rise up at the other end. Spanish sludge/doom band The Oldest House is the brainchild of A.M. of Aversio Humanitatis (Debemur Morti Productions) fame amongst others, with drums provided by J.H. You may be familiar with that band's black metal, but The Oldest House promises something altogether different. I'm excited so let's jump in.


A Worm Through Time is described as being a sludge/doom EP but I’m not sure what to expect. It has drawn some (very tangible) comparisons musically and as opener ‘Objects Of Power’ begins, it takes away every last breath you have thanks to it’s sheer wall of heaviness. An initial lumbering, bass-heavy tempo takes the lead alongside deep growls that build in ferocity as the music does. It’s not without it’s technicality though thanks to the percussive skill later on, highlighting why the band found a home on I, Voidhanger Records for it’s debut release.


A.M.’s black metal roots aren’t too far away here, as the spine-tingling vocal delivery on ‘The Oldest House’ shows. Extreme metal is extreme metal, whatever sub-genre you categorise it into, so it’s best to just enjoy it in whatever form it comes. Here, that form is unwaveringly heavy and satisfyingly groovy. Yes, there’s some psych going on here!


Talking of psych, title song ‘A Worm Through Time’ takes you on a journey thanks to it’s spellbinding bass performance and shaman-like singing/chanting that almost throws you off, before everything shifts in a grind/PV direction. I have to say that this uptempo approach to sludge and doom isn’t usually my thing (I like it slow and drawn out most of the time) but The Older House completely changes my orientation here.


‘Interdimensional Mold’ is the EP’s shortest song and it provides a bit of respite from the extremity of previous songs thanks to the addition of ambient sounds that are almost cosmic. It’s fully instrumental and leads perfectly into closer ‘The Painting On The Wall’, which provides one final opportunity to appreciate everything that The Oldest House has to offer musically. The band offers so much!


I haven’t covered a great deal of 2024 releases up to now; however, what I have heard and featured has been extremely strong so far. This EP is no different. It’s given me an appetite to dive into sludge and doom again, though that temptation is never far away!. Great stuff. Let’s hope and hold our breath for more from The Oldest House in the future.


You can stream and purchase the EP on both CD and digital formats below:-



The Oldest House - https://www.instagram.com/theoldesthouseofficial/


You can also buy CD copies from I, Voidhanger Records here - 


https://metalodyssey.8merch.com/product/the-oldest-house-a-worm-through-time-cd/


https://metalodyssey.8merch.us/product/the-oldest-house-a-worm-through-time-cd/


I, Voidhanger Records - https://www.facebook.com/i.voidhanger.records

Sunday 18 February 2024

Crowning/Marée Noire - Split


Labels: Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 30 Oct 2018


Tracklist:


1. Marée Noire - Laurence

2. Crowning - Julius Breezer

3. Marée Noire - Pervitin

4. Crowning - Narcissus

5. Marée Noire - Toucher La Lune

6. Crowning - Trakata


Things have been a little quiet at TNIO towers of late. Life has been a bit weird and consumption of music has been down a bit. I hate the words "consumption and consuming" though because music isn't a commodity for me. It's a living, breathing entity that moves to it's own rhythm. I'm back this evening with a familiar post though, as I jump back into my ongoing Zegema Beach Records review series.


This review features the 2018 split release from US band Crowning whom Dave Cullen (one half of ZBR) is a member of and French Canadians Marée Noire. This split is unique though due to the fact that both bands follow one another, instead of having distinct sides.


Marée Noire opens this split release with ‘Laurence’ with a somewhat angular, metallic screamo approach that leans further into the realms of mathy, technical post-hardcore. Crowning follows with ‘Julius Breezer’, which is very melodic, much heavier and in-your-face. Both bands instantly impress with short and sharp bursts of energy that lay foundations for what’s to come here.


Talking of what’s to come, the rest of the songs on this split are a lot shorter starting with Marée Noire’s ‘Pervitin’, which builds into something a lot more intense in sound. Noisier with tons of urgency and loads of melody as well. Crowning’s next song ‘Narcissus’ is a very brief panic-chord laden blast but a satisfying one. I find that a lot of sub-thirty second songs go by without making an impression. It’s not the case here.


Marée Noire’s ‘Toucher La Lune’ is their last on this split and it takes you on a journey. It’s like the angular screamo of Marée Noire helps to create different movements throughout the song. Crowning’s ‘Trakata’ ends the split bathed in atmosphere thanks to the guitars. At times it reminds me of old mid-2000’s metalcore.


The way each band follows the other on this split instead of just having their own designated side works great here and I don’t know why more don’t do it. It highlights the skill of both Marée Noire and Crowning brilliantly. 


Stream and purchase the split digitally below:-



Crowning - https://www.facebook.com/crowningband

Marée Noire - https://www.facebook.com/yohannRocksScreamo


Unsurprisingly, tape copies are long sold out.


Zegema Beach Records - https://www.facebook.com/zegemabeachrecords

Sunday 11 February 2024

Cryptosis - The Silent Call EP


Labels: Century Media Records

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Digital

Release Date: 01 December 2023


Tracklist:


1. The Silent Call

2. Master Of Life

3. Prospect Of Immortality (Live In Athens)

4. Transcendence (Live In Athens)


Dutch progressive death/thrash metal trio Cryptosis caught my eye recently, especially when I read about their upcoming European tour supporting Cynic and Obscura (what a line up that is!). They released their most recent EP The Silent Call in December just gone through Century Media Records, who previously released their 2021 album Bionic Swarm. This most recent EP was released on CD and vinyl yet what's strange to me is that it doesn't appear on Century Media's bandcamp page, and no physical copies are for sale in CM's web store. Maybe it was self-financed by Cryptosis (please let me know if I'm jumping to conclusions with all this). Anyway, to hell with my observations, let's dive in.


The Netherlands has become well-known for it’s ability to produce some amazing death/thrash metal bands over the years, including the likes of Asphyx, Legion Of The Damned and of course Distillator (who later on became Cryptosis). Cryptosis add progressive elements to their version of death/thrash metal, as demonstrated on title track ‘The Silent Call’. That progression takes the form of both traditional symphonic prog and subtle modern time-signature bending instrumentation. Their extreme metal chops are in fine fettle, which is why Century Media took such a keen interest in them by releasing their 2021 debut album Bionic Swarm.


‘Master Of Life’ was from the sessions for their debut album and it shows a much more immediate thrash metal form, which looks back to their days as Distillator, providing a much more simplified musical approach. There’s still impressive progression going on musically though and the symphonic elements are dialled down quite significantly too. Definitely a song for the extreme metal fan.


Now like the infamous Alive In Athens recordings by US power metal band Iced Earth, Cryptosis chose to release two of their own songs from a concert in the same city. You can tell that Athens loved them by the crowd chanting at the beginning of ‘Prospect Of Immortality’, which can still be heard over the song’s intro. As with ‘Master Of Life’ earlier on, Cryptosis inject some Slayer-like influences into their music, while melody and death metal percussion swirls around it all.


If you thought ‘Prospect Of Immortality’ was epic then ‘Transcendence’ will blow you away with it’s somewhat familiar yet insane tempo and delivery. The crowd in the background seem to love it’s intensity and why wouldn’t they! Cryptosis seem to have the ability to captivate audiences with their musical formula and long may it continue.


Physical copies of The Silent Call can be purchased directly from Cryptosis below:-


https://cryptosis.net/shop/


Cryptosis - https://www.facebook.com/CryptosisNL

Century Media Records - https://www.facebook.com/centurymedia

Thursday 8 February 2024

Палисад – Истории


Labels: Its You! Records/Polar Summer

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 01 Jun 2016


Tracklist:


1. М-теория

2. Город

3. 8

4. Берегите Тепло

5. Кладовая Солнца

6. Вальс

7. Обещания


Snow has fallen here today for the first time in what seems like ages. I'm the only person at my day job who gets excited about it too! What it's also done is re-ignite my dive into Russian/Eastern European screamo/emo, as released by Polar Summer. This album from Saint Petersburg's Палисад was released by the band in June 01 2016, before both Polar Summer and fellow Russian label Its You! Records collaborated on a limited tape release in August of the same year.


To hear a Russian band do their best version of midwest/90’s emo is as baffling as it is inspiring, I guess. The way that music can cross the globe and reach corners almost unexpectedly is what makes it great. Палисад (Russian speakers/translators to the front) are a case in point on their 2016 album Истории. Opener ‘М-теория’ immediately shines with jangly guitar melodies and a multi-vocal approach that shows that hearts are worn clearly on sleeves. The percussion and bass work moves sensitively too and it’s not until the song’s closing moments that harsh vocals take hold. ’Город’ uses those harsh vocals to greater effect alongside the band’s fantastic musicianship, which refrains from becoming too dissonant or heavy. It’s a great take on proper emo, over sixteen years after the sub-genres explosion. 


‘8’ is an elegant song that builds instrumentally and while it makes you feel like it’s going to explode, it never does. Instead Палисад uses ‘Берегите Тепло’ to once again express their screamo-side, albeit subtly. The sound on this album is so warm and real, very much in the moment as it was no doubt supposed to be. The band’s art-punk/rock flamboyancy later on in the song shows yet another side to their musical skill. ‘Кладовая Солнца’ is the album’s longest song by a small margin but don’t worry, you’re not getting some obtuse prog-opera or anything. Instead, you’re greeted with a song that’s gentle and oh so soothing. Even toward it’s end when harshness creeps in, it reminds me of the sensitivity of Japanese emo/screamo. It makes sense considering both countries are not that far apart.


Penultimate song ‘Вальс’ is a heady mix of traditional emo and abrasive screamo, with perfect quiet/loud/quiet dynamics that shift effortlessly from one to the other, allowing the instrumentation to take centre stage again. At one point I heard what I thought was a nod to industrial music, but in truth it was just a prolonged guitar note. Album closer ‘Обещания’ sees Палисад delivering one final heavy blow that’s filled with everything that makes their music so great. From hardcore-inspired harsh vocals to twinkling emo guitar melodies and a rhythm section that brings it all together. 


This album (or EP?, I’m not sure now) was exactly what I needed this evening. My head has been so full of rubbish that it’s nice to be able to try and banish some of it to parts of my brain that I’ll never access again. Music doesn’t necessarily do that but this evening it’s really helped.


You can stream and purchase the release digitally via bandcamp below:-



Tape copies are long sold out (maybe someone someday will do a discography release).


Its You! Records - https://vk.com/its_you_its_you_its_you

Polar Summer - https://polarxsummer.bandcamp.com/album/--2

Tuesday 6 February 2024

No Heirloom - No Heirloom 7" Lathe


Labels: Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 05 May 2023


Tracklist:


1. Dross

2. Fleeting Frame

3. Nepenthe


My rhythm's nowhere near where it should be writing-wise now. Stuff just get's in the way I guess. Thankfully, I have an element of organisation going on, hence this evening's review featuring US screamo/emoviolence trio No Heirloom and their debut EP. Originally self-released by the band in May of 2023, it took little or no time for Zegema Beach Records to pick up on said release, pressing it in December 2023 as a limited stereo lathe 7". 


Sitting here listening to digital releases knowing that I’ve got so many physical releases to catch up on feels oh so dirty, but here I am all the same. No Heirloom’s opener ‘Dross’ gathers together every element that makes hardcore, post-hardcore and screamo great (though those sub-genres are somewhat interchangeable). 


After that brief intro song, ‘Fleeting Frame’ definitely takes on more of an emo-violence form, albeit in passages as opposed to the whole song. Bandcamp suggests the likes of Frail Body, Frail Hands and Shizune (amongst others) as similar influences, yet No Heirloom seem to be able to project their own sound in a way that’s a lot more open and obvious.


EP closer ‘Nepenthe’ builds on what’s come before it with off-kilter musicianship and that now familiar triple-vocal approach that adds so much emotion to the recording. I’ve said this a few times over recent years but I genuinely think that we’re deep into a golden age of heavy music, let alone physical releases.


No Heirloom are a fantastic example of raw emotion and precise musicianship. Until I learned about ZBR’s involvement in this release, I knew nothing about the band. Maybe I’m not as on-the-ball as I used to be when it comes to new bands; but whatever the reason, at least there’s a means to catch up. This EP is short but absolutely banging all the same. More please. 


You can stream and purchase the EP directly from No Heirloom below:-



Physical copies are still available (just) from ZBR below:-


Zegema Beach Record CAN/INTL Store - http://www.zegemabeachrecords.com/zegema-beach-releases/no-heirloom / U.S.A Store - https://zbrusa.com/collections/zbr-releases/products/no-heirloom


Zegema Beach Records - https://www.facebook.com/zegemabeachrecords

Friday 2 February 2024

Sewer Fiend/Plague Patrol - Split


Labels: Behind The Mountain/Calvos 73 Records/Dry Cough Records/Headsplit Records/Psychocontrol Records

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 16 Dec 2022


Tracklist:


1. Sewer Fiend - Through Gurgling Rivers Of Sickness

2. Sewer Fiend - Into Bottomless Blight-Filled Pools

3. Plague Patrol - God From The Nameless Mist

4. Plague Patrol - Gates Of Void

5. Plague Patrol - Hidden Side Of Galaxy


After both releasing stellar demos/EPs in 2021, UK death/doom act Sewer Fiend and Czechia's OSDM  trio Plague Patrol joined forces for a split release in late 2022. It was pressed on all conceivable physical formats (excluding floppy disk and minidisc of course!) by the labels above at the time of release and while the vinyl pressing took a long time to appear, like the whole of the split, it was well worth the wait. To date it contains the latest recordings by both bands.


It’s midweek and I’ve survived the UK’s gloomiest, most depressing month. The only way is up from here! To celebrate, I’m re-immersing myself in a split record that features two of death metal’s best underground newcomers. First up it’s Sewer Fiend who contribute two songs on their side, starting with ‘Through Gurgling Rivers Of Sickness’. The duo’s musical pedigree in UK circles in second to none and as with their demo ‘Echoes From The Cistern’, they waste no time in providing killer death/doom with a cosmic, etherial sound. At times atmospheric but murkily so.


Their second song ‘Into Bottomless Blight-Filled Pools’ is equally as expansive, foregoing the brutality that often befits death metal in favour of a slower, more open approach. Coupled with the fact that this song surpasses eight minutes, it’s no surprise as to how engrossing it is. Definitely doomier than deathly, it shows just why UK death metal and it’s old-school resurgence has garnered so much attention over the last couple of years.


Czechia’s Plague Patrol produced one of my favourite demos of 2021 and here they continue with the same momentum on their opening song ‘God From The Nameless Mist’, which hits top gear straight away thanks to it’s intense tempo and sheer wall of sound that’s accentuated by those low, bellowed vocals. I guess where Sewer Fiend’s vocal delivery was more subtle, Plague Patrol’s is anything but.


‘Gates of Void’ follows after what seems like a needless pause and precedes to unleash yet more OSDM madness with added lead/twin guitar flair. It’s amazing how much music Plague Patrol can shoehorn into such a (seemingly) short song. They do slow things down later on, providing their own death/doom take. Closing with ‘Hidden Side Of Galaxy’, Plague Patrol goes all out with pummelling drums and wailing guitar leads. It’s at this point that it hits just how cohesive this trio of songs are when played in succession. As if that was any surprise though right?.


Having lived with and played this split countless times over the last couple of years, it’s still amazing that with each listen something else leaps out of the speakers. Both Sewer Fiend and Plague Patrol provide such pleasure to the listener with their unique ideals and their excellent interpretations of death metal in the modern era. I sincerely hope that they both continue what they started. Extreme music needs them.


You can stream and purchase the full split digitally below:-



Sewer Fiend - https://www.instagram.com/sewer_fiend_dm/

https://sewerfienduk.bandcamp.com/album/echoes-from-the-cistern

Plague Patrol - https://plaguepatrol.bandcamp.com/album/split-2022


Physical copies can be purchased from the labels below:-


Behind The Mountain Records - https://behindthemountain.net/en/produkt/plague-patrol-sewer-fiend-cd-split-2/

Calvos 73 Records - https://calvos73records.bandcamp.com/album/split

Dry Cough Records - https://www.drycoughrecords.com/product/sewer-fiend-plague-patrol-split-lp-dc65

Headsplit Records - https://headsplitrecords.storenvy.com/products/plague-patrol-sewer-fiend-lp / https://headsplitrecords.storenvy.com/products/plague-patrol-sewer-fiend-split

Psychocontrol Records - https://psychocontrol.com/produkt/plague-patrol-sewer-fiend-split-lp


Behind The Mountain Records - https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheMountainRecs

Calvos 73 Records - https://calvos73records.bandcamp.com

Dry Cough Records - https://www.facebook.com/DryCoughRecords

Headsplit Records - https://www.facebook.com/headsplitrecords

Psychocontrol Records - https://www.facebook.com/PsychocontrolRecords

Monday 29 January 2024

Unsouling - Vampiric Spiritual Drain


Labels: I, Voidhanger Records

Formats: CD/Digital

Release Date: 26 Jan 2024


Tracklist:


1. The Wolf And Survival

2. Ladder Of Broken Backs

3. Taileater

4. Floating Key

5. Weightless Immovable Anchor

6. Endless Plateau

7. The Wolf And Ascension


I never intended for my first 2024 release review to come a mere three/four days before the end of January, but that's just how things have fallen. Vampiric Spiritual Drain is the debut album from US solo US black/death metal band Unsouling. It was officially digitally by Unsouling and physically via I, Voidhanger Records just two days ago. Unsouling draws it's inspiration from the likes of Feral Light and Manetheren amongst others, so expect something forward-thinking.


I’ve spent the last forty-eight hours or so with family and a four-legged friend. The reason I mention that is because the album opener ‘The Wolf And Survival’ reminds me of how energised I feel after another long-awaited encounter with my favourite canine. The song in question is a melodic yet raw affair, providing loving warmth alongside typical black metal intensity and experimental joy.  ‘Ladder Of Broken Backs’ is a more straightforward black/death metal song with Unsouling’s sole musician providing an extremely coherent and complete barrage of percussion, bass, guitar and vocals. At times it’s almost bombastic though it never crosses into symphonic territory.


After two full-on opening songs, ’Taileater’ is an electronic-laden instrumental number that’s perhaps inspired by cosmic elements. Maybe not in the same way as Blood Incantation but hopefully you’ll understand where I’m going with that comparison. ‘Floating Key’ is a superlative example of orchestral black/death metal and it works because Unsouling’s approach here is one of utter bewilderment and avant-garde experimentalism. The lengthier songs on Vampiric Spiritual Drain are the best in my opinion and ‘Weightless Immovable Anchor’ is a song that moves in many different circles, from true heaviness to melodic pomposity without compromising on overall musical quality.


There’s also a none-so-subtle industrial element to the sound on this album, as demonstrated by penultimate song ‘Endless Plateau’ and it’s percussion-lead tone. Much like Nailbomb/Sepultura without being a clone. Album closer ‘The Wolf And Ascension’ takes Unsouling’s experimental blueprint and stretches it to an almost ten-minute epic. When I say epic, I really mean it to as Unsouling’s lead-guitar work really comes to the fore during the song’s mid-section. It gives way to a synth-laden passage that lasts just long enough to add some light to the recording. Spacier tones wrap themselves around you during the closing few minutes, adding to the cosmic vibe generated earlier on while banishing any sense of extremity.


This has been an earthy yet really engrossing debut album from a solo project that will hopefully go on and produce more great black/death metal. Another great find by I, Voidhanger Records too.


You can stream and purchase Vampiric Spiritual Drain directly from Unsouling below:-



Unsouling - https://www.instagram.com/unsouling_/


You can order physical CD copies from I, Voidhanger Records below:-


UK/EU Store - https://metalodyssey.8merch.com/product/unsouling-vampiric-spiritual-drain-cd/

US Store - https://metalodyssey.8merch.us/product/unsouling-vampiric-spiritual-drain-cd/


I, Voidhanger Records - https://www.facebook.com/i.voidhanger.records