Equivoke

Sound Asleep - Demo (2009)

2012-02-11T23:13:00.000-08:00

Demo, Independent / Self-released
2009

Genre: Doom Metal
Region: Canada

Sound Asleep are a three piece from Toronto that deliver crushing, plunging dark grooves of doom as deep and cold as ocean trenches. Brace yourself for something massive.

Three gargantuan songs leaving gaping craters and swaths of scorched land in their wake. The first track is an intro that is unsettling and cold, while the other two are 13 and 17 minute behemoths of unbearable weight. The guitar and bass riffs here are relentlessly powerful as are the monstrous vocals with the strong, plodding pummeling of drums driving you further into the ground. This demo has such a wicked growl to it with moments of twangy, crooked dissonance, creaking strings, and mounting feedback buried underneath the rumbling. Each track crawls but without meandering or becoming boring — it's just straight, uncompromising oppressive doom. It commands your attention. Rolling over you like a boulder, smashing down on you like a collapsing tower made of granite. It's grooves are addicting and the tone is vicious.

Highly recommended guys. This is fantastic and they put it up for free. How this band is virtually unknown and only has one release to their name is beyond my comprehension but since they're playing some shows soon hopefully I can get some news on what they're up to, grab a copy of this, and experience their destruction first hand. Follow them on facebook and myspace.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)

The Sustained Low ‘C’ of Richard Strauss' “Also Sprach Zarathustra” - Rehearsal 2012 (2012)

2012-02-11T22:23:00.000-08:00

Demo, Independent / Self-released
August 2nd, 2012

Genre: Black Metal/Progressive Black Metal
Region: Canada

Castevet just announced a tour of Canada before hitting the Maryland Death festival and their touring with Ensorcelor, Æsahættr, Sound Asleep, Thantifaxath, and these guys — The Sustained Low ‘C’ of Richard Strauss' “Also Sprach Zarathustra”. I'll be seeing them next month which should make for an intense and noisy show so I thought I'd spread the word about them for those who may be interested.

Containing members of Canadian sludge/hardcore band Titan and the bleak and loud ambient/drone outfit Gates, this is a new project that I'm sure some people here will be interested in. Their approach to black metal could be described as something like Krallice and Castevet, maybe even at some points Thantifaxath.

This rehearsal demo has two tracks on it, one 6 minutes and the other almost 14. Overall it's fast paced with many winding tremolo riffs and a general chaotic atmosphere, thick bass riffs keeping up with the guitar, bursts of feedback and noise, blazing drums and harsh, agonized screaming. They really do sound like early Krallice at points. It stays raw and callous but retains a unique ornate flair, sometimes the riffs slow down slightly but for the majority of the demo they're kept frantic, twisting and spiraling endlessly, playing off each other. The tail end of the last track breaks with lots of feedback leading to a lull filled with angry yelling only to kick back in with heavy, addicting gallops for a nice change of pace.

I'd recommend giving this a shot if you like the above mentioned bands, if you like your black metal progressive. For a rehearsal it sounds promising. You can download this on their bandcamp for free.

DOWNLOAD (Bandcamp)
DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)

The Twilight Sad - No One Can Ever Know (2012)

2012-02-08T21:58:00.000-08:00

Full Length, Fatcat Records
February 7th, 2012

Genre: Shoegaze/Indie Rock/Post-Punk
Region: Scotland

Ah... the new The Twilight Sad record has arrived, and with some slight shifts in sound compared to previous releases too. There's far more synth/post-punkish or new wavy influence this time around while the guitars slide back a little more but this does not bring the album down at all to me. Their style has slowly been shifting with each record and it's never fucked up their gloomy atmosphere or ability to write quality tunes.

Once again James' vocals pull you in with that hypnotic, heavy accent and excellent cadence while the lyrics still encompass strange innocence, familial struggles and not-knowing with relatability despite their quirky nature and structure. As mentioned the synths are pushed to the front, shining and creeping over all the tracks without becoming tiresome and really bring a 80's sort of vibe into their noisey, shoegazey sound — it sets this album apart from the rest of their catalogue without a doubt. Guitar is still laced in feedback and reverb hazing the background up with a thick bass lead in front of it and steady, strong drumming acting perfectly to draw everything together with some great beats. No One Can Ever Know is momentarily upbeat at points but this always collapses into a melancholic tone with a spectral touch.

Clearly another win for The Twilight Sad. I really like the change in direction they've taken with this one. A depressive, mysterious, ghostly journey soak up. Pick this up in whatever form you please over at Fatcat Records if you enjoy it, I'll be picking up my copy when they pass through Toronto at the end of this month.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)

Pharaoh - Bury The Light (2012)

2012-02-08T21:12:00.000-08:00

Full Length, Cruz Del Sur Music
February 24th, 2012

Genre: Power Metal
Region: USA

Not sure how well that last Pharaoh post went over but fuck it — here's their newest album Bury The Light.

A nice even spread of medium pace and blazing tracks fill up this album which just falls shy of 50 minutes. Stacked to the clouds with heavy melodic shredding retaining the edge of conservatism in terms of technicality, dips into acoustic territory, raspy powerful vocals that have a rare touch of cynic-like modulation in two tracks, strong bass presence right beside the dazzling guitars that holds its own and bubbles over the guitar on occasion, while the drums are a little far back but still strong.

In general the songs are more hit and miss here than on previous releases in my opinion, almost every odd number track is quite good with the exception of the latter half of the album which plays through more smoothly, far more solid in terms of impact. There are still some great tracks with catchy riffs and some awesome solos exuding that classic grand atmosphere you would expect.

Another solid entry into their category. On the first listen Bury The Light is more tame and slightly less memorable than Be Gone or The Longest Night but there's still some nice shredding to be heard. It's up for streaming until the end of the week over here and can be preordered on various formats on the labels store starting tomorrow. No doubt this will be a post that gets taken down before any others by the label/band so get it while you can

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)

Charon - Sulphur Seraph (2012)

2012-02-05T09:12:00.000-08:00

Full Length, Sepulchral Voice Records
January 7th, 2012

Genre: Black/Death Metal
Region: Germany

I've found myself thanking Haxan over at Forever Cursed a lot lately.

Charon have been active since 1997 but this is their first full length, so one should expect that with all that time and huge gulfs between releases that this record would be of a high quality — and I assure you it is. Sulphur Seraph is a writhing tangled heap of blackened death metal akin to Corpsessed, Mitochondrion, and Grave Ritual.

Throughout the record you'll hear wailing and creaking bends fade in and out under the main thrashy, blackened riffs which become like a siren warning of the impending doom. Occasionally the riffs stray from the black metal formula and hit death territory, sometimes dissonant and sometimes more straight forward but always devastating. This is covered by a a storm of percussion and vocals that flail wildly through different styles: spoken and deep, beastly growls, black rasps, even a touch of brutal death metal gutturalness/squeals are touched on briefly. None of it feels out of place and only bolsters the ancient and apocalyptic mood that washes over the whole album.

Fucking great blend of oldschool and newer styles of death and black metal, a crushing debut without question. You can pick up the cd over at the label's webstore.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)

Rituals - Rituals (2012)

2012-02-04T10:49:00.000-08:00

Full Length, Alerta Antifascista
February 20th, 2012

Genre: Atmospheric Sludge/Post-Metal/Doom Metal
Region: USA

This is the first album from Rituals and wow what a debut it is. A mountainous, beautiful sound is captured by these guys that straddles sludge, post-metal and doom with a sliver of hardcore too. There are five towering, atmospheric tracks to be heard (three hit the 10 minute mark) full of rumbling, fuzzy waves of ritualistic dark sludge that cascade through your ears and fill them with cold fog. Each track bleeds perfectly into each other making the album feel even more like one long, lonely sonic ceremony.

Reverb and warbled effects permeate every corner of the album, amassing from a low ambient whisper up to a soaring, loud, teetering fortress of shadowy doom. Big doom riffs punctuated these moments that repeat creating a hypnotic vibration pulling you in, then slow down even further to envelop you in that already dense, oppressive cloud. Vocals take a Seven Sisters of Sleep and Isis approach albeit at a slower pace but with all the ferocity cranked up around swathes of smooth bass and slow drums. A massive shaking boulder of sound that is paced well, hits hard and demands to be played at high volume.

Another surprising and excellent album of 2012, and once again made free by the artists (you can also hear it in full over here). Very generous. Why not support them by picking up the vinyl over at Doom Rock? Recommended for fans of Isis, Omega Massif, Tides, Lento, Cult of Luna, Atriarch, etc.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)

Led Astray - Denying the Inevitable (2005) / In Ways Unforessen (2009)

2012-02-04T09:53:00.000-08:00

Full Length, Unsigned/Independent
March 27th, 2009

Genre: Technical Death Metal
Region: Netherlands

Often there are bands that create high quality, tightly written, skilled music, put out one or two releases and disappear before their music spreads and attains the recognition it deserves. I feel that Led Astray are one of the bands that fit this description so I've decided to male a repost (sort of) of this bands only material: their demo Denying the Inevitable and their only full length record In Ways Unforeseen; the latter is the primary focus of this post however. Virtually unknown but incredibly impressive and exemplary of the style of technical death metal that crushes and shreds evading soulless wankery.

In Ways Unforeseen is an album that I cannot praise enough. When I first heard it I was overwhelmed by both the complexity of the skill and writing on display as well as the simplicity of it's direction and style, their ability to blend thrash elements with technical death metal seamlessly in a refreshing way alongside the philosophical lyrical concepts and excellent production.

While clearly tech death there is a strong melodic element injected into the majority of songs. The riffs on display are of such a high quality, carefully thought out and dense with great attention to detail and structure; this is all covered in a subtle otherworldly atmosphere. The relentless thrash side spikes to a blinding pace with venomous technical riffs suddenly giving way to a more dissonant set of chords, only to fall back onto more breakneck tremolo madness, giant palm-muted gallops or bouncy, serpentine hammer-ons.

Moments of furious alternate picking are unbelievable and numerous, as are the thick powerchords that accent them perfectly among limited use of pinched harmonics. A few times things slow down (usually near the end of a track) to a chunky set of powerchords that are undeniably heavy. Only one solo including a sweep appears in the course of this record (on Be The Seeker) and it is short but effective; instead the majority of In Ways Unforeseen is focused on the strong rhythms that plow over you without pause.

The vocals range from guttural murmurs, beastly roars, brutal death metal squeals, and harsh raspy screams. Drumming is all over the place with double kick blasts and crashing symbol play, never getting to Cryptopsy levels of creativity but providing a solid foundation for all the other elements. Bass lines peak out every so often, occasionally a quiet moment where every instrument drops out leaving the bass on its lonesome is heard. Lyrics surround existential themes and astral considerations fitting the complex nature of the album well.

When it comes to the 2005 Demo, you can hear when comparing the two there was a huge amount of growth between the years both albums were recorded. One song from the demo appears on the full length (Moral Perception) and serves as a good point of comparison, especially in terms of production; admittedly though due to the production the bass lines are far more audible. The demo is no slouch and contains five other excellent tracks that display the same unique and powerful style found on In Ways Unforeseen: thick, technical and thrashy riffs that have a melodic flair without compromising the brutality.

I highly recommend both of these records for any fans of death metal. It's a 40 minute masterpiece. CD copies used to be sold on their official site but unfortunately the site is no more since they split, so I'm not sure where you can pick it up. If you can find it though grab that shit immediately. One of my favorite albums of 2009 and the last decade.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)

Bonus: Denying the Inevitable DEMO (2005)

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)

Pharaoh - Be Gone (2008)

2012-02-04T07:47:00.000-08:00

Full Length, Cruz Del Sur Music
April 24th, 2008

Genre: Power Metal/Heavy Metal
Region: USA

You guys may have noticed that absolutely no power metal has been posted on Equivoke (much to the relief of most of you I suspect). I'm sure if there have ever been any purists, elitists, strict old-schoolers, etc. that have stumbled upon this blog they were probably irritated by the lack of trueness and left quickly to do write up on how hipsters are ruining metal.

First: this isn't a post to appease cunts like that. Second: truthfully I was never a huge fan of power metal. I always found it to be far too cheesy and filled with pseudo-epic wank, and while I like bands such as Falconer, Blind Guardian, Iced Earth and Sabaton I do not listen to the genre much nor do I enjoy it nearly as much as other genres. Pharaoh (like Falconer) are a band in the genre I've always had a soft spot for though.

As on previous releases the writing is very solid and complex on Be Gone. Lyrical themes run the gamut of fantasy and war situations and there are some excellent technical, melodic and memorable riffs and brilliant solos spread throughout with a healthy dose of restraint on their skills, so as to not fall into overblown wank. A quality that is much appreciated. The amount of cheese is minimal (no keyboards), the vocals are raspy while retaining the Iron Maiden-esque style, production is great, etc. Be Gone is an impressive entry in a genre that is often neglected, managing to retain the key elements while injecting some new life into the style with great results.

This is one of those posts that will probably be very unpopular based on the genre alone but I'd encourage you to give Be Gone a spin. You can listen to it in full on bandcamp. Pharaoh have put out some quality shit, and they have a new album out in a few weeks titled Bury The Light which is one reason I was prompted to post this up. You can pick this up over at the label's page if you like what you hear.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)

Obolus - Lament (2012)

2012-02-03T04:15:00.000-08:00

EP, Flenser Records
February 1st, 2012

Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal
Region: USA

So the gentlemen over at The Flenser have just made the first EP from newcomers Obolus available for free for a limited time. Their 2011 demo was very promising and for those who were waiting for the next release you won't be disappointed.

Opening with the sound of rainfall and sprinkling these samples throughout the 20 minute crawl, soaring mournful atmospherics are what you'll encounter in Lament. Building on the strong foundations of their demo and pushing the screaming guitars and drum blasts alongside spectral shrieks to extreme levels before settling down for a slower, depressive journey. Brief moments of shaky clean riffs evoke dark and misty mountain ranges and abandoned, haunted cabins long neglected.

Lament then can shift to rawer levels of black metal as well as the riffs conjure storms of pain and grief, pummeling the listener with relentless barrages of percussion, subtle keys and animalistic screams. Darkly melodic and smothered in foggy sadness it is a great progression of their style.

As with the demo, Lament's approach to the genre is to concentrate the hazey, damp ritual of modern black metal into far shorter songs than is the norm without losing any impact and indeed sometimes increasing it.

Highly recommended. A powerful, focused and sorrow filled release sure to be one to creep into the top of many fans' lists this year. The vinyl release will be coming up soon so keep watching The Flenser for news on it's arrival, until then listen to this wicked record on Obolus' bandcamp and download it for free.

DOWNLOAD (Bandcamp) LIMITED TIME!
DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)

Witch In Her Tomb - Witch In Her Tomb (2012)

2012-02-02T00:06:00.001-08:00

Some really dirty, really crusty black metal. Crunchy guitars, soaring, reverb-drenched screams...Great stuff.

Artist: Witch In Her Tomb

Album: Witch In Her Tomb

Genre: Black Metal

Download (Bandcamp)

Sutekh Hexen - Luciform (2011)

2012-01-30T22:53:00.000-08:00

Full Length, Wands
August 2nd, 2011

Genre: Black Metal/Noise/Ambient
Region: USA

I only just got around to listening to this and kind of regret waiting as long as I did. They have a new record coming out in the next month called "Larvae" so I figured I better get on this.

Luciform is a harsh and noisy animal. It seems though young, Sutekh Hexen have a masterful ability to mix orthodox styles of raw black metal with absolutely bleak noise and frightening ambiance to conjure up something unique and challenging. Sharp screeching and wailing mixes with the fuzzy, quick riffs and drumming with a few short but haunting ambient breaks to relieve you from the relentless onslaught of terrifying furor.

It may require a few listens to grasp the wicked riffs and subtle melodic touches beneath the dark, jarring static and noise that this album revels in but once you do you uncover a ferocious storm of chaotic black metal. It's short but concentrated, blasts that are unnerving but manage to retain an identifiable structure despite the initially overwhelming waves of chaos.

This record is already in its second pressing over at the Wands shop and you can get it at Nuclear War Now! as well so I suggest grabbing a copy when you can. Highly recommended for fans of strange and harsh sounds.

DOWNLOAD (Medaifire)

Dodecahedron - Dodecahedron (2012)

2012-01-26T21:19:00.000-08:00

Full Length, Season of Mist
January 20th, 2012

Genre: Avantgarde Black Metal/Death Metal
Region: Netherlands

Dodecahedron were brought to my attention by Haxan over at Forever Cursed a week back so much thanks to him and his keen ears for this one.

These guys are a new and twisted group entering an unexplored space between black metal like Deathspell Omega and to bleak death metal like Ulcerate, creating some wonderfully angular, dissonant, dark music that certainly stands out from even those creepy bands with their fresh and intriguing atmospheric avantgarde-ish alien approach.

It's a hard one to describe as there's a lot going on in this record but it never feels crowded or awkward despite the various directions it takes. Creeping, discordant riffs dipped in thick ethereal atmospherics, sometimes slow like Ulcerate's most recent offering and sometimes on the fast/technical end like Gigan, Baring Teeth, and Flourishing. The bass grooves take a very pronounced approach playing off the guitars and often spinning their own path through the chaos created by pummeling percussion, while the vocal utterances hit raspy death growl levels with some elements of alienesque phaser distortions at times.

There's a spacey, cavernous vibe that cloaks this record. It can almost be called frightening at points as it stretches its slender tendrils out and grasps you coldly, injecting gulfs of swelling ambiance amongst the harsh black and death metal riffs; or even subtly melodic in the latter half of the album. This is especially true of the final three tracks which could be considered one long, winding song. Truly something epic is shown here.

Dodecahedron bring a disturbing, cloudy batch of tracks in their first effort. Extremely solid and unique, one of the first big surprises of 2012. You can listen to this in full over on their official page which is also where you can buy the cd or preorder the vinyl version (or you can get it from the label).

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)

Vale of Miscreation - Emergence Within the Corridor of Unholy Lacerations (2007)

2012-01-26T20:18:00.000-08:00

Full Length, Dead World Syndicate Records
2007

Genre: Technical Death Metal/Brutal Death Metal
Region: USA

I don't know where these guys went, if they're still active and working on new material in some festering crypt somewhere but this one and only album makes me wish they'd get on that shit.

Right off the bat lets get something out of the way: the production here is sorely lacking. Some will say that it just adds to the brutality this behemoth oozes which is fine but I would still like to have the guitars and drums higher in the mix. Having acknowledged that, Emergence Within the Corridor of Unholy Lacerations is a rapid fire, relentless wall of chaotic technicality and unfettered brutal slams I feel was lost under the piles of brutal death bands that exist today.

Clocking in at just over 20 minutes it's a short ride but one I wouldn't pass on. The vocals are very much akin to Phleg from Wormed/Human Mincer, Antti from Demilich, or the various vocalists Disgorge (USA) has housed: bubbling, gurgled, undecipherable and truly vile. Guitars swing from intense slams to mind-fuck sweeps perfectly with short bursts of alternate picking between them and man does it rule. Drumming and bass lines are just as technical reaching incredible speeds, causing one to break a sweat just listening.

A veritably unknown record that I feel deserves some attention from death metal fans, certainly those who enjoy Wormed, Human Mincer, Disgorge, Vomit the Soul, Embryonic Depravity, etc. I'm not sure if this is available directly from the band or label but if you can find it pick it up.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)

Inveracity - Extermination of Millions (2007)

2012-01-26T19:49:00.000-08:00

Full Length, Unique Leader Records
April 24th, 2007

Genre: Technical Death Metal/Brutal Death Metal
Region: Greece

Extermination of Millions — what a vicious and dense record of brutal and technical death metal. It has a shit ton of replay value. Inveracity obviously take a lot of influence from Suffocation but what brutal or tech death band doesn't to some degree?

The songs on this album are impressive, a testament to tight skills and excellent writing ability. They clearly know how to play the shit out of their instruments but resist the all too common temptation to let that slide into soulless wank territory. Always at a breakneck pace with only two or three slow sections, everything here is geared towards focused and precise sonic dismemberment.

Eleven tracks that rarely hit the 3 minute mark but are packed so full of sharp and face shredding riffs that it will surely knock you on your ass within the first three. I've had this in my library for a while and always come back to it due to the perfect mix of technical alternate picked riffs, deeply satisfying powerchords alongside well placed pinched harmonics and a vocalist with an unholy growl. The bass gets lost in the mix but the double kicks will blast you into the ground, and when there is a slam it's absolutely killer and will kick your balls up into your throat.

I really recommend this shit. I have a hard time picking a favorite track as they all are equally devastating and jaw dropping. Extermination of Millions is a perfect balance between blistering technicality and ugly slamming brutality, quite a sick and memorable chunk of death metal well worth your support so pick it up over at the Unique Leader store.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)

Bad Life - The Day You Die (2011)

2012-01-26T04:16:00.000-08:00

Full Length, Music Ruins Lives
October 11th, 2011

Genre: Experimental/Post-Punk/Shoegaze
Region: USA

More weird and gloomy DIY hipster experimental shit that I was made aware of recently. From Music Ruins Lives:

"Every day blurs the same. The lines under your eyes are a map of your mistakes. The day you die, nothing changes. Bad Life is a procession of every half-heard sound that ever seeped through heat-cracked walls distorted. The Day You Die is eleven death rattles as rallying cries, grinding against the walls of this world."

Less bizarre and experimental than Wreck And Reference but still falling within that sound for the most part, Bad Life bring elements of doom, post-punk, shoegaze and pop together to create some strange but accessible experimental tunes. The vocals at times remind me of The Cure or The Killers with a clean, shaky, gloomy droning tone and this is put alongside the mix of sparkling synths, midi elements, sometimes shoegaze/sometimes doomy riffs bringing the depressive feeling even further into focus.

It's a distinctive sound and can be a little jarring at first but as is the case with this genre-splitting style as you continue listening it becomes less grating and more hypnotizing, with most songs not sounding to similar to each other. It's dark, warped and quirky but at the same time deceptively easy to grasp. A weird mix that works surprisingly well without becoming tired.

Definitely a sleeper of 2011. Highly recommended for fans of Wreck And Reference, Have A Nice Life, Swans, Hateful Abandon, etc. The final track of the album is not available online so you should pick up the cd from Music Ruins Lives. You can however hear the rest of the album on the label's bandcamp, and the rest of their material on Bad Life's bandcamp. Follow them over here.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)

Amenra / Oathbreaker - Bretheren Bound By Blood Split (2011)

2012-01-26T03:17:00.000-08:00

Split, Self-released / Church of Ra
May 15th, 2011

Genre: Atmospheric Sludge / Hardcore/Metalcore
Region: Belgium

A big thanks to the guys over at The Elementary Revolt for putting this up. I didn't get a chance to rip this and before I got it I was scouring the internet for a link even before that. Two excellent bands with one offering each.

This is the third split in the Bretheren Bound By Blood series and what a perfect pairing. Amenra's side is the first half of the first track from the spellbinding 23.10 Live DVD they released not long ago, and the rendition of Shapeless Pain here is possibly more destructive and heavy than the album version.

Amenra are unparalleled in their creation of soul crushing darkness and pain. It may only be the first 5 minutes of the song but it's simply incredible and if you don't believe me just fucking watch the full version:

Buy that DVD guys. It's impressive without a doubt.

The second side is a track from Oathbreaker who last year unleashed their first full length Maelstrom. This was not on their demo or full length but is well worth hearing as it's a wicked storm of pissed hardcore with that Converge-ish tone with a few slower moments. Great riffs and Caro's vocals are absolutely terrific, she kills it both when clean and screaming.

Get this now. It's a perfect split.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)

Black Monolith - Demo EP (2011)

2012-01-26T02:23:00.000-08:00

Demo, Self-released / Independent
May 7th, 2011

Genre: Crust/Blackened Hardcore/Hardcore
Region: USA

A short demo from Black Monolith, but a fierce and beastly one at that.

Powerful and dark. Bristling with copious amounts of thrashy blackened hardcore throughout the 3 tracks, twangy riffs and frantic drumming, and a dude with a wicked rasp spitting over them. The last track begins a lot more slowly and with a darker tone, an angry chick laughing mockingly before the more substantial dissonant and crushing leads kick in. This gives way to more of what you heard in the first two tracks: addictive crusty powerchords, fast paced drums and hoarse yells.

This is a solid effort that leaves you wanting more, and I do hope they're working on full length. Highly recommended especially for those who love Young and In The Way. Up for free on bandcamp and follow their blog over here.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Bandcamp)

The Twilight Sad - Fourteen Autumns & Fifteen Winters (2007)

2012-01-26T01:56:00.000-08:00

Full Length, Fat Cat
April 3rd, 2007

Genre: Shoegaze/Indie
Region: Scotland

This might not go over well with everyone here (though we seem to have a pretty well rounded following) but fuck it. The Twilight Sad are excellent, they have a new album coming out soon and I'm seeing them live at the end of February.

Fourteen Autumns & Fifteen Winters is a very warm and full album overall with a sad atmosphere draped over the majority of tracks. Dreamy and some what depressive. Not exactly full-on shoegaze or noise rock/indie rock but the elements are certainly there.

I love the thick Scottish accent from the vocalist and the vast amounts of reverb and noise behind him from the guitars which are very bright, whining and twinkling over the thick bass lines and the strong drumming which is supporting everything proudly. The lyrics are excellent if you can pick them up through that accent. I find myself repeating them in an admittedly awful version of his accent but it's very addictive and comforting, especially the cadence he uses. Subtle use of keyboard and accordion at points adds greatly to the unique feel of the record without being forced or cheesy.

Definitely my favorite of their releases. You can pick this up at Fat Cat's webstore in cd and vinyl form, and I highly recommend you do so. Follow them on their site.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)

WOW WOW WOW THEY DON'T GIVE UP

2012-01-25T21:45:00.001-08:00

Lento - Icon || Mini-Review / Re-Post

2012-01-25T11:32:00.000-08:00

Icon is a very special album. There's so much that's so fucking good on this album that's it's hard to absorb it all in one or two listens. The album gets exponentially better with each listen. It demands your attention. The riffs grow on you like a thick, heavy moss. They weigh you down. The ambient interludes that the band chose to include are 100% needed. Icon is absolutely fucking relentless.

Icon is quickly rising to the very top of my list for favourite sludge album and if you haven't heard it or have forgotten about it, I urge you to check it out or re-visit it.

Here it is in mp3 format, 320kbps.

Will post .FLAC and .ALAC once I get a CD copy.

Download (Mediafire)

P.S. dat cymbal ducking.

The Links Are Dead But We Are Not

2012-01-23T17:25:00.000-08:00

As you may have noticed many mediafire links here and elsewhere are down (most of the high traffic links) and big blogs are dropping all over the place so I felt that an update was appropriate.

We will not be replacing the links that are dead as, for me personally, I'm pretty busy as it is and the amount that are down are too numerous for me to search out and replace. There are posts that get less traffic that have the links up for now (but I can't say they'll stay like that for long) and the bandcamp links obviously still work.

However we are not dead. Equivoke will be taking example from JGD at The Living Doorway and continue hosting, reviewing, supporting, and promoting albums and bands (requests or not) until it's just no longer possible.

Equivoke is small relative to other popular music blogs out there so it's not a huge blow to the music sharing community if we disappear, but I and others here enjoy doing this and want to continue. Maybe if Sagi and others want to turn this into something else when that happens (maybe something like the guys over at HSS have done) we'll do that but for now we're keeping shit alive.

Enjoy it while it lasts and thanks for reading our posts, supporting the bands, and following our blog guys!

EDIT:

Just wanted to add a little info on what's happening to the file sharing sites, according to Finsternis (and various tech news sites) who just recently declared they're shutting their blog down due to the link purging that fellow blogs such as The Elementary Revolt, Coffinpslams, The Living Doorway, Forever Cursed, I Don't Care About Sleep, and many others are reeling from. No word on rapidshare (they're claiming to be completely legal) or Zshare at the moment but I'm sure they're soon to follow.

From Finsternis:

The Aftermath of MegaUpload takedown →

- MegaUpload - Closed.
- FileServe - Closing does not sell premium.
- FileJungle - Deleting files. Locked in the U.S..
- UploadStation - Locked in the U.S..
- FileSonic - the news is arbitrary (under FBI investigation).
- VideoBB - Closed! would disappear soon.
- Uploaded - Banned U.S. and the FBI went after the owners who are gone.
- FilePost - Deleting all material (so will leave executables, pdfs, txts)
- Videoz - closed and locked in the countries affiliated with the USA.
- 4shared - Deleting files with copyright and waits in line at the FBI.
- MediaFire - Called to testify in the next 90 days and it will open doors pro FBI
-Org torrent - could vanish with everything within 30 days "he is under criminal investigation"
- Network Share mIRC - awaiting the decision of the case to continue or terminate Torrente

Alda - : Tahoma : (2011)

2012-01-20T20:52:00.000-08:00

Full Length, Eternal Warfare
January 9th, 2011

Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal
Region: USA

This is one that I sadly missed last year. I had heard Alda's previous 2009 self-titled album and while it was a decent effort I felt that there was certainly some room for improvement. With Tahoma I can say that they have clearly grown and stepped up their game tremendously.

Falling into the "cascadian" atmospheric black metal scene with a slightly folky twist one might compare to the Canadian Skagos, however Alda manage to set themselves apart by crafting Tahoma: a soulful and majestic record from beginning to end. Offering 5 tracks which have moments of tranquil acoustic guitar, soft and clean singing (as well as other stringed instruments and an accordion at one point I believe) between the howling vocals, tribal drumming, and frigid yet beautiful tremolo waves that wash over you all throughout this journey.

Overall Tahoma is paced and arranged superbly, the calm or clean moments strike you just as hard as the harsher elements do creating a wonderful balance. It opens with a beautiful acoustic passage and closes with a dark and chilling ambiance, and spread throughout is the occasional sample of the ocean or of native chants and crackling fire which do much to thicken the already very dense cascadian atmosphere.

A killer record that will place you directly into the vast wilderness. Many have probably overlooked this one but it is an excellent release worthy of attention and highly recommended. Tahoma will be especially interesting for those of you who are into Ash Borer, Skagos, early Panopitcon, and Wolves in the Throne Room.

You can pick up the cassette over at Eternal Warfare once they have restocked it, or you may still be able to get one over at Singularity Publishing.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)

Numb - Numb (2011)

2012-01-20T20:04:00.000-08:00

EP, Unsigned
March 1st, 2011

Genre: Hardcore/Grindcore
Region: USA

Pretty savage release with a dark and sludgey edge. It's a self-titled EP with 14 slamming tracks composed of some serious grooves and conservative use of evil, heavy and ugly breakdowns laced with some cold dissonance when they're not hitting blast territory. I think these guys use crushing breakdowns and slams perfectly — placing them in a calculated manner amongst the blistering riffs, making them shift smoothly into dissonance and creating a huge and devastating sound for the brief moments they rear their head. A great example would be in Bloody Fingers about 1:17 minutes in, afterwards picking up the pace briefly before it trudges to the finish line. Man is that some heavy stuff.

A very nice tone on the guitar, and satisfyingly low especially with the occasional bouts of clean intermissions in songs, which can bring it all down to a creepy almost doom or sludge level (as Psalm shows), or be more bouncy (like in Fading Lights) before ratcheting up the intensity again. Vicious vocals that hit both terrifying low growls and angry rasps over-top of the explosive percussion and sometimes crawling/sometimes ripping leads makes for a slamming good time.

Quite a powerful and draining record from this little-known three piece. You can download the whole thing for free on bandcamp.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)

Fall For Your Creation

2012-01-19T15:52:00.000-08:00

Despite the fact that SOPA was temporarily stopped, Megaupload was shut down recently and it is very possible that other file-sharing sites like Mediafire, Zshare, Rapidshare, RGhost, etc. will be next.

While this may be overly dramatic and we still have (and probably will always have) some alternatives, blogs like ours might being having a slightly tougher time as these events unfold. Even if we start using alternatives don't be surprised if they get taken out in the near future. Most of our Mediafire links should be up for now.

On the topic of SOPA/PIPA, I would like to direct you to the great Maddox's most recent article as it suggests some important and obvious steps those of you who live in USA (and even international people) can take to not just stop shitty bills like SOPA/PIPA but actually bring about systemic change which will be significant. This is something far more important and which has been needed for a very long time.

"SOPA is the "Stop Online Piracy Act." It's a shitty piece of legislation put together by puppetmaster lobbyists and politician puppets who don't know IP addresses from their assholes. My problem with this huge online protest againstSOPA, and the reason I rarely take part in such protests, is because it doesn't address any problems, only the symptom. The problem isn't this shitty bill, it's the people who sponsored it. So we protest thisbill today, bang enough pots and pans to shame a few backers into not letting this bill pass, then what? Those same dipshits who wrote this legislation still have jobs. They're going to try again, and again, andagain until some mutation of this legislation passes. They'll sneak it into an appropriation bill while nobody's looking during recess, because there's too much lobbyist money at stake for them not to. We defeat SOPA today, only toface it again tomorrow. It's like trying to stop a cold by blowing your nose. It's time we go after the virus.

There have been many bills attempted (and some passed) like SOPA before it. There's the DMCA act of 1998, PRO-IP Act of 2008, the 2011 Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement, and now the PROTECT IP Act of 2012. Think this victory meansanything? A new bill gets introduced every year or two like clockwork. Check back in a few years, and there'll be another SOPA or Protect IP Act being squeezed down the lower intestinal tracts of congress. And then what? Weblack out our websites again like a merry band of idiots?"

— MADDOX

He has a list of companies that support shit like SOPA/PIPA as well as ways to contact them to voice discontent. I understand that you guys only come here for the music and posts like these are getting tiresome. Still, do what you can.

We'll still be posting. I've been busy but I'll have a few posts up in the next couple of days.

Thank you.

TotorRo - All Glory to John Baltor (2011)

2012-01-08T18:26:00.000-08:00

Artist: Totoro
Album: All Glory to John Baltor

Genre: Post-Rock / Post-Metal

This is some of the best-sounding post-rock I have heard in ages. Unbelievable drum, bass, and guitar tone. The production is incredibly wet and downright pleasing to the ears. The riffs are excellent - this is like combining the best of Year of No Light, Russian Circles, and Light Bearer. Absolutely gorgeous.

Listen to it on bandcamp, support them at Tokyo Jupiter Records.

Download (Mediafire)

ZOM - Demo (2011)

2012-01-08T15:21:00.000-08:00

Demo, Invictus Productions
December 29th, 2011

Genre: Black/Death Metal
Region: Ireland

Coming from the depths of Ireland is a new death metal act by the name of ZOM, and what a great demo they've unleashed. It treads the oldschool ground that Beherit, Archgoat, Morbid Angel, early Death, and Possessed once tread but with a few twists to keep it fresh and gripping.

ZOM's demo contains echoing rasps over thrashy blackened riffs moving at a frantic pace which flip to powerfully groovy, dark hooks that break up the former expertly. Each track ends with a spiraling, foreboding sample that heightens the grim atmosphere and prepares you for another volley of delicious orthodox death metal

Fans of the oldschool and stuff like Katharsis, Ritual Necromancy, Grave Ritual, etc. will be interested in this. The tape released by Invictus Productions is completely sold out but can be heard over here.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Obolus - Demo (2011)

2012-01-08T14:34:00.000-08:00

Demo, Sunyata Recordings
November 11th, 2011

Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal
Region: USA

A very short but promising 2 track demo from this young band.

Obolus play a familiar style of atmospheric black metal and very well too, something akin to Ash Borer and Fell Voices but in a very distilled format. The tracks here barely reach the 4 minute mark but manage to embody all the sorrow and intensity that a 15-20 minute track would. Bleak and melancholic, a very simple and effective formula on display.

You can listen to this demo over at their bandcamp page. They also have a new full length called "Desolation" coming out soon, a new track was sent up for streaming at Cvlt Nation not long ago (download it here) so keep your eyes peeled for news on that as it will surely be an interesting release. You can pick this up over here or at Sunyata Recordings when it's pressed on cassette later this year.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Teitanblood - Purging Tongues (2011)

2012-01-08T13:29:00.000-08:00

EP, Norma Evangelium Diaboli
December 21st, 2011

Genre: Black/Death Metal
Region: Spain

Post #400! Big thanks to my friend Haxan over at Forever Cursed for the link on this one, saving me some work once my copy arrives.

Who wouldn't want new shit from Teitanblood? This is a single 15 minute track of horrendous, writhing, putrid, pitch black death metal from these Spanish sorcerers. Heavily distorted, frightening and dark in all aspects with plenty of angry and ominous Spanish ranting about the apocalypse strewn throughout the disturbing chaos of swirling riffs and incredibly muddy production.

Teitanblood has truly carved out something worthy of following their insane Seven Chalices debut with enough blinding, searing fury to turn your face to ash and leave you in a crumbled, burnt mound. Unparalleled in their dedication to raw filth.

Ugly shit. Pick it up directly from Norma Evangelium Diaboli or from The Ajna Offensive on vinyl, cd will be out later this year. Do it.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)

Enemies List Home Recordings - Santa Is Real (2012)

2012-01-08T11:13:00.000-08:00

Full Length, Enemies List Home Recordings
January 7th, 2012

Genre: Industrial/Shoegaze/Post-Punk/Pop/Electronic/Noise
Region: USA

"For the first time ever, the misanthropes and bedroom weirdos of ENEMIES LIST HOME RECORDINGS have banded together to celebrate the disappearance of the sun from the skies of New England with a completely free digital release featuring disturbing and turgid meditations on holiday gloom." - Enemies List Home Recordings

I was waiting for this. The only Christmas album worthy of spreading around.

The strange dudes over at Enemies List Home Recordings have composed 9 tracks for this album, 4 covers and 5 originals that read as follows:

1. Guggenheim Wax Museum – HAVE A NICE LIFE
2. Marches – Sleep In
3. The Icon and The Axe (HAVE A NICE LIFE Cover) – Giles Corey
4. Basic – HAVE A NICE LIFE
5. Way Down In The Hole (Tom Waits Cover) – The Flowers of Saint Francis
6. TALK AGAIN – Sleep In
7. A World Well Lost – America Addio
8. All Teeth (Afterlives Cover) – HAVE A NICE LIFE
9. Just Like Christmas (Low Cover) – Giles Corey

Yeah that's right: among the greatness there's 2 new Have A Nice Life tracks plus a Afterlives cover, a Have A Nice Life cover and Low cover by Giles Corey, and a Tom Waits cover by Tim's noise project The Flowers of Saint Francis. Those two Giles Corey covers man — wow. New Have A Nice Life is excellent and a perfect gift for the holidays, and everything else is just a tasty bonus for any ELHR fan.

They put this up for free and only ask in return that if you can, donate to the Enough Project. Enjoy and support ELHR however you can.

DOWNLOAD (Direct via ELHR)

Circle of Ouroborus - Armon Keitaalla (2011)

2012-01-05T15:16:00.000-08:00

Demo, Kuunpalvelus /Versets Noirs
October 31st, 2011

Genre: Black Metal
Region: Finland

More Circle of Ouroborus! There's a cassette rip of this floating around but this is the vinyl version that was just released by Kuunpalvelus.

Armon Keitaalla is a 14 track demo of more traditional styled black metal which Circle of Ouroborus has touched on in earlier releases in their discography. It's still strange, very lo-fi and lots of bendy riffs that have a similar unique groove found on Eleven Fingers and their Moonflares split with far less post-punk/shoegazey touches and virtually no clean vocals, while still retaining that cold, dreamy and isolated air. At times its distorted and blanketed in soft atmospheric chords and soaring leads while in others its more upbeat and bouncy, hitting a faster tempo with sharp tremolo riffs.

Highly recommended, this is some excellent material. If you didn't like the post-punk elements of Eleven Fingers then this may be far more interesting to you. This is another one that should've made it on my "best of" list. The cassette set is sold out but the vinyl was just released and is available over at Kuunpalvelus (site is temporarily down) and Versets Noirs.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Wreck And Reference - Black Cassette (2011)

2012-01-04T22:56:00.000-08:00

EP, Flenser Records / Music Ruins Lives
February 25, 2011

Genre: Experimental/Electronic Doom/Noise/Industrial/Post-Punk
Region: USA

Here's one of those 2011 releases that I didn't listen to soon enough but had heard of vaguely throughout the year.

Wreck and Reference are a hard one to place and describe. The Flenser describes them as "pure misanthropic electronic doom". They're clearly influenced by the likes of Big Black and Swans to some degree, and I would even compare them to Have A Nice Life and The Angelic Process in some sense. Lo-fi, noisy, DIY basement/bedroom industrial doomgaze pop? Sounds idiotic and contrived but Black Cassette is definitely a unique and challenging record which really can't be boxed in by genres. One of those love or hate releases.

Vocals are what I noticed right away, clean and a little off key with that Dan Barrett style of singing from your heart, and there are very short sections where he reaches a yell you might hear in hardcore or screamo. Lyrics are focused on the "darker components of existentialist philosophy including the non-existence of god and fated death." From what I can glean from other sources the only other elements used outside of vocals are live drums and an MPC which other than samples takes the place of a guitar and bass, and to be honest until I read up on it I almost couldn't tell it wasn't a guitar/bass. It's used exceedingly well throughout the record to conjure a bleary, despair-filled atmosphere. Drums range from slow and sludgy to jazzy to a hardcore/black metal pace, doing a great job of throwing you off before laying a nice foundation to the gloom.

There are some interesting sounds to be heard here and a big dose of atmosphere to be enveloped in. Black Cassette has very ethereal and melodic moments interlaced with the heavier machine-like trudging. "Surrendering" starts off quiet with what you would swear was a bass with creaking samples behind it, eventually squirming into a dense and noisey haze with a wicked warped synth section. Melodic, intense and depressive.

"In Chains, Awakening" throws you for a loop with a fast drum section that moves into a satisfying bassy, distorted groove that grows, getting louder and louder as the drums pound and the vocals dive below the noise. "Evening Redness" starts of twangy and sludgy with pained yells and ends with a bouncy coda heavily affected by the volume nob and some ace drumming. Halfway through "Desire, Ether" a huge switch to a psychedelic and very heavy industrial doom sound is made, very gloomy and dark. All the way through its strange knowing what you hear is not a guitar though some moments do jar you just enough to question it.

I think Wreck And Reference show great promise and have laid down something strange and bold here. This definitely isn't for everyone but I certainly suggest giving it a try. It's grown on me immensely. Those who like Have A Nice Life, Swans, Big Black, Mamaleek, etc. should take a chance on Black Cassette. You can get a copy on vinyl over at The Flenser and you can download it for free on bandcamp.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Embryonic Depravity - Constrained by the Miscarriage of Conquest (2009)

2012-01-04T20:11:00.000-08:00

Full Length, Permeated Records
October, 2009

Genre: Brutal Death Metal
Region: UK

I don't post much brutal death metal so I thought it would be a nice break from the more common genres found here. Admittedly I used to listen to teh slamz a lot more in previous years but until the new Wormed album is unleashed I can't see myself listening to much outside of the classics I enjoy already (Defeated Sanity, Disgorge, Human Mincer, Inveracity, Wormed, etc.); unless something unique like Proteus rears its head.

Embryonic Depravity were a short lived and hideous monster from the UK but holy fuck did they unearth something ridiculous here before they split up. I definitely wouldn't say its entirely original but who cares? This is some extremely well executed brutal death metal all around.

Constrained by the Miscarriage of Conquest is a 26 minute orgy of some wicked slams, stop-starty technical riffs, tasty pinched harmonics, ugly bends, machine gun drumming, and ear melting guttural vocals. There's some great use of sweeps here stuck between the huge crushing leads without them becoming the focal point or cheesing it up, and the reliance on breakdowns is largely avoided while maintaining a healthy dose of slams. The breakdowns that do appear are crunchy and heavy bridges between the frantic deformed riffs and gallops. The final track slows it down a little bit with crawling palm-muted powerchords and fades into a creepy atmospheric sample.

If you enjoy shit like Vomit The Soul, Human Mincer, Wormed, etc. then I recommend getting this. I think you can still pick up a copy over at Permeated Records.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Children of Maani - The Veil of Osiris (1998)

2012-01-04T19:22:00.000-08:00

EP, Velvet Music International
1998

Genre: Black Metal
Region: France

I've been meaning to get this up here for a while. This is a true gem brought to you by Vindsval, the man behind that jarring blackened mass Blut Aus Nord. I actually enjoy this more than any full album by Blut Aus Nord honestly. Do not judge this album by the cover art alone as you would be making a serious mistake and end up passing over a fantastic, little known EP by this defunct side project.

The Veil of Osiris is four tracks of melodic black metal bursting with absolutely creative, powerful writing and musicianship in all aspects: solos that are truly epic and memorable without sweeping wankery, snaking and soaring riffs in a unique guitar tone, face blasting drumming, a big low end, subtle use of keys, and a vocal style shifting from occasional gravelly roars to strained rasps/screams.

"Tradition: The Birth" sets the pace perfectly with quick repeating serpentine tremolo riffs that build to a short bridge and the first excellent solo: technical and graceful with a rhythm section accompanying it that is just as strong. This is the basic formula followed throughout the EP and it gets progressively better each song. There are moments of slow and chunky riffs as shown in the next track immediately which shows off the tamer melodic side, before dropping into blast beats and more quick winding riffs, a short ambient section and then ending with another shredding solo.

The final two tracks are by far my favorites. "Tiphareth" shows off the perfect balance between fury and melody with ugly vocals over the harmonious guitars and a touch of keyboards. At 2:20 the best solo on the album kicks in. It's damn beautiful, with a crushing rhythm underneath — when the tapping starts I get chills. This is the section that sticks out in my mind when I recall this album. A brief bridge follows but the final riff is carried from the tail end of the solo.

"My Birth" does not have a solo and is the slowest on the album but again displays a perfect combination of all elements. The two primary riffs here are disgustingly addictive and extend throughout the song, probably the best riffs on the album. The two guitars are playing almost identically but with a slight variation sometimes. Once these pass a slower section follows that has a slight keyboard backing reinforcing the melody, it circles itself for a while before hitting those previous sweet riffs again and ends with some slight tapping and a slow fade.

Quite possibly one of the best black metal EPs out there to be honest, holding its ground more than a decade since its release. Crisp, mesmerizing, well written, unique, powerful. How one man pulled this off and dropped it afterwards I just don't understand. I cannot express how addicting this is (I listened to it 3 times while writing this) and I highly recommend it.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Spire - Metamorph (2011)

2012-01-04T17:52:00.000-08:00

EP, Art of Propaganda
November 17th, 2011

Genre: Black Metal/Ambient
Region: Australia

While they don't consider themselves exclusively black metal, Spire definitely reside within its sphere of influence. Their self-titled EP (which you can hear on their bandcamp page) reminded me of Lunar Aurora and Deafest with more emphasis on the ambient elements (like Darkspace), and Metamorph continues with a similar feel. Five tracks which are composed of slow riffs, noteworthy drumming, scratchy moans and howls, and eerie ambiance.

Metamorph opens with a whirling, pulsing hum over muffled radio transmission samples, spilling into the next track which of all the tracks is the most orthodox in its approach to black metal riffing, but having said this it's still swamped in cold ambiance and ends with a buzzing, distroted drone (as most tracks here do). "Larva" contains more crawling atmospheric riffs with a section around 2 minutes in that (very briefly) veers into Thantifaxath territory with a slightly twisted take on the dragging riffs that preceded before returning to the slower pace.

"Parturience" opens with a section that reminds me of a much slower, early Amon Amarth or even early Wolves in the Throne Room. This is carried the full length of the song and has a less spacey, more cascadian feeling to it, and I quite like the drumming here. The last track starts at a faster pace then the previous songs, incorporating occasional blast beats for the first 2 minutes, dropping into a slower section of chords, dry howls and screams with. Icy tremolo riffs and melodic bass lines return with a sad tone, pressing on to the conclusion: silence followed by muffled, echoing booms.

A slow, cold journey. I must say I like their previous effort a little more at points — regardless this is a focused and solid release with some room for growth. If you want a little chilling spacy atmosphere with your black metal without it straying into "hipster" territory I would suggest giving this and their self-titled EP a shot.

You can pick it up here or directly from the band by contacting them here.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Cellgraft - Deception Schematic (2010)

2011-12-31T23:23:00.000-08:00

EP, Self-released / Independent
July, 2010

Genre: Grindcore
Region: USA

Any grind band taking their name from an Insect Warfare track better rip at their level. It would seem Cellgraft does just that, picking up the torch where it had been laid down as the influence of the aforementioned group strikes you like a freight train immediately, and does not let up once.

Like an engine being red-lined into a smoldering mass of steel and oil this shit is a loud, frantic and angry machine — 8 minutes of face-stomping, filthy, intense and tremendously satisfying grindcore. Unrelenting, raw dystopian chaos roars within this EP. No hesitation or meandering, packed with harsh noise and sick, sharp blasting riffs that will knock you on your ass.

Highly recommended for fans of Insect Warfare, GridLink, etc. Pick up the 7" over at No Reprieve. Follow them here.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Lycus - Demo MMXI (2011)

2011-12-22T21:33:00.000-08:00

Demo, Graceless Recordings
May 18th, 2011

Genre: Doom Metal
Region: USA

Three "L" posts in a row.

Fucking awesome doom metal right here. I was tipped off to Lycus many months back but really didn't check them out until fairly recently, I regret not doing so sooner.

This demo is heavy, heavy shit. Monstrous doom that does not drone and wear on the listener, it has purpose and moves elegantly in huge, satisfying swaths of riffs. There are three tracks that hang around the 7-9 minute area, all three do not linger on one riff too long, and while they may be treading familiar ground they manage to add their own strong melodic mark on the genre.

It does not drift aimlessly. This demo has purpose and is tightly directed — a perfect expression of solemn, melancholic, beautiful and cavernous doom carefully paced and well executed. A deep vocal presence bolsters the despondent atmosphere with growls, roars and drawls while a steady down-tempo beat supports the buzzing, boulder splitting melodic guitars. The whole thing has an epic air around it, barely escaping funeral doom territory and remaining interesting. A slumbering giant that has awakened, graceful and doleful, trampling slowly through barren fields on an overcast day.

Much like other engrossing newer doom acts like Anhedonist and older monsters like Asunder this is one I wouldn't pass up. You can download/pay-what-you-want and listen to it on bandcamp, also The Flenser will be releasing it on vinyl soon. I suggest picking it up when they press it since the tape is sold out. A welcome addition to any doom fans collection. Follow them over here too.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Leucosis - Pulling Down The Sky (2011)

2011-12-22T20:35:00.000-08:00

Full Length, Unsigned/Independent
April 2nd, 2011

Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal
Region: USA

This has already been posted quite a few places, such as The Living Doorway (where I originally found it) and Forever Cursed who have done justice to this far better than I can, but it deserves a post here too.

The story behind the album cover (quite uncharacteristic of most atmospheric black metal acts I've run into) is bound to one incredibly unlucky cosmonaut, a haunting and ugly tale. It can be read on the blogs I mentioned above but if you want here's some regurgitation from one of the members of Leucosis as read on TLD:

"The Soviets basically sent this guy into space in a half-finished spacecraft, and he burned up on reentry. The radio noises on Track 2 are his screams as he came crashing down to earth. The crazy part about this guy's story is that pretty much everybody knew the spacecraft was gonna fail, but nobody wanted to take responsibility (they'd get killed, thrown in the gulags, etc). Basically a really fucked situation. The picture on the cover is of the superior officers gazing upon the horrors they were responsible for, perhaps seeing that black mess on the table as something within themselves."

That alone should spark some interest. Leucosis lay down some wicked atmospheric black metal on Pulling Down The Sky, spacey and alien-esque despite the cascadian influences. It's clear they come from that school of black metal but they manage to pull off something quite different. Containing a droney, buzzing intro (and outro) with some eerie chanting setting the mood well, an 8 minute track with howling wolves and an acoustic guitar, and as one tumbles further through the rest of the record the cold, raw, darkly hypnotic passages that build to a oppressive and desolate soundscapes — there is no question that Leucosis have invoked something special while writing this.

Pulling Down The Sky runs through some very depressing territory without becoming played-out and stale, cutting its own path through bleak and tragic sounds in a captivating way. The sounds of hopelessness and uncaring, the desperate moaning of someone who has been running in fear for days, struggling to survive in the isolated corners of a cold and unfamiliar land. A feeling of darkest despair as you gradually run out of oxygen in the freezing capsule of a space station, trapped in the unknown reaches of space as you realize your fate.

Highly recommended for fans of the genre. You can buy it directly from the band here or via email.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Logn - Í fráhvarfi ljóss, myrkrið lifnar við (2011)

2011-12-22T18:48:00.000-08:00

Full Length, Unknown / Independent
November 24th, 2011

Genre: Grindcore
Region: Iceland

"In Icelandic, the word logn is used in reference to a calm weather – peace - lull. The calm veiled a looming threat. A storm is about to ensue."

An ironic definition I would think from the sound of this record. The name of this album in English is "In The Absence Of Light, Darkness Comes To Life", and what we have here is some dark Icelandic grind. I can't say I've heard much metal come out of Iceland but that could just be due to my complete lack of inquiry and exploration regarding the country.

This is a pretty sick album I must say and I would hope Logn gives a good representation of what the scene looks like up there in Iceland — a pleasant surprise in the often neglected request folder. Thirteen tracks flipping back and forth between 50 second rapid fire dirty grindcore and an occasional flurry of slow, crusty hardcore in the form of 5 to 7 minute melodic frolics. Both aspects are pulled of very well, dark and pissed with the slow moments giving off a feeling of brooding sadness (as can be heard in Salt í sárin and Í fráhvarfi ljóss).

A storm of clever, sometimes chaotic and groovy riffs, speedy drumming, pummeling basslines and ear-shredding vocals all throughout. Not revolutionary but I would say it has a definite unique tone in the crowded grind arena, and is an excellent and earth-scorching effort for this young grind act.

A strong and tight performance, well paced and heartfelt. Certainly if you're a fan of Gadget and sweet grind like that I encourage you to check this out as it won't disappoint. Download and listen to it on their bandcamp page, buy it here, and follow them on facebook.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Sanakan's Top 20 Albums of 2011

2011-12-20T14:39:00.000-08:00

Yep, this year I decided to post my picks for 2011. I usually keep my lists confined to my last.fm page and haven’t posted them here in the past but fuck it.

I went with a main top 20 list plus a separate demos + EPs and splits list with less detail — despite the fact that a few EPs show up in my main list. Usually everything from the top 5 stays solidified at their spots the others may go up and down the list occasionally.

2011 was another great year for music, there was so much great shit released by hard working groups and labels that again it was a tough year to make a list. I always feel as though I should wait like a month or two after the new year to make a list like this since I do usually miss an amazing record and regret not putting it on the list. On that note: if I miss something it’s cool if you post a suggestion in the comments, but please try to hold off on the “You forgot _______, not good enough for ya?!” type of comments — you guys have your own lists to do justice to those albums you feel I’ve missed.

Do post suggestions though. I have added a huge Honorable Mentions and More Good Shit list for recommended albums that aren’t in the top 20 but are great. Anything not on that list I didn’t feel like mentioning, haven't heard it or I just missed it.

Enjoy and GFYS.

#20. SubRosa - No Help For The Mighty Ones

Label: Profound Lore Records

Samples:

Whirpoorwill
Beneath the Crown

I still can’t get over how those violins sound like trumpets, and its just so cool. What a great sludge/doom release that I was very surprised by. Majority females in this band with a semi-Neurosis/A Storm of Light aesthetic and sound floating about it, melancholic with a psychedelic flavor sprinkled throughout. Everything about this release feels drugged out: from the fuzzy guitar and bass to the droning clean female vocals and the wavering, droopy violins. It’s mournful and as heavy as your eyelids after downing 10 bottles of NyQuil.

———————————————————————————————————

#19. Ash Borer - Ash Borer

Label: Gilead Media / Profound Lore Records

Sample:

In the Midst of Life, We Are In Death

Ash Borer, alongside Fell Voices, is one of the better new atmospheric black metal acts from the US in recent memory (and one of my favorites). With this self-titled release (their first full length) they have further proven that, and what they offer here is something with a sad beauty rumbling through the cascadian themes. Trance inducing and bursting with drawn-out serpentine riffs that envelope you like an soft earthen cloak, groaning like a tree that has been felled does before it hits the forest floor. This record is so tremendous I have two copies of it. Ash Borer stand out and build expertly on what they’ve created in past releases.

———————————————————————————————————

#18. Corpsessed - The Dagger & The Chalice

Label: Dark Descent Records

Samples:

Altar of Worms
Nameless Cult

This 20 minute EP destroys a lot of full length albums I heard this year. The sound of bones shattering and crackling in a fire pit next to an altar of sacrifice. The Dagger & The Chalice will put you on your heels, it has a smokey, ash-laden atmosphere enveloping the razor sharp riffs which stick in your brain like a hatchet. From the opening wails and squeals of the guitar to the final terrifying blasts and ominous siren Corpsessed have made something formidable here and I have spun it regularly this year.

———————————————————————————————————

#17. False - Untitled

Label: Gilead Media

Samples:

The Key of Passing Suffering
Sleepmaker

Gilead Media — man do they consistently bring the good stuff. This album has a Weakling riff in it (Sleepmaker, 10:04 minutes in = Dead As Dreams, 4 minutes in). That alone pleases me greatly, and I seem to be the only person pointing this out from what I’ve read. I think that some may count this aspect as a slight against it but for a big Weakling fan like me I love it. Putting aside this they don't resemble Weakling at all — they definitely have their own sound. False came out of nowhere with this well refined untitled squall of frostbitten, snarling turmoil encased in a semi-progressive black metal shell. The brief Emperor-esque symphonic touches do not feel cheesy and fit well with the bristling, sometimes melodic leads. My initial impression of this has changed a lot and I enjoy it a great deal more than when I originally posted/reviewed it.

———————————————————————————————————

#16. Ritual Necromancy - Oath of the Abyss

Label: Dark Descent Records

Samples:

Consummating Crypts of Eternity
Cacophonic Dementia

Dark Descent Records have their hands on a shit ton of wicked bands, and Ritual Necromancy are near the top of the pile. A powerful and barbaric assault of death metal with chunky growling guitars crawling from the withered tombs of some ancient, scorched stronghold. Oath of the Abyss slams you in the face with brutal oldschool styled riffs that will stomp you into the ground and you’ll enjoy every second of it. I’ve seen them live, they slay even harder than on record which is a huge accomplishment.

———————————————————————————————————

#15. Gottesmorder - Gottesmorder

Label: Absurd Creature Recordings

Samples:

Winternight
Abyss of Throats

Probably the best request Equivoke has received this year (I’m still sifting through a few of them) and outside of Ash Borer and maybe one or two others is the only atmospheric black metal release that genuinely excited me in 2011. Quality writing is on display here (ala Fell Voices the first Altar of Plagues album) in the form of crawling, frosty whirling riffs, subtle synths and a spacey, ethereal enamel. In the increasingly overcrowded genre this is a crisp and refreshingly bleak twist on it, cathartic and funereal. It’s a short but tasty album and I’m looking forward to how they take it from here.

———————————————————————————————————

#14. Braveyoung - We Are Lonely Animals

Label: The End Records

Samples:

How Each Friend Departed (Thus Do The Gods)
Our Teeth Are Falling Out

This is absolutely beautiful. We Are Lonely Animals is one of the only post-rock releases that I haven’t been disappointed with this year — in fact quite the opposite. I was greatly anticipating what the ex-Giant group would come up with after their EP and what they’ve recorded here is marvelous. Minimalistic, ambient, calm and angelic. The careful use of a variety of instruments adds much to the soft and sad tone of the album. Almost entirely instrumental (one track with minimal, subtle vocals over an acoustic guitar) and probably overlooked by many post-rock fans. A quiet drone embodying solitude.

———————————————————————————————————

#13. Young and In The Way - I Am Not What I Am

Label: Antithetic Records / Swarm of Nails

Samples:

Ascending The White Mountain
They Should Greet Me With Howls of Execration

Young and In The Way is one of the best newer bands out there. These guys are so fucking awesome, spewing out angular, dissonant dark hardcore with a crusty edge relentlessly. Attaining both a vitriolic hate-filled bouncy hardcore sound and an austere piercing atmosphere. This is a band to get on top of if you haven’t already. Lots of feedback and, heavy, twangy riffs and scratchy rasps come together to create something immensely satisfying. One to watch without a doubt.

———————————————————————————————————

#12. Reka - III

Label: OSK Records

Samples:

Renaissance
Expectative

Another album that came out of nowhere and which I had on repeat this year once I discovered it. This is reminiscent of a mash up of Tesa, Amenra and Celeste while still retaining a unique sound. Brilliantly catchy atmospheric sludge/hardcore from a pack of Russian and French dudes. Excellent writing on display here, no boring or overly drawn-out generic post-metal moments and they’re quite conservative with the effects, pacing them perfectly. Filled with intense heavy, groovy sludge build ups with powerful post-rock-ish crescendos and atmosphere that had me swaying in a trance from beginning to end. This quenched my Amenra thirst this year it’s that good and had me grabbing my guitar with determination.

———————————————————————————————————

#11. Young and In The Way - V. Eternal Depression

Label: Antithetic Records / Swarm of Nails

Samples:

The Great Blue Norther
Oceans of Eternal Depression

In the short time between I Am Not What I Am and V. Eternal Depression, Young and In The Way have shown incredible growth. I was blown away by the former album and was not expecting another release so soon nor was I expecting it to top the last one, but they some how managed to do that. The progression from their last few releases is astonishing, taking the crusty hardcore with subtle ambient, sludge and black metal influences and cranking those last three aspects up a great deal more here with moments of reverby stillness. A huge emphasis on atmosphere (especially in the final track) within the fury of blackened crust mayhem. V. Eternal Depression creates a wicked blend and was a splendid surprise this year.

———————————————————————————————————

#10. Barghest - Barghest

Label: Gilead Media

Samples:

The Rite of Isolation
Reduced To Ashes

Two members of Thou making raw and caustic black metal, how could this be anything but killer? Barghest’s album is one I initially didn’t like at all but after putting it down for a time I picked it up again, gave it another listen and was blown away by the coarse and unrelenting tracks within. This record is simple but very addictive, containing many whirlwind riffs that compelled me to pick up my guitar once again and figure them out. A very satisfying release that ends with a death metal tone. Gilead Media bringing the awesome.

———————————————————————————————————

#9. Circle of Ouroborus - Eleven Fingers

Label: Handmade Birds Records

Sample:

Warpath

Black metal or not this shit is great. Circle of Ouroborus have been on the periphery of my radar for the last two years but I never ventured into their catalogue until I heard the preview of this album. They jump around genres a little and nothing they’ve done has really stuck to me until this was finally released. Eleven Fingers is bitingly frigid low-fi post-punk/shoegazey black metal that is quite captivating. Radiating a strange dreamy beauty from beginning to end, the howling and mournful clean vocals entrance you while the blanket of soft riffs caress your ears. Been spinning this regularly since it was released.

———————————————————————————————————

#8. Atriarch - Forever The End

Label: Seventh Rule Records

Samples

Plague
Fracture

Impenetrable darkness and sorrow laced in a psychedelic/gothic mist. Slow, ugly, gloomy and atmospheric. Forever the End was a big surprise but considering the group is made up of members from the likes of Graves At Sea and Trees it makes sense that this is tremendously heavy. While it definitely is doom, it’s very much unlike other doom outfits I’ve heard. It weighs down on you as if you were carrying a granite slab at the bottom of an ocean trench and is just as dark, exuding endless pain and hopelessness. You'll never reach the surface. If you want to be crushed for 36 minutes this is the album for you. Left me speechless. A major win for Seventh Rule.

———————————————————————————————————

#7. Mamaleek - Kurdaitcha

Label: Enemies List Home Recordings

Samples:

You Can Bury Me In The East
The White Marble Stone

Two enigmatic brothers making bizarre black metal in their basement. It’s a truly strange record, a little more experimentally tame than previous records which contained jazz breaks and whatnot but I feel that this is more focused and works in favor of their sound. Kurdaitcha is a blend of noise, electronic, and middle-eastern flared low-fi black metal with some eyebrow raising catchy moments amongst the quirks. It grew on me so much and I keep coming back to it, especially the tragic and groovy You Can Bury Me In The East. Another gem from Enemies List Home Recordings.

———————————————————————————————————

#6. GridLink - Orphan

Label: Hydra Head Records

Sample:

Scopedog

There are still people complaining about the length of this magnificent creation...really guys? I myself am tired of 30 track grind records where there’s only 8 songs which are remotely interesting containing little originality. This is the opposite. This is what grind should be: carefully planned, expertly executed, distilled down to the essence of the genre (no filler), face-meltingly vicious in technicality, thoughtfully written grindcore (both in terms of lyrics and music). Worthy of multiple spins in each session.

———————————————————————————————————

#5. Dephosphorus - Axiom

Label: 7 Degree Records

Samples:

Collimator
Indulge Me In Silence

I really didn’t expect anything in the grind/hardcore arena to top this year’s GridLink album especially from such a young band, but that’s what Axiom did in my opinion. I’m fucking addicted to this burst of chaotic energy in an absurd sense. A superb blend of breakneck cosmic grind, and crusty blackened hardcore expertly crafted into a truly fantastic and unique experience. Every song is memorable and paced so well, all elements gel together without becoming stale or crowded. The spacey overtone is wonderful. This band has incredible potential and what they display here is most likely only the tip of it.

———————————————————————————————————

#4. Ulcerate - The Destroyers of All

Label: Relapse Records

Samples:

Cold Becoming
Beneath

Ulcerate does everything right if you ask me, few death metal bands can touch their sound or their creativity at this time. The Destroyers of All is one huge slab of atmospheric and unique technical death metal to add to their catalogue, taking what they achieved on Everything is Fire and cloaking it in a haze of cold ethereal beauty. The album is the perfect progression of their style. While less technical in a majority of the album compared to their previous efforts (not by much mind you) it retains jaw dropping complexity and a fierce, skillful tone. Cold Becoming may have one of their best, most addictive riffs yet (near the end). Unbelievable release.

———————————————————————————————————

#3. Mitochondrion - Parasignosis

Label: Profound Lore Records

Samples:

Trials
Parasignosis

Clearly Canada has started locking down on other-worldly death metal. I actually had this as my #1 last year since it was technically released in the final 2 weeks of december, but the official release date was this year so here it is again. And deserving of a place without question. Labyrinthine, chaotic, swirling death metal that cannot be praised enough. Continuously creative, extremely well written and bewildering with a dark and filthy aura. Taking what they built on Archaeaeon which already immensely impressive, Parasignosis delivers an intense, cryptic and deep experience beyond what you would expect. I’ve had this on repeat since the new year and it hasn’t become dull in any sense, in fact my enjoyment of this record has only increased.

———————————————————————————————————

#2. Antediluvian - Through The Cervix of Hawaah

Label: Profound Lore Records

Samples:

Scions of Ha Nachish (Spectre of the Burning Valley)
Erect Reflection (Abyss of Organic Matter)

Another band doing Canada proud. I don’t think I need to talk this shit up but I will. Hugely anticipated and it certainly did not disappoint. It was absolutely impossible to choose between this, the new Mitochondrion record and the new Ulcerate so really these three are tied for second place this year in my mind. Antediluvian have surpassed my expectations on Through The Cervix of Hawaah, conjuring a devastating mountain of unquestionably horrific, violent and tight death metal. It’s a perfect development of their previous EP Revelations In Excrement and the demo Under Wing of Asael without a single compromise to be heard. I won’t be able to word it better than when I originally posted it here so copypasta time:

“Catastrophic, ancient, dissonant, twisted and ugly. A squall of intense and incomprehensible crawling darkness spilling into your ears. Nothing but well written face-splitting riffs, primal drum blasts, actually audible bass riffs, and organ destroying vocals. No space is wasted, no bullshit — all is devoted to conjuring extreme bestial intensity.”

———————————————————————————————————

#1. Giles Corey - Giles Corey

Label: Enemies List Home Recordings

Samples:

Blackest Bile
Spectral Bride

Yeah. For me this trumped all the metal out there this year easily. I knew this would be at the top after the first time I listened to it, and have been silently waiting for it since the short demos trickled out a while back.

I am completely enamored with this album. I have listened to it countless times and felt many emotions while it’s spinning, and when it’s done I feel drained and alone. I sing along to it unabashedly — especially Blackest Bile and A Sleeping Heart. I literally have to play those two songs at least 3 times in a row every time I put the album on.

I’ve heard a lot of people call it scary, but I feel that’s not an accurate description at all — then again I guess it evokes all kinds of shit from different people which makes it quite the record. It’s intensely depressive in some moments while in others it’s warm and uplifting. You can tell there was great care put into every aspect of this and the mysterious book it is packaged with, and yet it manages to stay raw and humble. Dark, dreamy, brutally honest, captivating, haunting and deeply personal. Drenched in an unbearably bleak and crushingly painful atmosphere, so simple and catchy and at the same time complex and jarring. The lyrics are heartbreaking and entirely relatable for any who's felt depressed and alone. A suffocating, disturbing journey.

Dan Barrett is a genius. Enemies List Home Recordings rules. Nothing I say will do justice to this.

———————————————————————————————————

Just a side note: Fell Voices "Untitled" record came out last year, and made my 2010 list at #2, so if you're wondering where that is I consider it to be an official 2010 release and not a 2011 release. Otherwise it would be in between the top 5 and 2 spots this year.

Honorable Mentions:

This is a list of stuff I was debating hotly to put on the top 20 list but didn’t make it.

O’Death - Outside
Batillus - Furnace
Encoffination - O’Hell, Shine In Thy Whited Sepulchres
Disma - Towards the Megalith
Dark Castle - Surrender To All Life Beyond Form
Gates - They Hide In The Shadows
Absu - Abzu
Ringo Deathstarr - Color Trip
Bestial Raids - Prime Evil Damnation
Omega Massif - Karpatia
Necros Christos - Doom of the Occult
Oathbreaker - Maelstrom
Sanguis Imperem - In Glory We March Towards Our Doom
Loss - Despond
Desolate Shrine - Tenebrous Towers
True Widow - As High As The Highest Heavens and from the Center to the Circumference of the Earth
Woods of Desolation - Torn Beyond Reason
New Lows - Harvest of the Carcass
Blut Aus Nord - 777 - Sect(s) / 777 - The Desanctication
Touche Amore - Parting The Sea Between Brightness And Me
Leucosis - Pulling Down the Sky
Panopticon - Social Disservices
Lento - Icon
All Pigs Must Die - God Is War
Flourishing - The Sum of All Fossils

More Good Shit:

Barring Teeth - Atrophy
Rotten Sound - Cursed
Sonne Adam - Transformation
Miasmal - Miasmal
Lightbearer - Lapsus
Ensorcelor - Crucifuge
Dyskinesia - Dalla Nascita
Low Places - Spiritual Treatment
Seider - For Winter Fire
Yob - Atma
Wolves in the Throne Room - Celestial Lineage
Shabazz Palaces - Black Up
Leviathan - True Traitor, True Whore
KENmode - Venerable
Undead Creep - The Ever-Burning Torch
Blaspherian - Infernal Warriors of Death
Russian Circles - Empros
Entrails - The Tomb Awaits
Gorephilia - Ascend To Chaos
Cave In - White Silence
Wolvhammer - The Obsidian Plains
Bacchus - Bacchus
Fleshpress - Acid Mouth Strangulation
Beau Navire - Hours
A Storm of Light - As The Valley of Death Becomes Us, Our Silver Memories Fade
Blessed Offal - Blessed Offal

———————————————————————————————————

Here are my picks for the best demos, EPs and splits this year which I would highly recommend checking out.

Demos/EPs:

#1. Antediluvian - Revelations In Excrement
#2. Bell Witch - Demo
#3. Amnis Nihili - Christological Escalation
#4. Thantifaxath - Thantifaxath
#5. Chromes - And Here My Disgust Begins
#6. Thou - The Archer & The Owle
#7. Mutilation Rites - Demo
#8. Cruciamentum - Engulfed In Desolation
#9. Immolation - Providence
#10. Adversarial - Prophetic Plain of Abyssal Revelations

Splits:

#1. Encoffination / Grave Upheaval - Split
#2. Seven Sisters of Sleep / Children of God - Split
#3. Amenra / Oathbreaker - Split
#4. Witchrist / Morbosidad - Split
#5. Vasaeleth / Cruciamentum - Eroding Chaos Unto Ascendant Flesh
#6. Thou / Cower - War Is The Force That Gives Us Meaning (Big City)
#7. Circle of Ouroboros / Drowning the Light - Moonflares
#8. Young and In The Way / Torch Runner - Split
#9. Burial Invocation / Anatomia - Decomposing Serenades
#10. Begrime Exemious / Nuclearhammer - Heretical Serpent Cult

Honorable Mentions:

Aldebaran - Buried Beneath Aeons
Thou - To The Chaos Wizard Youth
Lycus - demo 2011
Tree of Sores - Tree of Sores
Sortilegia - Pestilent Black Sorcery
Heresiarch - Hammer of Intransigence
Disma - The Manifestation
Black Monolith - Demo/Ep
Obolus - Demo
Ruin Lust - Tour Demo
Krypts - Krypts
Kerasphorus - Necronaut
Heresiarch - Obsecrating The Global Holocaust
Haapoja - Hallitsematonta Voimaa
God Harvest - Demo 2011
Baptists - Baptists
Punch - Nothing Lasts

———————————————————————————————————

That's it. Here's to another great year in music and many more hereafter.

A pirate blog trying to fight SOPA. Go figure. (Stop Online Piracy Act)

2011-12-17T22:07:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, I want to get something out of the way. I have not been posting, and probably won't for awhile because I'm getting a cap on my bandwidth. So AT&T is charging me more because I'm either downloading or uploading too much.

To the topic at hand.

I may be just a stupid idealist, and I'm not the best writer but I need to tell you something. SOPA is a threat to us and the rest of the internet, and I mean the whole internet. Not just the US, but all over the world. The new bill gives any company the right to shut any website if that corporation finds any copyright material on said site. In short, let's say a large record company like say Nuclear Blast see's our blog, they can potentially shut down not just our blog, but all of Blogger.com. Even blogs here that have nothing to do with pirating or anything copyright will be blocked. Even a video on youtube with a copyrighted song will cause the entire site of youtube to be blocked. That's basically what this bill does.

But let's say, only pirate sites get shot down. Like our blogspot, band's that link us their albums or ask us for promotion will have a harder time trying to get their music out there.

That's not cool.

If you don't believe me, here is the bill. And don't say that it won't pass, Obama is going to veto it, yet bills like NDAA have passed which that bill violates an American's 4th and 5th amendment rights.

Things you can do even if you aren't american and info:

Reddit
American Censorship
Techdirt
Save the Internet!
Totalhailbut <--- He explains this a lot better than me.
Mozilla
Wired
Write to Congress

You guys, and our friend's over in other blogs can help spread the word. Even if you are aware of it, shove it down people's throats because people still have an apathetic attitude. I'm sorry my country is trying to destroy the world, I really am.

Amnis Nihili - Christological Escalation (2011)

2011-12-16T14:27:00.000-08:00

EP, Avantgarde Music
September 23rd, 2011

Genre: Black Metal
Region: Greece

It's funny. I was actually going to post this soon and then I got a request from someone to get it up here.

Christological Escalation is wicked. A 4 track EP of anti-judeochristian themed black metal injected with a tiny bit of hardcore/crust and a droney atmosphere that creeps in, making it a sharp and unique release.

Like Dephosphorus there's a spacey and bleak element enveloping each track. A few spoken samples are strewn throughout some tracks, and Panos (of Dephosphorus) fucking destroys on vocals with a commanding abrasive feral screaming — much praise to him. The members are clearly proficient writers, never lingering too long on one sound or riff before transitioning into something new while keeping it cohesive. Guitars swing from grim and fierce churning oldcshool-ish black metal tremolo riffs, to more thick and drawn-out pulsing drones and sustained chords; and there's a miniscule offering of chaotic hardcore styling.

Highly recommended. A wonderful gem I'm glad I heard before compiling my 2011 list. Harsh and malefic but with an ethereal, other-worldly coating. You can pick this nasty EP up on 10" vinyl and cd over to Avantgarde Music, Sound Cave, or their main site.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Indian - Guiltless (2011)

2011-12-15T20:28:00.000-08:00

Genre: Doom Metal / Sludge Metal

Region: USA

Latest album from Indian. Check it out here.

Download (Mediafire)

Icon Of Phobos - Icon Of Phobos (2011)

2011-12-15T06:19:00.000-08:00

Full Length, Baneful Genesis Records
November 18th, 2011

Genre: Black Metal
Region: USA

Here we have the first release of a new band entering the circle of black metal, Icon Of Phobos. What a wicked cover.

Icon Of Phobos embrace orthodox and atmospheric black metal elements — if I had to say it would seem there's influence from the likes of Inquisition with a helping of atmospheric black metal. Not enough to be completely on that end of the genre but there is no doubt that the influence is there, and it certainly leans more to that side than anything.

A very ruinous and depressive atmosphere is invoked throughout this release. Seven tracks in all including an intro and instrumental outro which have some noise and sampling to bookend the album. The core tracks are composed of a fair amount of sustained notes and drawn out wavy/bendy semi-dissonant riffs which are quite satisfying and fall into atmospheric black metal territory before hitting more traditional gallops and powerchords. Quite heavy on the tremolo riffs as well when dissonant sustains are not being used but usually at a slower pace than more traditional acts, and there are occasional solos that hit on the more traditional side of the genre.

Also a very palpable bass presence and a massive injection of skillful drumming blankets this release (tons of blasts and kickers). Vocals are rife with despair and contempt, lots of echo/reverb and do not every hit the high end of things, staying low and growly/raspy but keeping the lyrics audible.

Overall this is a very solid first effort with some room for growth/experimentation in my opinion; they could do a lot more with what they have. It's hard to place but this feels familiar in some sense — not necessarily a bad thing of course. That said it's no slouch and certainly an enjoyable release. Fans of black metal with a progressive edge like Ascension and the latest Leviathan release or Mutilation Rites and Castevet will want to take a look at this one. You can pick it up on cd here.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Pallbearer - 2010 Demo (2010)

2011-12-15T02:19:00.000-08:00

Demo, Profound Lore Records/Shadow Kingdom Records
July 11st, 2010

Genre: Sludge/Doom Metal
Region: USA

Pallbearer is a band I knew nothing about going into the Rites of Darkness III festival but boy was I surprised by their performance. This is some epic doom metal.

Comprised of 3 tracks that hit between 5 and 9 minutes long and emanating a classic stoner doom vibe (ala Black Sabbath), it's a great taste of what this promising band has to offer. Massive riffs with some melodic elements mixed in with brilliant clean singing that has a droney, mournful and dreamy feeling to them. The tracks trudge along with a great gloomy atmosphere, staying interesting especially with the vocalists strong presence over top of it all. The solos are wonderful as well and are placed expertly.

Sludge and doom fans should give this demo a listen. I can certainly say that as good as this demo is they're even better live. You can download the demo and listen to it on their bandcamp page.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Sabrewulf - Prophecy (2011)

2011-12-15T01:22:00.000-08:00

EP, Independent
November 25th, 2011

Genre: Hardcore/Sludge
Region: USA

A young hardcore/sludge band from Texas sent this in and I quite enjoy it, I'm always up for some low and slow dark hardcore.

Sabrewulf is some really doomy shit kind of reminiscent of Minus the Herd-era Ion Dissonance in some ways (low tuned and chunky) but slower and without the emphasis on technicality/breakdowns, adding some crusty-sludge elements. It's simple, slow, and menacing.

Prophecy starts of with a quiet clean riff on Life in the Echo that leads into feedback and chunky opens with heavy, slow pounds of the drums. The next song is where we get a true feel for the tenebrous, depressive nature of the EP.

Down-tuned, beefy, dark riffs creep and stumble all over the remainder of the album, only breaking the slow pace to hit a brief moment of mid-paced hardcore sections (as in "The Nameless Dead") then falling back into the dissonant slabs. Tracks like "Black House" and "Marked for Death" have the deliberate bendy slides and tasty moments of discordant open strings that I really fucking like. Some gruff and ugly vocals accompany the heavy guitars and slow percussion. The EP ends on the self-titled track with then same clean riff it opened with neatly sealing the it in an ominous fashion.

Recommended for dark hardcore enthusiasts. You can listen to and download the EP on their bandcamp page and follow them here.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Rites of Darkness III Festival

2011-12-15T00:16:00.000-08:00

— RITES OF DARKNESS III —

A HALF-ASSED REVIEW THAT NO ONE WILL CARE ABOUT

Early Monday morning on December 12th, a mere 4 hours after the final band left the stage at Backstage Live in San Antonio, Texas I was on a flight back to Toronto; sleep deprived, sore and totally destroyed from 5 days of head-crushing metal.

There wasn't much activity on Equivoke during the past week and that's because I was busy having a shit ton of fun down in Texas at the Rites of Darkness III festival. Despite the bitching an whining in the weeks and days leading up to it (some of it justified) the show was definitely one I would've regretted missing even if Evoken/Funebrarum/Disma/Dead Congregation/Pagan Altar/etc. didn't make it in the end — there was ample amounts of brilliant bands that made the trip absolutely worth it. It may have been too much for a 3 day fest if the 11+ bands that dropped off had been able to show up since even without them shows went pretty late (10 hour days man, I barely got any sleep).

So yes this post is going to be a lazy review of the fest and a shameless plug of my youtube shit. Skip it if you don't care, I won't make a habit out of these kinds of posts I assure you and I'll get back to posting albums soon.

The shows themselves started from 3:00 pm and went usually until 2:00-3:00 am and each one was progressively more fantastic than the last, not one having a weak band or set. There was so much merch for sale it was overwhelming, booths for every band and some record labels like Dark Descent, Parasitic, The Basar, etc.

Day by day breakdown was something like this:

PREFEST (08/12/2011)

Sturmgewher
Vasaeleth
Wodensthrone
Drawn and Quartered
Dispirit
Ares Kingdom

DAY 1 (09/12/2011)

Warmaster
Infernal Stronghold
Ritual Necromancy
Grave Upheaval
Dispirit
Adorior
Weapon
Demigod
Inquisition

DAY 2 (10/12/2011)

PLF
Blaspherian
Grave Ritual
Midnight
Adversarial
Black Witchery
Cianide
Antaeus
Zemial

DAY 3 (11/12/2011)

Anhedonist
Aldebaran
Pallbearer
Vasaeleth
Cruciamentum
Mitochondrion
Anatomia
Ares Kingdom
Ignivomous
Impetuous Ritual
Mournful Congregation

Surprises for me were Aldebaran, Pallbearer, Midnight, Anatomia and Blaspherian who (aside from Aldebaran) I knew very little about but made a big impression on me.

Favorites from the show? Easily Grave Upheaval, Mitochondrion, Cruciamentum, Impetuous Ritual, Vasaeleth, Ritual Necromancy, Dispirit, Adversarial, Inquisition, and Ignivomous no doubt. I managed to capture the entire sets of these acts (minus Vasaeleth and Inquisition) as well as Aldebaran's. If you want to view them you can head over to my youtube channel. For now I'll briefly review these ones.

Grave Upheaval were so unbelievably dark and heavy it was scary, suffocating clouds of smoke from John Gossard's wonderful smoke machine, bathed in an ominous red light — creating the perfect atmosphere for the writhing assault they put forth. It was truly trance inducing, suffocating, primal. They played several new tracks and a few older ones as well as the one from their split with Encoffination. What a performance...

Ritual Necromancy played a good half of their brilliant album Oath of the Abyss and they are so fucking tight live. My jaw was on the floor, and they closed the set perfectly with "Consummating the Crypts of Eternity"; that bone smashing riff at the end gave me chills. Such a wicked guitar tone. I'd love to see these guys again.

Dispirit were haunting and played twice: once at the prefest and again the following day. Both sets were killer, they played their entire Rehearsal demo and one new track — it was a magical experience. Engaging and atmospheric, cold and spellbinding. The rolling smoke was a perfect addition to their music. Gossard truly is a god. I feel privileged to have seen them twice in two days.

Adversarial made a huge impact on everyone I talked to. My second time seeing them live. Doing Canada proud, they played a good mix of material including two new tracks (one of which may be on the upcoming split with Antediluvian) and their Archgoat cover. Technical, vicious, precise and uncompromising in all aspects. Carlos is a fucking beast on the guitar man, just unbelievably skilled — as is the drummer. This is a band you don't want to pass up seeing, and I happen to be seeing them again with Antediluvian and Nucleahammer in a week which is going to be fantastic.

Ignivomous got pushed back to the third day of the festival putting them right before Impetuous Ritual — this just made the last day of the festival extra powerful. I was anticipating Ignivomous so much and they didn't disappoint. Playing some shit off Eroded Void of Salvation, Death Transmutation, Path of Attrition, the title track from the upcoming album Contragenesis, and a Bolt Thrower cover to end their set. A truly abrasive, dirty and barbarous set to behold. The aussies man, they can do no wrong.

Impetuous Ritual were truly otherworldly, smeared in blood and clad in spikes. This was a hypnotizing set, oppressive, churning, angular and chaotic darkness washing over the venue for 50 minutes. Performed a few new tracks and a lot off of their album Relentless Execution of Ceremonial Excrescence. Something absolutely frightening to witness.

Fucking Mitochondrion man. This was my third time seeing them and again they conjured up a magnificently bleak and ugly performance, running through the first half of Parasignosis and then two of my favorite tracks from Archaeaeon. Another band that a lot of people were talking about after the show as a highlight. Always a mind-blowing experience. The band posted my videos on their facebook page along with a shout out.

The UK badasses Cruciamentum were so damn ferocious, a huge highlight of the fest. They ran through their demos, the split with Vasaeleth, and two tracks off the new EP which were like a kick to the chest. These guys can play the shit out their instruments and put on a hell of a show, really impressive.

Aldebaran. Wow what a massive avalanche of doom they were. They pumped out a crawling 25 minute song that impressed me so much. I've been hearing about them for a while now but until this I had no idea what I was missing. One of the heaviest sludge doom acts out there at the moment I'd say.

Other notable sets I didn't capture on video were Midnight who's set was the only one where people were stage diving, breaking bottles and reeking major havoc in general. Shirtless and wearing executioner hoods they had quite presence. Another good one was Anhedonist. I really wish I recorded Anhedonist's set, they were massive and had a melodic beauty to each song (I'm pretty sure they played their The Drear demo in full).

Vasaeleth's set was also impressive, the one at the main fest was better in terms of sound. PLF were the only grind act but they grinded the shit out of the place. Pallbeaerer were a huge surprise, some kind of sludgy stoner goodness that I really enjoyed (great vocals). Inquisition were also mind blowing and they played two of my favorite tracks from the last album — though the cleans Dagon used were kind of comical to be honest. Regardless they put on a great show.

Weapon tore the place up too. They were another Canadian band that a lot of people seemed impressed with, and they played quite a few from their last album. Anatomia from Japan caught me by surprise as well, what a slow and huge sound they have.

So all things considered the festival was a blast and a success. A couple of final lackluster stories:

I stayed at a Red Roof Inn a mere two blocks away from the venue, also where multiple bands were staying at different times, and the after parties went long into the early mornings each day — sometimes involving legends like John Gossard (Weakling, Asunder, Dispirit, The Gault, The Fucking Champs, etc.) showing up wasted which was pretty epic. I met and chatted with the man at the prefest show, he's quite a nice guy and boy does he have a wicked smoke machine. Had a quick chat with Shawn from Mitochondrion as well.

Other interesting moments were seeing Gossard spin/mosh one-on-one with the guitarist of Impetuous Ritual/Grave Upheaval/Portal at the back of the venue a few times, a member of Antaeus got a warning from the cops for pissing on the Alamo, and the bassist of Ignivomous was deported back to the land of aussies for smoking weed. What a cunty move that was!

Now, I have some requests to sift through and some sleep to catch up but if any of you were also at the fest leave a comment!

Cruciamentum - Engulfed In Desolation (2011)

2011-12-13T13:44:00.000-08:00

EP, Nuclear Winter Records
November 25, 2011

Genre: Death Metal
Region: UK

Latest release from the killer group of English maniacs Cruciamentum.

Four tracks of excellent death metal that will rip a hole in your face continuing from the split with Vasaeleth and their insane demo "Convocation of Crawling Chaos". These guys are really tight live too, blew me away at Rites of Darkness III a few days ago and played the last two tracks from this beauty (I'll have video of their whole set up pretty soon). Mounds of delicious, evil riffs to be consumed right here.

Don't know when this will go up for sale outside of live shows but I'll post a link when I find out. Enjoy.

EDIT: For now you can get it at Nuclear Winter Records if you're in Europe.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Grave Upheaval / Encoffination - Split (2011)

2011-12-05T15:06:00.001-08:00

Split, Psychedelic Lotus Order
November 11th, 2011

Genre: Death/Doom Metal
Region: Australia / USA

A fucking oppressive, crushingly dark release. Would you expect anything less from these bestial, gloom-ridden acts?

This is the second release for Grave Upheaval (who I'll be seeing at Rites of Darkness III in a few days) and the first split for Encoffination, released just before their recent somber, crawling and terrifying second full length "O' Hell, Shine In Thy Whited Sepulchres".

I think you all know what lies within this split: unbearable darkness and suffering in sonic form. Encoffination open with "Inurnment of Fleshless Disembodied Remains", their classic use of chiming cathedral bells emanating throughout the track followed by a slow build of feedback and a quick sample dragging you into a down-tuned apocalypse. If you love their recent release this will be greatly satisfying. Grave Upheaval's untitled track follows with a muffled and turbulent hatefilled atmosphere. The riffs are pitch black and unbearably heavy, with grievously haunting rasps permeating the spiraling ferocity. This track has a huge low end as well — it will shake your place without question.

A truly perfect pairing of bands on this release. It couldn't be more appropriate. Highly recommended, do not pass this up. It's limited to 250 copies on vinyl from various places (I got mine from Dark Descent Records but it looks like they're out). This is a vinyl rip, any problems let me know.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Begrime Exemious / Nuclearhammer - Heretical Serpent Cult (2011)

2011-12-05T14:32:00.001-08:00

Split, Dark Descent Records
November 15th, 2011

Genre: Black Metal/Death Metal
Region: Canada

Here we have the latest outings recently released on Dark Descent Records of two excellent Canadian metal bands, one black metal, one death metal and both wicked. Six tracks from each band, with three covers on Nuclearhammer's side (Razor, Slaughter, Discharge) and one from Begrime Exemious (Black Sabbath).

If you've heard either of these bands you know what to expect: Nuclearhammer is chaotic and dark coming at you in quick, ugly bursts pausing only once in the first track for a slow and heavy descent before picking back up into frenzied, tumultuous riffs. Begrimes Exemious is ruthless, dirty death metal blasting your face with tangled, semi-angular riffs and varied snarled and shrieked vocals. Both offerings continue to push traditional styles of their respective genres building well on their past outputs (especially Begrime Exemious) with their own abrasive twist, fast paced with no compromises.

Good shit from both groups. You can hear the Begrime Exemeious side on their bandcamp page.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Nux Vomica - Embrace the Cycles (2011)

2011-12-04T16:03:00.000-08:00

7" (2011)

Genre: Metallic Crust
Region: USA

Support the band by picking it up over here.

Download (Mediafire)

Mutilation Rites - Demo (2011)

2011-12-03T14:06:00.001-08:00

Demo, Independent
January 1st, 2011

Genre: Black Metal
Region: USA

Another band I slept on this year. Been hearing word from Gilead Media that they're pressing their upcoming record "I Am Legion" and the band just signed to Prosthetic Records not long ago. I almost missed this one and would've regretted it. Mutilation Rites walk the fine line between atmospheric black metal and the more raw Barghest black metal with a few hints of death in there. In this short three track demo they harmonize it all very well.

Filled with a ton of blackened riffs that dip into melodic and dissonant territory with an ugly vocal presence over top of it all. The album starts with the 7 minute "White Death" which starts off slowly with a thick bass line behind a heavy sustained melody, eventually plummeting into furious powerchords and hammering drum kicks ending on a slightly slower note. "Pariah" is 30 seconds shorter but quickly follows with fervid tremolo riffs that only let up for a gallop here and there or a brief section of feedback, crashing drums and bouncy bass lines. Around the 4 minute mark it becomes a little melodious before slowing down into death metal territory with noisy feedback underneath.

The final track "Negative Space" is the shortest and easily my favorite, beginning with catchy death riffs and then into more mid-paced tremolo goodness. From about the 1:00-2:20 minute mark the leads are even more wickedly lively. The best section starts at 3:20ish after a short pause for a percussive build up: evil, cacophonous chords build up the atmosphere adeptly with echoing rasps and screams below the mounting disarray. It's a fucking brilliant way to end an already impressive demo.

Excellent blackened madness sure to quench your thirst for all sides the genre has to offer. This will leave you wanting more guaranteed. Recommended especially for fans of Barghest, False, Taake, and Thantifaxath. Listen to this at their bandcamp page.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Batillus - Furnace (2011)

2011-12-03T00:48:00.001-08:00

Full Length, Seventh Rule
April 19, 2011

Genre: Sludge/Doom Metal
Region: USA

Seventh Rule Recordings are the guys who put out Atriach's massive "Forever the End", so they seem to know a little something about good and lumbering metal. Last week they had a promotional free download of all the releases on their bandcamp page, and I was perusing some of them until I came to Batillus. The cover caught my attention first (reminds me of something Godflesh would use) and when I gave the album a listen I was not disappointed.

The title "Furnace" is appropriate as this will smoulder with intensity in your ears until your brain turns to ashes. I wouldn't say its has never been done before but that's no reason to pass over this record. Furnace opens with a brief noise-backed clean section before rumbling into feedback and an avalanche of murky sludge riffs that will hypnotize without question from that point on. In rare instances it will pick up above a crawl or go silent and clean but it inevitably slides back into a dim and ugly mist. It's a solid, atmospheric and monolithic doom release with a few blackened tendencies which will please any fan of slow and pounding riffs. Truly heavy and austere — thick and fuzzed out guitars/bass writhe over a 45 minute journey with reverb covered, spectral rasps and howls from the vocalist. There are some synths and cycling ambient noise carefully placed throughout complimenting the gloomy atmosphere perfectly.

Despite the length and pace it's over before it has a chance to wear you down. Absolutely recommended; doom and sludge fans will certainly enjoy this record immensely especially if you like crushing shit like Thou and Atriarch. You can listen to it on their bandcamp page where you can also pick it up on vinyl and cd (or through Seventh Rule directly).

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Necros Christos - Doom of the Occult (2011)

2011-12-02T23:09:00.001-08:00

Full Length, Sepulchral Voice Records
March 11th, 2011

Genre: Death Metal
Region: Germany

What a record. Necros Christos can be counted as masters of death without question. This is their second full release and before their 2007 album "Triune Impurity Rites" they were pumping out splits and demos at a breakneck pace, refining their sound and pushing themselves to this point.

Doom of the Occult is a 22 track behemoth of doom smothered death with a slight middle eastern flare sprinkled throughout, both in terms of riffing and solos as well as instrumental, ambient and folky interludes (labeled as Gates or Temples). I was concerned these instrumentals would break up the punishing death metal too much but to their credit add a lot too the record overall.

Interludes are composed of a range of elements. Some are short ominous organ-like keyboard sections, others are dark choirs, and my favorites are flute, tar, acoustic guitar, and setar melodies that produce an antiquated and medieval atmosphere — all of which flow well into the delicious main course. These tracks are expertly crafted slabs of rolling death metal that follow a simple formula: sick mid-paced tremolo riffs punctuated by pinched harmonics, crunchy powerchords and plodding drums, followed a truly wicked solo; while not groundbreaking it's truly satisfying. The vocals are deep and monstrous while still decipherable with lyrical themes that range from the wrath of ancient gods and kings, the afterlife, disease, necromancy, towering temples and bleak abyssal mysteries; all that apocalyptic shit (in various languages). It all amalgamates to form an imposing ediface of archaic death you don't want to pass up.

Surely high on any death metal fan's list this year. You can pick it up the cd at Hells Headbangers or the vinyl at 20 Buck Spin (which has been given great treatment). Highly recommended for fans of Diocletian, Cruciamentum, Sonne Adam and Sanguis Imperem.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Forgotten Spell - Desecrated, Decayed and Still Holy (2010)

2011-12-02T02:29:00.001-08:00

Demo, Parasyte Curse Records
June, 2010

Genre: Black Metal
Region: Germany

Forgotten Spell truly have a unique sound. Very unorthodox while still retaining an exceedingly raw black metal feeling. And oh fuck is it raw — the production might put some people off but once you look past or embrace it (and you really should) there is hugely complex/creative song-writing and skillful musicianship buried underneath. One might be inclined to describe it as technical or even progressive but if so it's certainly not in a flashy, wanky sense. "Desecrated, Decayed and Still Holy" is still well within the realm of traditional occult black metal but their song structures, atmosphere and guitar tone are far different then most black metal acts out there.

The guitar tone at times resembles horns of some kind, warped and wailing over chaotic and furious drum blasts and the caustic, frantic growls, moans and howls of the vocalist ("Into Sulphuric Vortex of Abyssic Cult" is a perfect example). Blazing tremolo riffs screeching through the thick, filthy production with moments of darkly groovy powerchords; the bass is there though barely poking through the rest of the madness. Sparing use of piano and acoustic guitar work very well for quick breathers from the distraught whirlwind of chaos that your ears are saturated with all the way through. This is their second demo and it hits the 1 hour and 29 minute mark with 9 tracks which is enormous and ballsy — the material here is very strong and compelling but a demo of such length will no doubt wear down many people.

Forgotten Spell have conjured a magnificent storm of strange and foul black metal with this demo. They succeed in straddling the realms of "true" black metal while pushing technical and atmospheric boundaries without falling into common trappings of either side. I'd really like to here the demo they put out this year. This particular release is limited to 333 copies on tape and only available from the label as far as I know.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Haapoja - Hallitsematonta Voimaa (2011)

2011-12-01T01:50:00.001-08:00

Demo, Unknown
September 16, 2011

Genre: Hardcore/Blackened Hardcore
Region: Finland

I first saw this up on The Living Doorway in early-November and since those guys clearly know their shit (definitely when it comes to tasty hardcore) I checked out, quite enjoying what I heard. Not long after that I found the band requested us to put it up as well and I've been meaning to do so. Some very nice blackened hardcore to be heard here.

"Haapoja was formed in Oulu, Finland in 2007.Originally the plan was
to play death metal. Since then the style has evolved and influences
have been taken from various styles of heavy music, like Converge-style
hardcore and black metal. There have also been some line-up changes
and some pretty long breaks mostly due to the mandatory military
service in Finland. In summer 2011 Haapoja recorded their first proper
demo, called Hallitsematonta Voimaa."

It's a little difficult to place their style: somewhere between hardcore like Narrows in their faster moments (or maybe even a little KEN Mode) and Deathspell Omega-ish twisted black metal, moving across both very seamlessly but ultimately ending up on the dark hardcore end of things. Despite this sub-genre having grown saturated in the past few years Haapoja have managed to carve out a uniquel sound with a technical style while remaining catchy as all hell. Instead of relying on a cold sludgy/crusty atmosphere this is often fast and shifts pace at various points, never resting too long before breaking into another discordant run. Vicious vocals and truly bouncy, dissonant blackened riffs. It's short and sweet running slightly over 20 minutes.

A very promising young Finish act and I'd certainly recommend giving them a listen if you like dark and angular hardcore. Check out Hallitsematonta Voimaa on their bandcamp page or facebook.

DOWNLOAD (Bandcamp)

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)

DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Doomtree - No Kings [2011/320]

2011-11-29T15:02:00.001-08:00

Artists like Dessa have been posted before, and P.O.S has been referenced a few times on this blog, but they are all just a part of the Doomtree record label and collective hip-hop group. No Kings is a showcase of each members talent, placed over a lot of industrial sounding beats, and riddled with some of the finest wordplay you'll hear this year. If you like any artists from Rhymesayers or Strange Famous Records, you will love this most likely, and it goes without saying that fans of any of the artists from Doomtree will adore it as well.

Artist: Doomtree

Album: No Kings

Release Year: 2011

Genre: Hip-Hop

Tracks:

1. No Way

2. Bolt Cutter

3. Bangarang

4. Beacon

5. Punch-Out

6. Little Mercy

7. The Grand Experiment

8. String Theory

9. Team the Best Team

10. Gimme the Go

11. Own Yours

12. Fresh New Trash

Download 320 (Megaupload)

A Scanner Darkly - A Scanner Darkly (2006)

2011-11-26T12:07:00.001-08:00

EP, Gilead Media
January 1st, 2006

Genre: Grindcore/Sludge/Noise
Region: USA

A killer release from a band that is dead. Gilead Media again have housed another winner. Themed around the excellent novel by Philip K. Dick (as well as several of his other works), A Scanner Darkly have molded a fierce sound from grindcore and sludge with some noise influence sprinkled throughout. This shit is a face shredder and has a pretty unique sound for such a grindy band, very spacy atmosphere in between the blasts, feedback and huge powerchords.

I'm pretty sure this is their only release. There are six tracks that alternate between quick 1:30 technical blasts and 4 minute sludgey batterings (often with great use of the wah), some of which start with ominous statements in a Hawking-esque speak-and-spell voice. Vocals range from standard powerful grind vocals, deep raspy roars to distorted and effect-drenched yells. The final track is a haunting 9 minute drone with a minimal acoustic backing, filled with feedback, warped electronic pulses and samples which come together to evoke images of a sci-fi totalitarian landscape; much like the cover. It's all catchy as hell, polished and sure to please any fan of grind.

This is truly a forgotten gem. I think there are still some hard copies left at Gilead Media, or if not you can pay what you want (no base price) at Gilead's bandcamp page as well. Definitely recommended for fans of Gadget, Dephosphorus, and Black Arrows of Filth and Impurity.

Get a taste here.

DOWNLOAD (Bandcamp)
DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

SubRosa - No Help For The Mighty Ones (2011)

2011-11-23T20:16:00.001-08:00

Full Length, Profound Lore Records
March 1st, 2011

Genre: Sludge/Doom Metal
Region: USA

Better late then never on this one. I haven't heard any of SubRosa's previous releases but this has left a definite impression on me.

Soft and clean, folk-like droning female vocals (reminiscent of sedated Nerissa Campbell) pull you into the gloomy dark while fuzzy and slow guitar/bass leads lift you up into a hazey peak, crashing back down riff after riff. Among these elements are the excellent placement of the electric violin used by two of the ladies which sound eerily like trumpets, never overused and accent the drugged out atmosphere. Pacing is set by slow and steady doom drum beats. The forlorn, intoxicated atmosphere boarders on psychedelic with the wavy violins and subtle wah/noise effects but the constant, slow groans of the guitars and very abrupt sections of coarse growls from the singer keeps this in the realm of dreamy sludge. A noticeable and unique sound, well composed and executed. "No Help For The Mighty Ones" is extremely catchy and heavy.

Some of the musical and melancholic lyrical themes are inspired by books ("The Road" and "War Against The Weak") and Russian fairy tales, and there are subtle touches of a hammered dulcimer, harmonica, chime, and thumb piano. There are a few guest musicians the contribute to various songs and one of the closing tracks ("House Carpenter") is an acapella rendition of a Celtic folk song.

I've seen comparisons to Neurosis but I would place them more along side early A Storm of Light if they were more stoner oriented. Definitely recommended. Pick it up from Profound Lore or from SubRosa's store. Listen to it on their bandcamp page.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Thou - Summit (2010)

2011-11-22T18:11:00.001-08:00

Full Length, Gilead Media / Southern Lord
June, 2010

Genre: Sludge/Doom Metal
Region: USA

Man, Thou flat-out rule. Their third full length album "Summit" is four immense, perfectly distilled, spellbinding sludge tracks that show great maturation even over the greatness that was "Tyrant". The pacing is excellent, the lyrics are sharp and cut into you with the vitriolic blackened vocals, riffs are booming (with occasional melodic passages peaking through) and will stick with you long after the record has stopped. Especially Prometheus, I come back to that track constantly. It is some mad low-tuned destructive shit from beginning to end, filled with raw frustration, gloom, lividity and punctuated with brief glimpses of beauty.

Definitely something that should have been posted here a while back. I love this record so much I recently picked up the repress even though I already have the first press. This version includes two bonus tracks, both of which eventually ended up on the recent "The Archer & the Owle" EP, and is still available at Gilead Media. I suggest picking it up if you love doom or sludge especially considering the label in need of some help at the moment.

Listen to it on the label's bandcamp.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Encoffination - O' Hell, Shine In Thy Whited Sepulchres (2011)

2011-11-21T02:05:00.001-08:00

Full Length, Selfmadegod Records
November 15th, 2011

Genre: Death/Doom Metal
Region: USA

Listening to this record is basically like being pounded in the face in excruciatingly slow intervals continuously for 40 minutes with a mace as you choke on your own blood and splintered skull, lying in a dark battlefield. The crawling scent of a thousand torn up corpses piled in the center of a ruined castle ready to be burned.

I'd say it's an improvement over Ritual Ascension Beyond Flesh which was quite an impressive record, more chilling samples of ringing monastery bells strewn amongst the incredibly heavy and slow riffs, drumming and vocals. No disappointments here.

There are a few moments where the pace picks up slightly but this is largely a slithering, suffocating cloud of doom-drenched death metal and it is brutal. Pick it up here.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

By Endurance We Conquer: Gilead Media

2011-11-21T01:03:00.001-08:00

The Status & Future of Gilead Media

I'm not sure if post come off as pretentious or alarmist but fuck it, I won't make a habit out of posts like these anyway.

Equivoke is a simple blog posting/pirating music created by hard working musicians alongside regular dedicated guys running DIY record labels such as Gilead Media, Enemies List Home Recordings, Dark Descent, Hydra Head, Neurot Records, Robotic Empire, Vault of Dried Bones, Howling Mine, The Flenser, and many others. What we do is so easy, what they do requires a lot of time, dedication, money, and love for the material they put out there and rarely do they try to have blogs like ours shut down for spreading their stuff around illegally. I feel the least I can do is try to raise awareness of some of these guys and their current situations, maybe direct some support their way — often they're in a constant bind being small, underground labels and bands who reinvest all profits into new releases and work hard to keep the quality to a high standard.

Adam Bartlett of Gilead Media recently posted an update on his blog about the label's current situation and while it's not in any immediate danger of shutting down, recent events in the past year have made it harder for him to continue providing music and merchandise that I and many others love. Throughout my time here I've posted quite a few of their excellent releases — False, Ash Borer, Fell Voices, Ruin Lust, Krallice, Thou, Barghest, Black Arrows of Filth & Impurity — most of which are still available (some in their second pressings). I'm well aware that not everyone has cash on hand to pick up releases on a frequent basis but if you were on the fence about picking something up from Gilead now would be the perfect time. Adam isn't looking for pity or hand outs, nor is he trying to be dramatic (since his isn't the only label affected). Do what you can to support him and the various underground labels so they can continue to bring us quality music.

On a side note, I'd also like to call attention to more bullshit intellectual property rights legislation being pushed by the entertainment industry in the USA which will affect essentially everyone involved in blogs such as these (not to mention the other 90% of the internet). It's brought up every so often and usually is squashed, hopefully that's what happens here. To do your part in ensuring that it is put down (even if you aren't in America) follow the link above to learn more or go here.

Thanks for your time. Resuming our regular schedule of stealing good music.

Antediluvian - Through The Cervix Of Hawaah (2011)

2011-11-18T12:24:00.001-08:00

Full Length, Profound Lore Records
November 12th, 2011

Genre: Death Metal
Region: Canada

You know what? Alongside Mitochondrion's "Parasignosis" and Ulcerate's "The Destroyers of All" this may be the best death metal release this year.

Catastrophic, ancient, dissonant, twisted and ugly. A squall of intense and incomprehensible crawling darkness spilling into your ears. This builds on the magnificence of Under Wing of Asael and Revelations In Excrement. Nothing but well written face-splitting riffs, primal drum blasts, actually audible bass riffs, and organ destroying vocals. No space is wasted, no bullshit — all is devoted to conjuring extreme bestial intensity.

I'm going to stop now because I have to listen to this all day. Support these brilliant Canadian fucks and pick it up right now from Profound Lore Records or if you're in the EU at Invictus Productions. Do it.

EDIT: Link replaced and track list amended/corrected. Apologies. Please check your tags! Tracks 1, 4 and 9 have incorrect spelling from the original rip (update 19/11/2011, clipping issue fixed).

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Dyskinesia - Dalla Nascita (2011)

2011-11-16T17:46:00.001-08:00

Full Length, Frohike Records
September 1st, 2011

Genre: Atmospheric Sludge/Post-Metal
Region: Italy

Honestly I haven't been very interested in much of the post-metal/post-rock released this year like I have in the past. Braveyoung's new album blew me away and may be the only post-rock release I've thoroughly enjoyed while Russian Circles' latest 'Empros' I found largely disappointing. I did enjoy the new Omega Massif but truthfully it doesn't live up to their debut (last half almost gets there). However Dyskinesia's latest album "Dalla Nascita" showed up in my requests a few days back and definitely has piqued my interest more than most of what I've heard from the genre this year.

My initial impression of Dyskinesia lead me to compare them to two experimental groups getting a lot of attention recently — The Body and Terra Tenebrosa . At least to some extent. The difference is that while I really didn't enjoy either of those band's works I found this far more engaging, refined, well structured and less tedious. It may be because this is more straight forward and loud than my first impression led me to believe, more resembling Omega Massif and Tesa here and there then the aforementioned acts which makes it far more appealing to me.

Seven tracks in all which range from 5 to 8 minutes each. There's a lot of elements in "Dalla Nascita" but the overarching theme of atmospheric sludge/post-metal dominates their sound. They make a point to express that it was "recorded live in studio, with few overdubs, keeping the spontaneity and the rarefed atmospheres of their past works alive." The album flows seamlessly without becoming redundant or forgettable.

Most songs are composed of waves of well layered guitar effects: several droning/wailing guitars over the heavy sludge leads and soft bass riffs creating a wonderfully deep and lonely atmosphere. It feels like an instrumental album but a lot of tracks have either ghostly/hushed semi-clean singing or harsher vocals (similar to Time to Burn) behind the chaos created by the effect-laden guitars and pounding drums. The fourth track shows off the drone or noise aspect of the album without becoming grating; subtle resonating hums and cycling industrial/noise samples pulse slowly throughout. The final three tracks fade back into dreamy post-metal with tinges of shoegaze, the last track ending on a decidedly noisier note.

Despite the fact "Dalla Nascita" reaches just over 45 minutes it passes much faster than you'd think, stemming from the fact that every song is quite enjoyable. Beautiful in some moments while heavy and chaotic in others it's finely tuned record without the filler I was expecting. They've put it up for free (with the choice of donation t support its release) and you can also hear it on their bandcamp page.

DOWNLOAD (Frohike Records)
DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Chromes - And Here My Disgust Begins (2011)

2011-11-15T22:26:00.001-08:00

EP, Dancing On Sharks
November 7th, 2011

Genre: Hardcore/Sludge/Crust
Region: UK

In the middle of a Thou binge I decided to check out some requests (something I don't do often enough). I have a few other requests I want to post eventually but this one in particular caught my interest. Sid from this young two-piece London band called Chromes left me a nice email about their new EP. Not much can get me to stop a Thou track midway through but this two track release did just that.

"And Here My Disgust Begins" is a short but very hard-hitting/well written EP with a distinct sound, creeping along the edges of Young and In The Way and Celeste territory. A seriously dark and bleak atmosphere surrounds this one. Hopefully this is only a small taste of what's to come as these guys know how to create some brooding and pissed dark hardcore.

The first track "And Here My Disgust Begins" starts with jarring feedback. Immediately following this is a mass of slowly writhing blackened hardcore riffs and dissonant slides which lead up to a mid-point of hypnotic ambience, finally letting go into a melodic chunk of chords with a subtle piano bed — ending the song in a very beautiful yet sad light. Everything moves along smoothly, no dragging moments. "Diamond Crowns" quickly follows with some slow, powerful sludgy leads that melt into a brief clean/quiet moment and back into the former again. This repeats once more to great effect and drags you towards a noisy, ominous conclusion. All elements here are well refined from the Converge-esque vocals tinged with hate and desperation to the noisy and thick guitar tone, to the pounding drums (which get lost in the chaos at points). The subtle touches of piano and feedback are very effective without coming off as cheesy or forced. Intense from beginning to end.

Thoughtfully constructed and highly recommended. You can listen to and download the EP on their bandcamp page and soundcloud, and follow them on facebook or on their blog. You'll definitely want to keep an eye on what these guys have planned.

DOWNLOAD (Bandcamp)
DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Thou - The Archer & The Owle (2011)

2011-11-14T20:59:00.001-08:00

EP, Robotic Empire
May 22nd, 2011

Genre: Sludge/Doom Metal
Region: USA

While I was sitting around between reading breaks I was thinking back on past live shows (having just seen Russian Circles for a second time which was fantastic), and I kept coming back to the Thou with Wolves in the Throne Room/Gates/Thantifaxath show a few months back. All the bands that played that night were great but I can easily say that seeing Thou for the 30 minutes they were on stage was one of the most intense and heavy live shows I've experienced. Being so ridiculously close to the band while they were performing on a half-pipe I was nearly smashed between the bassist and guitarist during the entire earth-shaking set, swaying and entranced by the tremendous doom they conjured up right through to a wonderful Black Sabbath cover that finished it off. Thou absolutely surpassed my expectations. Then I realized I have never posted one of their albums here which disturbed me a little.

Thou are undeniably a very hard working band. They've consistently put out at least four or five releases every year since 2007 (sometimes posting their stuff for free) and all of them are quality. "The Archer & The Owle" is one of three releases this year — a punishing and crawling sludge beast as all their records are. It contains three excellent covers ("Nirvana - Something in the Way", "Pygmy Lush - Cold World" and "There There"), two 10 minute mammoth originals (one that appears on Summit as a bonus track) and one short interlude with a trumpet (again from Summit); all of which emanate a cold and agonizing atmosphere alongside the relentlessly heavy growls of the guitars/bass and hoarse, shrieking vocals in true Thou fashion.

Nothing can compare to their live performance in all honesty but this is quite a record and I highly recommend you check it out if you haven't already (and if you can find a copy, grab one).

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Sanguis Imperem - In Glory We March Towards Our Doom (2011)

2011-11-10T13:05:00.001-08:00

Full Length, Hell's Headbanger Records
November 4th, 2011

Genre: Death Metal
Region: USA

Another tower of death metal I was anticipating greatly. Sanguis Imperem are a USA old school death metal machine with a similar vibe of Necros Christos or Sonne Adam, and this is their first full length after a few EPs and a split with Nocturnal Blood.

Opening with a foreboding acoustic intro, "In Glory We March Towards Our Doom" is nine tracks of quality death and the sound definitely fits the title. The sound of a massive army trampling the earth towards certain death without regard for anything in its path. Nothing but relentless waves of tremolo leads that spill into occasional slow/bendy riffs, coupled with abominable growls and screams, and war-like drumming marching you to a dark, endless pit of tangled corpses. Nothing flashy, very dirty and powerful.

Their style is familiar no doubt but they pull it off so well. Pick it up now at Hells Headbanger Records. You won't regret it.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Zelfhaat - Van Jammerklacht En Wanhoopsgeshrij (2011)

2011-11-09T23:17:00.000-08:00

Genre: Depressive Black Metal
Country: Netherlands
Label: Rotting Grave Distribution

Download via Megaupload (VBR)

Ritual Necromancy - Oath of the Abyss (2011)

2011-11-09T23:04:00.000-08:00

Full Length, Dark Descent Records
November 15th, 2011

Genre: Death Metal
Region: USA

Admittedly I do try not to post stuff that my fellow bloggers have posted the same day usually but I will and have certainly make exceptions. This is really good — another win for Dark Descent Records.

Like the wicked child of Vorum, Incantation, and Antediluvian, Ritual Necromancy's "Oath of the Abyss" rips through the darkness with a muddy chainsaw guitar/bass tone from the former (or Denial) and oppressive, frighteningly deep and formless vocals of the latter. Lots of dark, creeping and doomy mid-paced tremolo riffs with chunky chords interspersed throughout the record over the annihilating, merciless drums. Oath of the Abyss provides nothing but satisfying, unstoppable old school tomb-defiling death metal.

Those who like the above mentioned bands or Vasaeleth, Funebrarum, Ignivomous, etc. better check this out. Get a copy over at Dark Descent.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

ID:VISION - Destination Cybermind (2011)

2011-11-07T18:57:00.000-08:00

Extreme Industrial

Belarus

320 kb/s

I found these guys awhile back and listened to their first album, Plazmadkaos which I thought was neat, albeit a bit boring. If you're expecting another The Amenta, you're mistaken. This band doesn't really take noise music elements, but instead they use lots of techno sounds, lots of beep boops, zeep woops. Let's not say this album isn't extreme, it's actually pretty intense. They even throw in that industrial clean vocal yelling thing that bands do, if you know what I'm talking about and that's along side guttural squeals and growls. This might not be a lot of people's cup of tea, and people might think it's a bit cheesy and over produced...

But I like it...

I like it a lot.

Also, help me figure out the genre. Because I have no idea what they are other than industrial.

DOWNLOAD(Mediafire)

Seven Sisters of Sleep / Children of God - Split (2011)

2011-11-07T15:25:00.000-08:00

Split, A389 Recordings
2011

Genre: Sludge/Hardcore
Region: USA

Oh yeah. More Seven Sisters of Sleep is always welcome and like Young and In The Way these guys are always busy. Here's the latest offering in the form of a split with Children of God.

Six tracks, three from each band. It's angry and abrasive. The Seven Sisters of Sleep side is more sludge oriented while the Children of God side resembles more traditional hardcore but there are elements of sludge mixed in there enough to see why these two beasts would come together for a split (particularly on Bled Dry, very doomy). I haven't heard of them until this was announced but it would seem they should be getting more attention.

It slays. Need I say more? No. Listen to it streaming here and definitely get a copy on vinyl over here as well.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Time To Burn - Is.Land (2007)

2011-11-07T14:15:00.000-08:00

Full Length, Basement Apes
November 1st, 2007

Genre: Atmospheric Sludge
Region: France

This is a well deserved re-post and admittedly I did not do it justice. Time To Burn recently announced that they are dead/on hiatus and this prompted me to spread this wonderful band around again. They have generously put up all of their material for free on their bandcamp page.

They are a brilliant and unique french atmospheric sludge/post-hardcore band who put out one demo, one EP and two full lengths. Is.Land is their second and last release — it is so impressive and powerful and there is still not much out there like it in the genre. The energy, atmosphere and passion mirrors that of Amenra or Mare. Check out their video for the second track Nayeli and you'll hear what you've been missing:

Is.Land is filled with quality writing and blends styles in surprising ways. It moves from brutal and fast hardcore riffing and melancholic, crushing sludgy swells and leads while always maintaining atmosphere. The drumming is tight and clear, noticeably adding to the intensity. It's the calamitous and visceral vocals that almost reach that of Colin from Amenra and Tyler of Mare which I find captivating; Eddy's vocals can be harsh as in the above example or soft and clean as shown in the closing track "Land."

I cannot recommend this album and band enough — they are an extremely satisfying listening experience. It's just too bad they shut down. The final message from the band:

"After a few years of slowed down activity, time to burn is now on hiatus.

We couldn’t be more thankful for everyone who helped us. Every gig we played at, every floor we slept on, every band we’ve toured with. we’ve met great people along the way, and they would be too many to name all. thank you."

The old links were low quality but these are 320. If you want to support them you can get this on vinyl or CD right here, and I highly recommend you do.

DOWNLOAD (Bandcamp)
DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Made Out Of Babies - Coward (2006)

2011-11-06T19:03:00.000-08:00

Full Length, Neurot Recordings
September 18, 2006

Genre: Sludge/Post-Hardcore
Region: USA

Another band I've been hearing about for a while but neglected to check out, regretfully indeed. This is some sick stuff that straddles the sounds of angular hardcore like Narrows and bizarre doom like Battle of Mice and Neurosis.

What is immediately notable is the vocals of Julie Christmas which are strangely beautiful, piercing and a little disturbing; fitting in excellently amongst the dissonant and devastating guitar leads. I remember disliking her style while she was in Battle of Mice but that has since changed and I guess I just didn't realize she was playing in this band, otherwise I would've been all over this sooner. She keeps it melodic and clean to great effect until suddenly tumbling into a more harsh and creepy style for brief moments. Probably not for everyone.

This (like everything on Neurot) is difficult to place as just hardcore or just sludge so it can be expected that you'll be surprised. And again the sludge moments do remind me of Neurosis and Battle of Mice while the hardcore influence could be compared to Narrows or to a lesser extent Kiss It Goodbye (minus the intense and unbeatable anger) but that's about all I could compare it to — and vaguely at that. Great writing and pacing as well as unique sound. Go to Neurot to get a copy.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Monkeypriest - The Psalm (2011)

2011-11-06T17:34:00.000-08:00

Full Length, Féretro Records
2011

Genre: Sludge/Doom Metal
Region: Spain

I should be working on a paper but instead I'm listening to this and the new Leviathan album (which I'll get around to posting but you can find it over at our friend Forever Cursed).

What we have here is a plodding band from Spain that takes the sludge from Seven Sisters of Sleep and tears away the hardcore element leaving thick billowing clouds of heaviness in its stead (not unlike Canada's Weirding to some extent). Simple and satisfying all the way through with a few nice surprises. Slow dirty riffs, raspy vocals and steady pounding drums echoing from the bowels of a long-forgotten temple.

Opening with the ominous droning of a monk, The Psalm has seven tracks (including a Cerebral Fix cover) that all hit just under the seven minute mark, ending with a ten minute final track including vocals from Marco of the Spanish doom outfit Orthodox. The cover gives you a good impression of how the album sounds and feels. You can get a copy at their shop right here.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

The Axis of Perdition - Tenements (Of the Anointed Flesh) (2011)

2011-11-06T14:35:00.000-08:00

Industrial/Atmospheric Black Metal

England

224 kb/s

The Axis of Perdition has for a long time been one of my favorite black metal bands, ever since I listened to their first LP, The Ichneumon Method (And Less Welcome Techniques). That album and their EP, Physical Illucinations in the Sewer of Xuchibara (The Red God) were extremely chaotic with harsh distorted vocals and with dark ambient whip cream. Their second LP, Deleted Scene from the Transition Hospital drifted towards more dark ambient and less black metal. And Urfe was almost a straight up audio book.

So this album, is kind of a surprising turn backwards. With some new twists. I can't really compare this album their previous works at all except for a few small details. Yes, this is harsh atmospheric scary black metal like The Ichneumon Method but it's as chaotic. You can find better comparisons from the band Blut Aus Nord. At first, I didn't like the idea and almost blew the album off. But I gave it another listen and it grew on me. So you guy's should give it a try and listen for yourselves.

DOWNLOAD(Mediafire)

Jääportit / Umbra Nihil / Aarni / Caput LVIIIm - Tribute to H.P. Lovecraft - Yogsothery - Gate 1: Chaosmogonic Rituals of Fear (2010, Split)

2011-11-06T13:55:00.000-08:00

Funeral Doom, Dark Ambient, Psychedelic, Drone

Finland

320 kb/s

From what I got, my friend found this album and bought on impulse. He gave it to me and said "I totally had to show you this." I'm glad he did, I'm a sucker for H.P. Lovecraft shit. At first, I wasn't expecting much but when I finally listened it grew on me. It's haunting, trippy, and very sifi. Basically what I feel when I read a story by Lovecraft. The track I have a problem with is Lovecraft Knew, as Aarni sounds kind of weak compared to the other artists here.

“Yog-Sothoth knows the gate. Yog-Sothoth is the gate. Yog-Sothoth is the key and guardian of the gate. Past, present, future, all are one in Yog-Sothoth. He knows where the Old Ones broke through of old, and where They shall break through again. He knows where They have trod earth's fields, and where They still tread them, and why no one can behold Them as They tread.”

H. P. Lovecraft, The Dunwich Horror

DOWNLOAD(Mediafire)

Oxbow - An Evil Heat (2002)

2011-11-05T17:15:00.000-07:00

Full Length, Neurot Recordings / Hydra Head Records
March 19th, 2002

Genre: Avant-garde/Noise-Rock/Sludge
Region: USA

If you haven't already seen or picked up a copy of the recent fantastic underground music industry documentary film Blood, Sweat & Vinyl: DIY in the 21st Century then I suggest you do so. For a while I've been hearing about this band Oxbow but only in vague mentions. Having received my copy of said documentary I was better introduced to them through it and I was surprised, confused and compelled by what I heard. Specifically their passionate live performance of Stallkicker and the vocalist's presence.

Apparently Oxbow been around for a while, jumping between Neurot and Hydra Head making some bizarre yet heavy noise-rock/psychedelic sludge, with a lead singer (Eugene S. Robinson) that is absolutely insane. What they remind me of is Daughters and their oddness if they slowed it down, went in a psyche-sludge direction, and had far more sexual undertones.

Similar to Neurosis they're impossible to describe accurately. Likewise An Evil Heat is hard to describe without repeating myself. I'll just say it's not for everyone, you'll either love it or absolutely hate it, and the final track is a 32 minute tribal vocal/drum drone fest which is much different from the rest of the album; guaranteed to put you into a trance. Get a copy of the cd over at Neurot Recordings.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Heresiarch - Hammer of Intransigence (2011)

2011-11-05T16:32:00.000-07:00

EP, Dark Descent Records / Satanic Skinhead Propaganda
October, 2011

Genre: Death Metal
Region: New Zealand

Still waiting on my copy to arrive but since it's floating around out there already I might as well get it up. Their demo was promising and this takes another step forward with their sound. Containing members of the no bullshit death metal group Diocletian, Hammer of Intransigence is a destructive EP indeed. Not terribly unique but it packs quite a punch without a doubt.

It really isn't necessary for me to say much about this one. You already know if you'll like this or not but if you need a taste check out Carnivore, and if you do indeed like what you here support them by going to Dark Descent or Vault of Dried Bones to pick up some of their merch. The guys on both those labels are acquiring some excellent bands recently.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Thrones / Sedan - Split (2011)

2011-11-05T16:11:00.000-07:00

Split, Joe Preston's Solid Gold Recordings
April 24th, 2011

Genre: Doom/Drone/Post-Rock
Region: USA

Since I didn't see this up elsewhere yet I figured I'd put it up here. I think it's vinyl only so yeah.

Joe Preston is a nice guy and has made heavy tunes for a long time. Both shows I've been to he puts on a great set and acts quite friendly before, during, and after all the doom.

This is his most recent release with a band called Sedan which I don't know anything about. They seem to be a instrumental/post-metal-ish band and offer up one 12 minute track "Erdman Set : El Jefe" to coincide with Joe's 14 minute spacey, droney, alienesque song "Bridal Veil". It's much quieter and ambient than Sedans side and has the trippy voice modulation found on tracks like Obolous. Sedan's track is surprisingly good, nice drumming and quite atmospheric with an 'ancient' psychedelic vibe around it (like a tamed Grails).

You can get a copy from him on his recent tour or over here.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Gates - A Precessional Winter (2011)

2011-11-03T18:53:00.000-07:00

Full Length, ASTRAL RA / Ivory Antler Records
June 21th, 2011

Genre: Drone/Doom/Noise/Ambient
Region: Canada

I've seen the 'spectral doom' ensemble Gates three times now (most recently last night) and honestly they get more dark, intense, loud and fierce every single time. Last night they tore the venue down and drowned it in waves of suffocating/oppressive noise and drone, performing a slight variation on this album (and thus of They Hide In The Shadows as well to some degree). Visual evidence from the show can be found here and here in two parts. It was quite an experience. If you ever get a chance to see them live don't hesitate.

This is a 2010 live recording of the album "Moths Have Eaten The Core", very limited (30 copies originally self-released from ASTRAL RA) though there are still a few copies floating about at live shows and Ivory Antler Records (who are repressing the aforementioned album) — I highly suggest grabbing one. Extremely loud and raw, paced well and engrossing. These guys deserve your attention and support so follow them here for updates (or listen here) and do what you can because they're doing something different, and doing it very well consistently.

"Recorded at a show last November as the snow began to fall. This one was the first performance where it all really came together. A fairly raw, rough document of the evening and of a developmental point in Gates growth as a live ensemble."

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Amenra - Mass III-II + IIII (2011)

2011-11-01T19:01:00.000-07:00

Compilation, Tokyo Jupiter Records
October, 2011

Genre: Atmospheric Sludge
Region: Belgium

Yes I'm posting Amenra again. Why would anyone complain? I don't know.

This is the recent re-release/remaster of Mass III-II + Mass IIII from Tokyo Jupiter Records. If you don't have a copy of it (cd/vinyl) I suggest picking this one up from them, especially if you're not in North America. This contains the live variation of "Shapeless Pain" from their 23.10 Live Ritual DVD which is slower, more intense, and absolutely devastating. Colin's vocals are unbelievable.

I've posted both albums before but you can never have enough Amenra — never. Their next Mass is my most anticipated album for next year easily. To put it bluntly: they are unarguably one of the heaviest bands on the planet right now. Steve Von Till (Neurosis), Dwid Hellion (Integrity) and Jacob Bannon (Converge) concur:

"Amenra is deep, and real, and moving, and incredibly inspiring. A heavy, sonic spiritual quest awaits you at Mass in the Church of Ra" - Steve Von Till

"Mass IIII is the music within the darkest black dream" - Dwid Hellion

"Amenra in my opinion are one of the most interesting and powerful bands in aggressive music" - Jacob Bannon

Support them. Enough said.

DOWNLOAD (zshare) (all-in-one)

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire) (Mass III-II)
DOWNLOAD (Mediafire) (Mass IIII)

Gadget - Remote (2004)

2011-10-27T15:32:00.000-07:00

Full Length, Relapse Records
February 16th, 2004

Genre: Grindcore
Region: Sweden

I can't believe I haven't posted this yet, I love this record. Gadget aren't very well known but they put out some top-notch grindcore, carving out a unique sound in an overcrowded genre.

Remote is filled with brilliantly written, furious, occasionally technical riffs and monstrous drumming and vocals, as well as a few brief moments of slower/sludgy tracks that break up the blasting appropriately ( "Failure" and the closer "Tema: Skit" are great examples). I highly recommend this one. Any fan of the genre should definitely give this a try as I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Get a taste at their bandcamp.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Heresiarch - Obsecrating the Global Holocaust (2011)

2011-10-27T14:03:00.000-07:00

Demo, Satanic Skinhead Propaganda
April 4th, 2011

Genre: Death Metal
Region: New Zealand

This demo is full of promise and excellent dirty riffing. Their new EP "Hammer of Intransigence" (which you can pre-order over at Dark Descent Records) is about to be released in the coming weeks, and if it's anything like this we can expect some more top notch killer death metal out of New Zealand.

Three tracks (one Bathory cover) of unrelenting death in the vein of Antediluvian, Vorum, Cruciamentum, Witchrist Vasaeleth, and Diocletian. No wasted space, everything here is geared towards fast-paced, face-crushing efficiency leaving you breathless. Memorable and promising.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Nahvalr - Nahvalr (2008)

2011-10-27T13:37:00.000-07:00

Full Length, Enemies List Home Recordings
2008

Genre: Noise/Industrial/Black Metal
Region: USA

Don't know about my fellow posters here but I've been a little busy with presentation preparations, papers, readings, and now Battlefield 3 so apologies for the lack of activity. Have another bizarre release from the weirdos at ELHR.

"Nahvalr is Open-Source Black Metal. What does that mean? It means using the internet, using the solitude and separation caused by home recording and digital distribution, to bring together sounds, songs, and lyrics from dozens of artists, each working in complete ignorance of the other.

Collected, edited, and added to by Dan Barrett and Tim Macuga (of Have A Nice Life), Nahvalr evolved from dozens of unconnected sound files into a shrieking whirlwind of noise, blasphemy, distortion, reverb, and evil. Distortion and noise are used as intruments; cacophany gives way to quiet ambience, ambience gives way to black-metal pounding and screaming, screaming gives way to mumbled singing and lo-fi buzz." - Enemies List Home Recordings.

Not for everyone that's for sure. It's a very dark, ambient, chaotic record filled with strange samples and noise, and while one may get the impression that an album composed the way this one was would be disjointed or unfocused, this record comes together cohesively. If you didn't know better you'd think everyone involved was in the same room when it was created. ELHR described it better than I ever could so have a listen if you like their other projects or just strange shit in general.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)

Gates - They Hide in the Shadows (2011)

2011-10-17T15:03:00.000-07:00

Full Length, Handmade Birds Records
July 19th, 2011

Genre: Drone/Doom/Noise/Ambeint
Region: Canada

"Gates bring a refreshing sound to the dark landscape, documented here in this enormous live performance from The Music Gallery in Toronto, Canada on 11/3/11. Those of us that were not present to bear witness to this epic performance are still experiencing regret. Thankfully, the performance was archived here; a perfect segue into their forthcoming Handmade Birds full length due late 2011." - Handmade Birds / Gates blog

I've seen Gates twice, once a few months back with Wolves in the Throne Room/Thou/Thantifaxath and again this past Saturday. Both times they put on extremely hypnotic, loud and noisy shows that impressed me a lot. As a full group they're fairly new and perform live even without all members present, resulting in some interesting experimentation. They've been described as "spectral doom" and you can get a preview of They Hide in the Shadows here.

It is one long and slow "continuous performance, comprised of live adaptations of the songs from 'Moths Have Eaten the Core'" split into three tracks just over ten minutes each. Despite the fact this record is based in a previous recording the changes are significant and engaging. Each track has the musicians building on each other meticulously to form a wall of suffocating atmosphere through wailing guitars, chaotic swirling noise, roaring vocals, and quaking bass. Creeping and ebbing. It's controlled very well, you can hardly tell it is a live recording, and does not wear on you as some drone can.

Great creeping drone that stands out in the genre. Recommended.

EDIT: Link has been fixed, first track no longer has a gap at 1:04 in.

DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)
DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)

Splitter - Avskräckande Exemplar (2007)

2011-10-16T02:05:00.000-07:00

Grindcore

Sweden

A good album by a good band. Heavily inspired by Nasum, and for grindcore this kind of on the melodic side. Which isn't bad, I enjoy it at least.

I also caved, I'm using mediafire now.

DOWNLOAD(Mediafire)

Junius/Rosetta - Split [2011/320]

2011-10-13T10:05:00.000-07:00

I actually saw Junius a couple days ago, having only heard their previous album before then, and this split. If you've heard Junius before, you probably wouldn't expect them to be heavy live, but wow. I completely underestimated them, and they easily stole the show for me (Alcest and Enslaved were playing that night too). It's easy to see now why they did a split with Rosetta. Both theirs and Rosetta's songs complement each other very nicely on this album, and though the split is only two songs long they are a great two songs and worth your time to check out if you're a fan of any of these bands.

Artist: Junius/Rosetta

Album: Split

Release Year: 2011

Genre: Indie Rock/Post-Metal/Sludge Metal

Download 320 (Megaupload)

Young and In The Way - V. Eternal Depression (2011)

2011-10-12T12:10:00.000-07:00

Full Length, Antithetic Records
November, 2011

Genre: Blackened Hardcore/Crust
Region: USA

"Young and in the Way return with their heaviest and most experimental album yet. This album is devastating. The guitar tone is downright ruthless. The vocals are scathing and brutal. From the opening solemn piano, to the sound of a distant train that brings the album to a close, you will be absolutely pummeled by everything in between. The band has pushed themselves harder than ever before, both as musicians and as song writers, and it is clearly evident here. The music is both heavier and more experimental than any of their previous work. "The Gathering", the nearly 12 minute B side track is nothing like you've ever heard from this band. Every member lends some additional percussion, and there are additional woodwind instruments as well. Again, this is nothing like you've ever heard from Young and in the Way before." - Antithetic Records

I guess I Am Not What I Am was just a taste of where their sound was heading. "V. Eternal Depression" is Young and In The Way's next relase and it just went up for streaming on their bandcamp and preorder today, so have a listen if you want.

V. Eternal Depression takes the blackened part of their crusty hardcore style and cranks it up a shit ton, to great success indeed. There's a greater emphasis on atmosphere and ambiance compared to IANWIA but this is not at the expense of the sludgy blackened hardcore riffs, wicked drumming and raspy vocals that are even more pronounced here.

Of the five new tracks here four keep within the three minute mark while the fifth track spans eleven minutes and for the first half is instrumental, tribal and atmospheric ( sprinklings of piano, strings, acoustic guitar, etc.) with the tail end slowly melting back into their crusty groove slathered in reverb. It ends with sample of a train whistle far off in the distance conjuring up images of early morning fog enveloping a darkened landscape, closing off the album with oppressive atmosphere.

I would suggest getting on top of this now if you enjoyed their previous releases. as it's a big and noticeable step in the evolution of their sound.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)
DOWNLOAD (Megaupload)