Full Length Review: FULCI "Tropical Sun" (Time To Kill Records) by Kelly Tee

Band: FULCI

Country: Italy

Genre: Death metal

Full Length: Tropical Sun

Label: Time To Kill Records (Italy)

Format: CD, streaming

For fans of: Cannibal Corpse, Incantation, early Nile, Devourment, Mortician and Fabio Frizzi.

Release date: May 31, 2019

Fulci is an Italian death metal band who have been smashing the metal scene since 2013 with their heavy sense of extreme often old school style death metal.

In 2015, this brutal bunch gave us Opening The Hell Gates, their first full-length album, which was full of heavy vocals, persistent blast beats, old school death metal guitar patterns, with thrashing style highlights, making their first album release a fantastic debut.

2019 sees Fulci come thumping back across the pit toward us, with an amplified sound within their 2019 release Tropical Sun.

Please do not let the apparent nice album name fool you, because this album is full of aggression, violence and deathly themes around horror, gore, and the undead. Unlike their first album, Tropical Sun while maintaining their heaviness, takes a much slower and rhythmic death metal approach with obvious components of slam shining through, particularly in tracks such as Church Of The Undead.

We are given 14 tracks and while that sounds substantial, these tracks range from 59 seconds with the longest being 3.48 minutes. Tropical Sun was designed to be listened to in one sitting from start to finish, which is achievable, most excellent and as the band intended it, I'm sure.

An obscure and seemingly out of place intro showcases ominous synth and a voice over which feels as if it was sampled from a 1930's horror movie, candidly talking about the dead. However, the brutality commences with the title track Tropical Sun as it propels deep into a death metal surge of vicious proportions. This track is an onslaught of crushing heavy riffs, thick smouldering bass and a magnitude of deadly low gutturals.

Tropical Sun is an unrelenting and punishing album. A true neck breaker which deep dives into opaque dense territory with a doomed and dark ambiance, while offering intense and rhythmic drum tracks over blast beats.

Many moments throughout Tropical Sun have weight to the groove flow, which is impossible not to enjoy and this said flow shines in ‘Splatter Fatality'. What a pulsing and cadenced track this is with vocals that smash you fiercely like a sledgehammer.

It is hard not appreciate Tropical Sun for its sheer heavy breakdowns, slam and death style execution and hardcore groove. Vocalist Fiore is a powerhouse and one who is merciless in delivering his lows and scolds of mid-range gutturals.

Evidently, Fulci has kept old school essential components to this new album with a slight introduction to slam and groove styles. Tropical Sun is a foreboding and demanding album showing off the bands maturity and capability to subtly mix genres and progress within their sound and as a band. -Kelly Tee

Lineup:

Fiore: Vocals

Dome: Guitar, Synth

Klem: Bass

Track list:

1. Voodoo Gore Ritual (instrumental)

2. Tropical Sun

3. Apocalypse Zombie

4. Splatter Fatality

5. Matul Tribal Cult

6. Legion Of The Resurrected

7. Palms By The Cemetery

8. Witch Doctor (instrumental)

9. Genetic Zombification

10. Eye Full Of Maggots

11. Church Of The Undead

12. Blue Inferno

13. Immortality Virus (instrumental)

14. March Of The Living Dead (instrumental)

Compilation Review: VARIOUS ARTISTS "The Unquiet Grave 2019" (Cleopatra Records) by Dave Wolff

Band: VARIOUS ARTISTS

Compilation: The Unquiet Grave 2019

Label: Cleopatra Records

Genre: Goth, post punk, industrial, darkwave, experimental

Format: Streaming

Release date: June 14, 2019

It’s been a long time since I last listened to a compilation of goth music. When Margot Day of Metamorph forwarded me the Bandcamp link to this one I figured now was a good time to catch up. I already have catching up to do on underground music, so one more album shouldn’t be too time consuming. Metamorph’s song “Winds Of Durga” is featured on The Unquiet Grave 2019 with twenty four bands, not just goth but also post punk, industrial, darkwave and experimental. Unquiet Grave 2019 was released by Cleopatra Records on the twentieth anniversary of The Unquiet Grave volume one. I don’t know how many volumes are available, but Cleopatra Records are doing well for themselves promoting such name bands as punk pioneers MC5 and Iggy Pop, punk veterans Reagan Youth, goth rockers Christian Death, new wavers Duran Duran, rock guitarist Todd Rundgren and alternative rockers Jane’s Addiction. The bands here seem to be in good company, and I should hand it to Cleopatra Records for causing ripples in the industry, however small, and reminding us where real alternative music came from in a day when corporate pop singers present live performances inspired by goth like imagery. Sorry but I’m still compelled to question this when Cleopatra’s bands have struggled for years. Mainstream pop mediocrity is sharply contrasted here, from the gritty bludgeoning and mournful vocals of The Ink Bats’ “No Other” to the futuristic keyboards and hypnotically desire-filled vocals of The Sedona Effect’s “I Burn” and Antidote For Annie’s “Only You” to the atmospheric darkness and early punk of The Long Losts’ “Skeleton Thief”. The Long Losts is another band I’ve listened to; when I reviewed them a couple years ago I mentioned they had grace and refinement, with a theatrical quality in their songwriting. In “Skeleton Thief” the opening keyboards sound a little like Led Zeppelin’s “No Quarter” and after this the vocals sound like Debbie Harry resurrected as a vampiress. It doesn’t end there. Fear Incorporated’s “Ouija Board Apparitions” sounds like the soundtrack to a classic horror movie, The Drowning Season’s “Brighter Than A Thousand Suns” has guitars fueled by power metal, “Not A Brightly Lit” with its abrasive electronic sounds is inspired by the old TV serial “Tales From The Darkside” and the song contributed by Metamorph has a traditional middle eastern/Mediterranean theme with a variety of experimental sounds. To hear more of these bands visit the official link to the compilation. -Dave Wolff

Track list:
1. The Ink Bats - No Other
2. Social Station - Try (Cross My Heart)
3. The Sedona Effect - I Burn
4. Antidote For Annie - Only You
5. Silver Walks - Tidal (Panic Lift Mix)
6. New Zero God - Broken Halo
7. The Long Losts - Skeleton Thief
8. Schedule IV - Stray
9. Hypofixx - Electrified (Cliff Cage's Minimal Destruction Mix)
10. Lorelei Dreaming - Edge Of The World (Digital Gnosis Remix)
11. Fear Incorporated - Ouija Board Apparitions
12. Metamorph - Winds Of Durga
13. Angel Metro - Stranger Times
14. Abbey Death - Trance
15. The Drowning Season - Brighter Than A Thousand Suns
16. May May Graves - Mermaids
17. Red Lokust - Speechless V2.0
18. Acclimate - Not As Brightly Lit feat. Martin Bowes
19. Traumabond - The Collective You
20. ENGRAM - Hi Teikei No
21. Tragic Impulse - Space Force
22. Spider Lilies - The Error Is You
23. RCH IV - Blodigel
24. Dreamchild - Alone
25. Moss Garten – Wire

Full Length Review: NIGHTWISH "Oceanborn" Spinefarm Records by Devin Joseph Meaney

Band: NIGHTWISH

Country: Finland

Genre: Symphonic power metal

Full Length: Oceanborn

Label: Spinefarm Records

Format: CD

Release date: December 7, 1998

After a day filled with barbecue, yard work and various other errands, I finally managed to find some time to write a review. The album I have chosen to review is ''Oceanborn'' by Nightwish. In the past few days, I have listened to a handful of releases by Nightwish, but Oceanborn would have to be my favorite I have played so far. This album is far removed from the material I would normally listen to, but it is a highly enjoyable masterpiece and has now rekindled my interest in operatics and symphonic metal as a whole. Vocally, this reminds me of a friend from Sweden, Natasa Nikolic, who can be heard singing and playing the keyboard with the supremely talented band Tragederia. Aside from the operatics, the guitar work is intricate, ''pretty'', at times viciously heavy, and flows with the rest of the music in a breathtaking way. The drums are tight, and the bass (what I can make out) is played very well and keeps time with the rest of the music. The keys, symphonics, and orchestral parts add to the backbone of this album and brings the whole thing together with elegant ferocity. Like a genuine symphony tailored to suit metalheads and fans of classical music alike, Oceanborn pushes forward with a brilliant display of musicianship that can be loved and graciously enjoyed time and time again. I think ''talent'' is the key word I will use to close this review. This album is full to the brim with bona fide talent, which comes through your speakers like a wave of audio splendor and vibrant uniqueness. If Ludwig van Beethoven and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart were alive during the time of heavy metal, I can fathom that they would be playing in a band just like this. Oceanborn is entirely excellent, and I encourage one and all to give it a listen for themselves. If you are a fan of music in general, I can make a guess that even if you don't ''like'' this album, you will damn well respect it. Great stuff, Nightwish! 10/10 -Devin Joseph Meaney

Lineup:
Tarja Turunen: Vocals
Emppu Vuorinen: Guitars
Tuomas Holopainen: Keyboards, backing vocals
Sami Vänskä: Bass
Jukka Nevalainen: Drums, percussion, backing vocals

Track list:
1. Stargazers
2. Gethsemane
3. Devil & the Deep Dark Ocean
4. Sacrament of Wilderness
5. Passion and the Opera
6. Swanheart
7. Moondance
8. The Riddler
9. The Pharaoh Sails to Orion
10. Walking in the Air (Howard Blake cover)

Full Length Review: BLACK SUN TRINE "Black Sun Trine" (Independent) by Dave Wolff

Band: BLACK SUN TRINE

Location: Los Angeles, California

Country: USA

Genre: Rock, metal

Full Length: Black Sun Trine

Label: Independent

Format: CD, streaming

Engineering by: John Avila

Mastered by: Stephan Marsh

Release date: April 2, 2018

Black Sun Trine is the brainchild of guitarist John Holffman, who wrote and recorded his debut full length with bassist Joh Avila and drummer Brandon Whynaucht. The brief amount of time between the band forming and releasing the album may not sound like there was much planning involved, but the songs sound like the release of energy that had accumulated for months or years before the first progressions were composed. You would conjecture Black Sabbath and Danzig exerted a massive pull on BST (and to a lesser extent Corrosion of Conformity, Metallica, Dio and Manowar) while writing what became their debut. This is no trivial effort to mimic celebrated bands, but songs with weight, reaching for their own identity and implying an innermost desire for personal and spiritual freedom. The gritty realism of the New York and Los Angeles streets where they were conceived is there, with a struggle to create something bigger than the sum of its parts and find common ground among the masses. Furthermore you won’t find self-indulgent “guitar god” rock here as the bass and drums are just as instrumental in shaping the material, as shown by “Impending Destruction” and “Pale Horse (phuc u).” This album doesn’t try to sermonize about change or force the listener to reconsider life choices, but represents an impassioned plea for people to see beyond differences. The potential accessibility here is a means to put the message out there. There is something about the lyrics and the way they’re sung that is capable of touching you and inspiring you to think about the state of the world, and what the world could be if enough people cared enough to try. Dio and Sabbath’s lyrics had the same profound desire and thought provoking quality, and Holffman gets it when it comes to what their songs really meant despite all the misconceptions surrounding metal since the 1980s. After all, “Holy Diver” and “Children of the Grave” were written by grown men who put thought into the lyrics, and “Black Witch,” “Reach Out,” “Nuclear War,” “Only The Strong Survive” and “Earth” seem to be natural progressions from those classics many years down the road. According to Holffman’s May interview, another BST full length is in the works. Its working title is Ascension and twenty songs have been written for it. There is more in the interview to read about this and the current album, as well as some of the personal experiences that inspired his songs. -Dave Wolff

Lineup:

John Halfmann: Guitar, vocals

John Avila: Bass, vocals

Brandon Whynaucht: Drums

Track list:

1. Black Witch

2. Imminent Destruction

3. We Are One

4. Reach out

5. Am I Alone

6. Nuclear War

7. Only The Strong Survive

8. Earth

9. Pale Horse (phuc u)

EP Review: ZERESH "Sigh For Sigh" (999 Cuts) by Dave Wolff

Project: ZERESH

Country: Israel

Genre: Atmospheric depressive dark folk

EP: Sigh For Sigh

Label: 999 Cuts

Format: Digital, streaming

Release date: January 18, 2018

If Orphaned Land represents one end of the Israeli metal spectrum, bright, optimistic and reaching for higher spiritual planes, Zeresh represents the other. “Sigh For Sigh” speaks of darkness, seclusion, loss and tragedy, in some ways likened to Norwegian black metal and the poetic lyricism of Cradle Of Filth. To begin to understand it, the solo project of Tamar Singer (Cruel Wonders, Autumn Tears, Necromishka) is based on Hebrew folklore, specifically the Book of Esther in the Hebrew Bible (also the Tanakh). According to legend, Zeresh was the wife of Haman who plotted to kill Mordecai, a civil servant of the Persian Empire. Zeresh warned Haman his plot would lead to his downfall. While Zeresh’s fate after Haman’s execution is unclear, some reinterpretations of the legend suggest she became a beggar. Besides the cultural legend reference, the lyrics are borrowed from the writings of William Ernst Henley and Alexander Blok. Henley was an influential poet, editor and critic in late Victorian England. Blok was a poet, writer, publicist, playwright, translator and literary critic in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Their poems complete a profound, intensely personal EP. This shows in compositions which are both mournful and cathartic, reflecting no external brightness, only dismal gloom from deep inside the soul. There is a confined, oppressive air running throughout “Sigh For Sigh”, mostly from keyboard and electronic sounds that create moods that are enclosive to the point of driving you to madness. At the same time, the material is no indication of self-indulgent sorrow, rather a desire for relief from anguish years or centuries old, to achieve tranquility again. The idea is to face the darkness within rather than flee from it. The acoustic guitars and vocal techniques; the series of notes from one passage to another, one line from another; while desolate, evoke a beacon of illumination within the darkness. The most vehemently intense song here is “Holy,” a dissonant, ungentle mix of discordant guitars and lamenting vocals. It’s an unexpected turn after the previous songs that takes you to another dimension. “Double Ballad Of Life And Death” opens with more dissonant guitars that fade into the background when the lone acoustic guitars and isolated vocals return. If you thought ambient projects like Abruptum were intense you have to check out this EP. -Dave Wolff

Lineup:

Tamar Singer: Vocals, all instruments

Track list:

1. O, Gather Me The Rose

2. Halls Grew Darker

3. Holy

4. Double Ballad Of Life And Death

Album Review: WITCHBONES "The Mirror Effect" (Independent) by Kelly Tee

Band: WITCHBONES

Location: Portland, Oregon

Country: USA

Genre: Black metal

Album: The Mirror Effect

Label: Independent

Format: Digital, streaming

Release date: June 11, 2019

It has only been one month since the release of We Haunt Ourselves album by the incredible black metal solo project out of Portland, Oregon USA, Witchbones and already this creator has released The Mirror Effect, a 5-track album, released in June 2019.

Unlike We Haunt Ourselves, which was full of inhuman sounds, was beastly and ritualistic; The Mirror Effect feels more like an expulsion of raw emotion, pain and memories coming to a head and delivered to the listener with remarkable strength and ambiance.

Loaded with extremely moving riffs that tie each track together, this album feels as if it was created to be listened to as one entire song, yet has elements within each track that differentiates and crafts an individual path.

The Mirror Effect is loaded with heavy crushing riffs and damaging melody that invents a stirring and dark atmosphere for the listener.

The mastermind behind Witchbones is Vardlokker, who’s vocals are scorn and unholy adding another level of brutalisation to each song on this album.

This is not a subtle 5 track journey, with tracks such as Bending The Cypticism and Cobalt Blue Glass feeling intrusive, creating an anxiety for the listener. Tracks such as Blood Sea Waves and No Reflection crush the tone with huge intensity building an unsettling mood. The opening title track The Mirror Effect sets the foundation for all the above perfectly and is unnerving, opaque and riddled with a pensive sadness.

The Mirror Effect is a substantial listen overall, with a perfect level of distortion that helps form the rawness and mysterious authenticity within this album. This excursion is one that is profound and intensified by elements of droning bass and low death style gutturals, creating an ominous and distressed impression. The faded pained screams heard on each track, propels a chilling vibe and is unique to Witchbones.

The Mirror Effect is a significant and inexorable album stained with some exceptionally good guitar patterns and solos, incredible black metal vocals and copious amounts of quality and character. Everything about this album is big; big vocals, big drums, big riffs, big passion.

Witchbones project once again has created within The Mirror Effect something so unforgiving, bleak and completely different from the albums produced before it. You just never know what you will get with this project, but one thing is for certain – Witchbones never disappoints and The Mirror Effect is the testament to this. -Kelly Tee

Lineup:

Vardlokker: Vocals, all instruments

Track list:

1. The Mirror Effect

2. Bending the Crypticism

3. Coral Blue Glass

4. No Reflection

5. Blood Sea Waves

Full Length Review: UBUREN "And The Mountains Weep" (Independent) by Devin Joseph Meaney

Band: UBUREN

Country: Norway

Genre: Black/viking metal

Full Length: And The Mountains Weep

Label: Independent

Format: CD, streaming

Release date: April 13, 2019

After a busy day and some barbecue (yes, I love my barbecue) I stood at my computer and threw on ''And The Mountains Weep'' by Uburen. The sound of the music was not exactly what I was expecting for Viking inspired tunes, but overall, it was quite pleasurable to check out these tracks. Black metal is one of my favorite genres to listen to, even though I am very picky with it. I will also add that I am genuinely interested in Viking folklore, so the combination of the two made for an enjoyable experience. ''And The Mountains Weep'' is the third full length album from Uburen, and from what I can hear, they without question have a firm grasp on their own particular style of playing and lyricism. As stated on their Bandcamp, Uburen is a band ''with an ideology of resurfacing the Viking folklore with a serious sound and focus on the darker and melancholic parts. The music is ferocious and harsh, but is full of underlying melodies that adds a real majestic and monumental feel.'' I can agree that the ferocity and harshness of the music and vocals is quite evident, and the ''underlying melodies'' add a nice touch. The last few bands I listened to have reminded me of old friends of mine, and this band is no exception. The clean vocals/spoken parts remind me of my brother in arms Seagull (Devin) Stoddard, who has played with Unbidden, Stragdaahk, Proctophobic (my old band) and a hefty handful of other live acts and recording projects. In general, I can say that Uburen is a talented band with depressive yet emotionally inspiring songs, and the tightness of the music is well worth a mention. Another thing I can add is that the cover art for this release is striking and sincerely foreboding, adding to the feelings and themes put together behind this album. I suggest that fans of music on the blackened side give these guys a listen, as their approach to the genre is somewhat unique and does not disappoint. Great music, Uburen! -Devin Joseph Meaney

Track list:
1. Oskoreia
2. Remembrance
3. Entrance to Valhalla
4. Fimbul
5. Fredlaus
6. The Mountains Weep
7. Valkyri
8. Huldra
9. Into the Void

Full Length Review: SWAN VALLEY HEIGHTS "Swan Valley Heights" (Oak Island Records) by Ashara Armand

Band: SWAN VALLEY HEIGHTS

Location: München

Country: Germany

Genre: Grunge, stoner rock

Full Length: Swan Valley Heights

Label: Oak Island Records

Format: Vinyl, streaming

Release date: January 30, 2016

You are having a bad day, you are in a funk and you want to get over your bullshit. So, you put on your headphones to blast a bit of music, and come across Swan Valley Heights. Their music at first appears trippy and soft but it has a crazy ass vibe. A psychedelic twist. This brings you some calm and peace because you are pissed about the world, but now it does not matter as you found this amazing band. That is what happened to me.

I did not think I would like it, but I started listening. I have been into dark metal most of my life and when I heard Swan Valley Heights it reminded me of Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Lynyrd Skynyrd and much more. I was brought back to a simpler time when music was everything and nothing else. This band is from München, Germany, a place that birthed talented musicians to come together and create poetry. I enjoyed listening to these deep mellow sounds and they were soothing. You do not come across things like this often; it's once in a lifetime. I had that honor today and I am grateful. Thank you for this music and what it means to people to connect on a deep level, evolving on a grander scale of life. -Ashara Armand

[Swan Valley Heights' second full length The Heavy Seed will be released on Fuzzorama Records on July 6, 2019. -DW]

Lineup:

David Kreisl: Guitars, vocals

Chris Schmidt: Bass

Andy Heir: Drums, keyboards

Track list:

1. Slow Planet

2. Alaska

3. Mammoth

4. Let Your Hair Down

5. Caligula Overdrive

6. Mountain

7. River

Full Length Review: THONIAN HORDE "Thonian Horde" (Independent) by Devin Joseph Meaney

Band: THONIAN HORDE

Location: Boonsboro, Maryland

Country: USA

Genre: Black n roll, black metal

Full Length: Thonian Horde

Label: Independent

Format: Digital, streaming

Release date: July 22, 2016

After a day of visitations and barbecue, I am finally finding the time to thumb through some promo material. There are a handful of bands I plan to review in the near future, but one of the two that stuck out most to me would be this band, Thonian Horde. I threw on ''Thonian Horde'', the self-titled debut release from this vicious quartet, and a wave of turbulent black and roll washed over me with malicious fervor. Hailing from Maryland, USA, this band is elegantly grotesque and pushes forward with an onslaught of blackened carnage that can only be described as unlit mastery. The first thing I will mention is that the vocalist reminds me of my friend Sean Macintyre (also known as Sean Blackthorn). The style of higher pitched gutturals used by Thonian Horde is similar to what I have heard in the past from Sean, which is not an insult, as he is/was a sincerely talented vocalist. (Also, check out the band Nightfall. Yes, I am shamelessly promoting my friend's band). Although all the instruments brought to light by Thonian Horde seem to be top tier, the thing that stands out most to me would be the wailing, shredding guitar solos. There is without a doubt a thrashy element to the string rips, and it flows nicely with the rest of the music overall. This album was recorded, engineered, and produced through April-July 2016 by Tim Otis and Thonian Horde, and was mastered by Matt Legrow. Thonian Horde logo & lyrics by R. McGinnis. All songs by Thonian Horde. This band is dark, intense, and I would honestly have it no other way this evening. Amazing tuneage, Brethren! -Devin Joseph Meaney

[Thonian Horde has since released two more full lengths, “Inconnu” and “Downfall.” -DW}

Lineup:

FeZZy: Bass, vocals

Dirty: Guitars

D-Mize: Lead guitar

Tyler “The Beast” Lee: Drums

Track list:
1. Black Cloud
2. Destiny Forsaken
3. Torments of a Deity
4. From The Ashes of Angels
5. Darkest Nights Shadow
6. Ravens Eye
7. Thonian Horde
8. Fathoms (A dedication to J Nötveidt)
9. Psychonaut

Full Length Review: GRAVEYARD "Opus V" (Prof SNY) by Dave Wolff

Band: GRAVEYARD

Location: Shoreham, New York

Country: USA

Genre: Political death noise

Full Length: Opus V

Label: Prof SNY

Format: Cassette, streaming, 12” vinyl, CD

Release date: October 19, 2018

The search is still on for original music by musicians who take chances, and prefer select listeners who understand them instead of bandwagon jumpers. Graveyard is another band fitting this bill I found when I didn’t expect to. "Opus V" is a schizophrenic nightmare unlike anything I’ve heard. The album has elements of anarcho-punk, thrash and extreme metal, and is described as a ritual intended to undermine those who sit in the highest political authority, growing richer while the poor grow poorer and the middle class dissolves. If I sound like I’m advocating this too earnestly, it’s because its message started rubbing off on me a lot. I’ve read about shady activity goings not reported on the news but posted all over the internet. Some theories sound like raving, others sound grounded in realism as protests in the streets continue to grow as fewer people believe what they hear on TV. Graveyard have done enough reading and researching of their own, and are revealing what they found in the space of thirty minutes. "Opus V" depicts a coming apocalypse as a warning of what the sociopolitical U.S. could become. The lyrics, which were emailed to me with digital files of the songs, are unapologetically anarchistic and refer to the country as a “plutocracy.” Often they head into uncomfortable territory as they compare the current political situation in the country to Nazi Germany. I had to listen to this album more than once to get the complete message, and it kept getting more horrifying each time. It takes what average Americana doesn’t want to hear and shoves it into their faces. Going beyond the “mad as hell” speech from Network, it reiterates that we should do something to change things for the better and soon. -Dave Wolff

Lineup:

The Raz: Rhythm guitar, vocals

Custodian Killer: Lead guitar, backing vocals

Thomas Jorgensen: Drums, programming

Track list:

1. Sacrifice

2. Ecological Collapse

3. There Is No Escape

4. Serve The State

5. After Thy Bodies Burn

6. The Gate

7. Insignificance (Nothingness In Things)

8. Genocide Revolution

9. Make Us Great Again

10. Slaughtered By Chemicals

11. Don’t Interfere

12. Opus V

Full Length Review: VALLENDUSK "Fortress of Primal Grace" (Northern Silence Productions) by Devin Joseph Meaney

Band: VALLENDUSK

Location: Jakarta

Country: Indonesia

Genre: Atmospheric black metal

Full Length: "Fortress of Primal Grace"

Format: Limited edition digipak, streaming

Label: Northern Silence Productions

Release date: March 30, 2018

A short while ago, my friend Steagull (also known as Big Dick Dangerous) sent me quite an amazing release. "Fortress of Primal Grace" by Vallendusk soon permeated my speakers and I instantly fell in love with this breath taking album! Tight drums and heavy yet melodic guitar work (with a hint of acoustics) graces this disc, alongside dismal (yet somehow uplifting) vocals and what sounds to me like intricate and well played organ work. As far as atmospheric black metal goes, this is some of the best I have heard in quite some time. This album was released on Northern Silence Productions, and although this is the first time I have heard of this label, I am now intrigued to hear more from them. Hailing from Jakarta, Indonesia, this band is absolutely fantastic and I genuinely implore people to check these guys out for themselves. It has been a very long time since I have listened to something that depresses me and brings me to a peak of euphoria all in one shot, but that is exactly what these guys do for me. This is the most recent release from Vallendusk. I am just hearing of them now, but I can say with sincerity that I will be listening to more of this band in the future. (The very near future, I might add). These guys have been active since 2011 and I hope it stays that way for years to come. Sincere regards to the band for creating such a masterpiece. Nature, nostalgia, and deep feelings adorn this music. Pure excellence! 10/10 -Devin Joseph Meaney

Lineup:

Rizky: Vocals, lyrics

Valendino Mithos: Lead guitars, songwriting, compositions

Danang Sugianto: Rhythm guitars, songwriting, compositions

Derick Prawira: Drums, arrangements

Track list:

1. The Presences

2. In Reverie

3. Coronation

4. At the Heart of the Storm

5. Eons

6. Higher Ground

7. The Shield

EP Review: FIXATION "Into The Pain" (WAR Records) by Devin Joseph Meaney

Band: FIXATION

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Country: USA

Genre: Hardcore

EP: Into The Pain

Label: WAR Records

Format: Digital, streaming, vinyl

Release date: May 10, 2019

It is a rainy Sunday evening and I am just getting around to doing a review for ''Into The Pain'' by Fixation. When I clicked play, the first song ''The Role'' attacked my eardrums with a violent assault of vicious hardcore punk rock. The second track ''Spare Me'' was just as obliterating. (I mean that in a good way). For the second portion, the last two tracks ''You Feel Nothing'' and ''No Class'' held just as much weight as the first half of this release! Heavy guitars and aggressive vocals adorn this EP, paired with tight drumming and crunchy bass. While I really enjoyed this EP, one thing I will mention is that I wish it was longer. Clocking in at around four to five minutes in total, I had to listen to this release multiple times to completely grasp it. Aside from the short length, this seems to be a tight little blast of hardcore and I highly suggest anyone into this style of music gives these guys a listen. I am now on my fifth (maybe sixth?) playthrough and I can honestly say this was enjoyable to rock out to. I hope to hear more in the future... great stuff! -Devin Joseph Meaney

Track list:

1. The Role

2. Spare Me

3. You Feel Nothing

4. No Class

Full Length Review: HAZE MAGE Chronicles (Grimoire Records) by Ashara Armand

Band: HAZE MAGE

Location: Baltimore, Maryland

Country: USA

Genre: Stoner/doom metal

Full Length: Chronicles

Label: Grimoire Records

Format: Digital, streaming

Release date: April 19,2019

Hold your fucking breath and listen to this shit I found. Its blasphemy on its own. It speaks to you. With its dark tragedy and ominous words. I have never written a review of a band before because it’s new. So cut me a break. I had the chance to listen to this Doom Metal Band called Hazel Mage. The name itself speaks the tone of dark warlocks at work. Drawing you into their world of suffering and hollow feelings. They are natives from Maryland and they call the album Chronicle. It brings me back to bands I listen to that have that dark undertone.

For example Mayhem, Motorhead and My Dying Bride. The voice of this singer Matthew Casella is powerful. You can hear the woe in time this man sings. I don’t know if you will like it but I do. It’s catchy. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea but you have to give a chance to hear it. I really enjoyed each song. It really inspires you into a dark void.

You can block out the world with this music and find yourself in a world that is not your own but you will enjoy it. It’s great. Check it out. -Ashara Armand

Lineup:
Matthew Casella: Vocals
Kevin Considine: Guitars
Nick Jewett: Guitars
Scott Brenner: Bass
John de Campos: Drums

Track list:
1. Haze Mage
2. Storm Blade
3. Bong Witch
4. Fire Wizards
5. Corpse Golem
6. Priest of Azathoth
7. Harbinger
8. Dread Queen

Full Length Review: DARKTHRONE "Old Star" (Peaceville Records) by Dave Wolff

Band: DARKTHRONE

Country: Norway

Genre: Black metal, heavy metal

Full Length: Old Star

Label: Peaceville Records

Release date: May 31, 2019

After three years, Darkthrone return with yet another full length (their eighteenth). The release of “Old Star” couldn’t have come sooner following the theatrical release of Jonas Akerlund’s black metal biopic “Lords Of Chaos”, which has received less than stellar feedback from fans and musicians the movie depicted and likely deserves a spot next to Randall Miller’s “CBGB” and Oliver Stone’s “The Doors” for gross character assassination. Movies like this, instead of fulfilling potential to be good movies, do nothing but reinforce the public’s stereotypes about rock, punk and metal. But this time it’s as if Darkthrone are here to sweep aside the film’s cartoonish sensationalism and the controversy surrounding 90s black metal. It seems like yesterday that I first heard “A Blaze in the Northern Sky” and I remember the resounding impact it had when it was needed. Since “The Cult Is Alive” (which marked their return to Peaceville Records) opinions have been mixed over whether Darkthrone albums are still worthy of their contribution to brutal and extreme music. However, it’s clear that “Old Star” is undeniably about their love of creating music. Not just black metal but doom, death and classic metal, all included in their formula here. It doesn’t seem like they’re making an effort to expand their listenership by first impressions, just playing what they feel and adding whatever fits the songs. “Old Star” was engineered and produced independently, given solid mixing and mastering by Sanford Parker and Jack Control. The black metal flavor of albums past can be heard in “I Muffle Your Inner Choir,” “Alp Man,” “Duke of Gloat” and the title track, particularly in Nocturno Culto’s raspy guitars and Fenriz’s hard-hitting percussion, but I have to admit the doom/stoner vibe following the classic metal theme of “The Hardship of the Scots” threw me. The mood and triplet feel reminds me of “Deliverance” era Corrosion of Conformity (and I mean that in a good way). There is an unspoken vibe in the epic closer “The Key is Inside the Wall” speaking of the raw mid 90s black metal attitude (bands like Fenriz’s side project Isengard on “Høstmørke”). It’s cult and grim without the need for labels. All things considered, this is a band that has aged well since they started out. -Dave Wolff

Lineup:

Nocturno Culto: Vocals, guitars, bass

Fenriz: Drums, additional vocals, bass, additional guitars, lyrics

Track list:

1. I Muffle Your Inner Choir

2. The Hardship of the Scots

3. Old Star

4. Alp Man

5. Duke of Gloat

6. The Key Is Inside the Wall

Full Length Review: HYPERDONTIA "Nexus Of Teeth" (Dark Descent Records) by Kelly Tee

Band: HYPERDONTIA

Location: København

Country: Denmark, Turkey

Genre: Death metal

Full Length: Nexus Of Teeth

Label: Dark Descent Records (USA)

Release date: September 14, 2018

Hyperdontia is a multicultural bunch, made up of members from Denmark and Turkey and hailing from bands such as mighty Phrendelith and Burial Invocation, it is no wonder that the sound created within Nexus Of Teeth is of a hybrid nature. Given this is their debut album, I will go as far as saying this is imposing and commendable.

Expect tracks curdled with dirty gritty guitars, exceptional rhythmic drum tracks, a chaotic brutality of deep dark riffs and of course infamous blast beats. Notoriously, David Mikkelsen's vocal style is ever so monotone and mean and almost inaudible, however, this works! By way of creating a level of savagery that feels extremely secular and evil. This is an album that lacks any impressive breakdowns, however, holds its own on its sheer continuous forceful sound and relentless heaviness. It turns out I didn't miss that element at all and only realized it was void of those breakdowns, on my second listen. The element of blackness within this album surely did win me over, of course, those oh so blackened elements combined with delicious guitar technical solos was an excellent contrast and pure to the death metal genre.

Every song on Nexus Of Teeth provides a deep sense of aggression and violence and while the lyrics aren't clear, it forces you to use your own senses, musical appreciation and imagination to create your own story within this album, and it won't be one of roses and lollipops, let me give you the tip. Do yourself a favour and do read the lyrics, because they are rather poetic and disturbing. Some tracks should come with "listen with the light on" warning.

Nexus Of Teeth is full of vocals, that I'm sure has been damned in hell and possibly one of the best album I have heard so far in 2019. Tracks such as “Of Spine and Thorn” will provide a very secular and drive fast vibe for the listener. David has pain to his screams, which are incredibly addictive when he hits his (albeit subtle in height) shrieks and knotted my tummy in the best death metal way.

Stained with darkness only you can appreciate if you listen, Nexus Of Teeth is a vile and opaque listen. The interesting drum tracks and patterns create such a heaviness to their sound, with those stocky thick riffs and droning bass. This almost feels doom-like at times, and I enjoyed that element. This album has a lot of appeal in the blackened compositions, together with the roots of death metal, being its intense and heavy pace with technical guitar patterns, overall creating an impressive metal structure of notable heavy levels.

There is no release from this albums tyrant grip as it smashes you from one heaviest matter track to the next. It is an onslaught to the ears. I had my picks off this album, such as Teeth and Nails for its sheer brutality and violence and Majesty for its mysterious and adverse style, brutish atmosphere and technical musicianship. Escaping the Mortal Embodiment is lyrically smart and carries an unrelenting darkness, which is full of animosity. I properly enjoyed each of the eight tracks from this album. This is sweaty shirtless people moshing hard across the pit stuff.

My only hope to wrap this review up is that this band creates more metal for us to indulge in. Enjoy. -Kelly Tee

Lineup:

David Mikkelsen: Vocals

Mustafa Gürcalioğlu: Guitars

Malik Çamlıca: Bass

Tuna: Drums

Track list:

1. Purging Through Flesh

2. Of Spire and Thorn

3. Teeth and Nails

4. Aura of Flies

5. Majesty

6. Euphoric Evisceration

7. Escaping the Mortal Embodiment

8. Existence Denied

Single Review: 6HOST WITHASIX "Forgive Me" (Independent) by Devin Joseph Meaney

Artist: 6HOST WITHASIX

Location: Cape Breton Island

Country: Canada

Genre: Hip hop

Single: Forgive Me

Label: Independent

Release date: May 23, 2019

I have not mentioned 6host WithaSix on this site in quite a while, but with this newly released track, I figured that now is a good time to bring him to light once again. As he always was, 6host is a talented young hip-hop artist from Cape Breton Island, and his tracks without question have the ability to make you bob your head in a rhythmic motion to his clearly talent-filled and genuinely unique music. While this track is not my all time favorite of his songs (my favorites are still ''Born For The Art'', ''Drugs For You'' and ''You Can't Go Back..'') the message held within seems to be sincere and heartfelt. I too have dealt with the pain of depression in the past and I can for sure relate to the turmoil that it causes. As always, I am very happy to hear new music from 6host, and as always, I look forward to hearing more from 6host in the future. If everyone on this island (Cape Breton) had as much talent as this young man, nobody would be looking for work because we all would be living off of our forever escalating record sales. I hope to hear a new full-length album (or even an EP?) come from 6host within the near future, and I can guarantee him at least one sale... my copy. In closing, I will say one thing. We have all sinned, and we all have a chance (if not multiple) to be forgiven. Great job, 6host! Much love from one of your biggest fans. -Devin Joseph Meaney

EP Review: PREGNANCY "Demo 2013" (Independent) by Devin Joseph Meaney

Band: PREGNANCY

Location: Melbourne

Country: Australia

Genre: Goregrind

EP: Demo 2013

Label: Independent

Format: 100 copies limited edition CD-R (sold out), streaming

Release date: January 3rd, 2014 (re-released on vinyl by Nerve Altar and Grindfather Productions August 2017)

Once again my window is splattered with depressing rain, so I have been spending a bit of time scrolling through Youtube for new tunes. During this search, I happened to come upon this EP, the debut release from the Australian goregrind band Pregnancy. From what I read on their Youtube bio, Pregnancy is a gore outfit including members of Internal Rot, Doubled Over, Roskopp, Contaminated and a handful of other bands. I am a fan of Roskopp, so I can for sure anticipate that this is going to be good. I hit the play button, and a wave of vicious grindage shattered my eardrums like a tsunami of splattery awesomeness. Dismal pitched gargling gutturals adorn this release, set alongside with brutal drum blasts and guitars tuned so low that it is hard to decipher what notes are being played. I let the EP play through a total of three times, and I was far from unimpressed. These guys rule! Something that is worth mentioning is that the production quality on this release is great. I listen to a ton of grind and gore, and anyone who is involved with these genres knows that lo-fi is the norm within this scene. Still, it is nice to hear grind with high quality production. Another thing worth mentioning is that the cover art is severely creepy, and is able to stand with the art put out by the greats. Clocking in at around ten and a half minutes, this EP is only short, but it is without question highly enjoyable and put together very well. I highly suggest that fans of this style of music give these guys a listen. Grindcore is love... but goregrind is life! -Devin Joseph Meaney

Lineup:

Aaron: Bass, vocals

Darcy: Guitars, vocals

Christoph: Drums

Track list:

1. Hypodermic Rabies Vessel

2. Lactating Noxious Chunks

3. A Backing-Up of the Bowels

4. Gestated in the Colon

5. Ocean of Piss

Split Full Length Review: CEPHEIDE/TIME LURKER "Lucide" (Les Acteurs de l'Ombre Productions) by Kelly Tee

Band: CEPHEIDE

Country: France

Genre: Atmospheric black metal

Band: TIME LURKER

Country: France

Genre: Atmospheric black metal

Split Full Length: Lucide

Label: Les Acteurs de l'Ombre Productions (France)

Format: CD, digipak, streaming

Release date: May 3, 2019

When a dark and unnerving sound amalgamates with a sound full of mystery and intrigue; a 3 track Split is created, and is one of impressive proportions.

Time Lurker, a French atmospheric black metal solo artist joins forces with the French enigmatic duo, Cephiede to create a disturbing metal experience which has been clearly designed to captivate the listener for the entire 33 minutes. This type of metal will hurl you deep into a place, which is void of light, saturated with insanity and fueled by torture.

The first track from The Lurker, "No One Is Real" offers a slow burn intro throwing a false sense of security toward the listener. All securities are soon removed, when this track spirals into spasms of heavy and confronting melodic heavy riffs, frantic blast beats and double kick percussion on a canvas of agonized and tormented screams, creating an extremely haunting vibe, one which seems to propel an unsettling warning toward caution. As the track tempo increases, so too do the impressive and ambitious ambiance. The terrorized faded screams, which are relentless on this darkened number enhance this moody black metal track superbly. Prepare for a trance-like state within this solid music composition.

"Unstable Night" is very appropriately titled and is a portentous and menacing track right from the start and holds right through to its completion. Think vicious blast beats on steroids and brooding guitars as The Lurker hits the lows vocally to beastly levels, delivering a pitch-black experience. The black metal shrieking and yells that are within this track are inexorable, frightening and beautiful all in one. A track fired by insanity and things that go bump in the night “Unstable Night” is special listen and will evoke a feeling of uncertainty.

Lucide is the one and the only track on the Split by Cephiede, however, make no mistake, the duo have filled this 19-minute black journey with all their mystery, atmospheric beauty and heaviness to a point of pure black metal satisfaction. As to be expected in a 19-minute song from a band such a Cephiede they create a sense of euphoria and story. Lucide is riddled with guitars creating sounds of a very ominous and gloomy nature, which is malice at times and intended to knot the stomach. This track is chaos and contempt, meets beauty and ambiance with a fantastic heaviness, creating an epic track with a big mood.

Overall this Split was enjoyable, dark and extravagant in sound and you will somehow find splendour among the echoes of trapped souls, distressed minds and torture.

A Split to close your eyes, listen intently to, and escape! Once you are there, you may or may not want to return. -Kelly Tee

Lineup:

CEPHEIDE

Gaetan: Vocals, guitars, drums

François Saint Voirin: Lead guitars, bass

TIME LURKER

Mick: All instruments

Track list:

1. Time Lurker: No One Is Real

2. Time Lurker: Unstable Night

3. Cepheide: Lucide

Demo Review: STYGIAN SKY "Stygian Sky" (Independent) by Devin Joseph Meaney

Band: STYGIAN SKY

Location: Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Country: Canada

Genre: Death/thrash/progressive metal

Demo: Stygian Sky

Label: Independent

Format: Digital, streaming

Release date: November 1, 2008

Recently I was privileged enough to catch heavy metal legends Anvil live in concert. Along with Anvil, the band Stygian Sky was the opening act for the night. Both bands were absolutely phenomenal live, and after the concert, I spent some time listening to releases from both acts. Anvil is an amazing band, but Stygian Sky is much closer to my personal taste in music, so I have decided to give their 2008 demo a review. This demo includes four vicious tracks. The songs held within are titled ''Here I Stand'', ''Over My Dead Body'', ''Such Prominent Endeavors'', and ''Tides of Consciousness''. Pulverizing vocals and heart-stopping bass meshes with pummeling drums and heavy yet very intricate guitar work. One thing that deserves a mention is that this demo reminds me of early releases from the well-known death metal band Death. These guys are a local band from my island (Cape Breton, Nova Scotia) but they push forward with an onslaught of metal fury that could stand along with any of the better known acts from Canada... or the rest of the world. I sat back for a bit and tried to decide what my favorite track on this demo is, but I honestly cannot pick one. Each track is ''more than awesome'' and is for sure worthy of a listen! Just like their live performances, this demo makes me proud to be a Cape Bretoner and I suggest that anyone and everyone far and wide checks this demo out for themselves. Brutally heavy and as tight as thieves, this demo is without question one of the best metal releases put out within the cape. Totally sick! 10/10 -Devin Joseph Meaney

Lineup:

Cliff Gouthro: Vocals

Jason Burke: Guitar

Colin Capstick: Guitar

Dave Grant: Bass

Craig Joyce: Drums

Track list:

1. Here I Stand

2. Over My Dead Body

3. Such Prominent Endeavors

4. Tides of Consciousness

Ed. note: Stygian Sky’s latest single “Dreaming The State Of Reality” was released December 21, 2018. -DW

EP Review: HANDS OF GOD Blueprint For Self Destruction (Flatspot Records) by Sarah McKellar

Band: HANDS OF GOD

Location: San Jose, California

Country of origin: USA

Genre: Hardcore, metalcore

EP: Blueprint For Self Destruction

Label: Flatspot Records

Release date: May 6, 2019

Hands Of God is a Californian based hard-core band based in San Jose, California- established in “Blueprint” is the opening track to “Blueprint for Self Destruction” has a slightly chaotic, dystopian feel to it, appropriately setting the tone for the oncoming aggressive onslaught. “No Mercy” introduces the listener to the high energy and hard-thrashing sound of Hands of God while still remaining slightly melodic and losing none of the customary aggressive tone. “Sacrifice” is a chunkier, riff- heavy, thrash inducing track, adding another layer to the onslaught. While not as melodic, there are technical aspects are to be appreciated. “254A” has some of the dystopian feeling from “Blueprint” but is much more aggressive and continues to progressively display more intensity. “Ethnic Decay” displays more of a distortion and riff heavy approach- displaying more of Hands of God aggression and sheer energy. “W.M.D” concludes “Blueprint for Self Destruction” with an intense, melodic yet technical finish. I genuinely look forward to hearing more of Hands of God- their technical hardcore approach and sheer energy and aggression ensure a brutal release in “Blueprint for Self Destruction”. -Sarah McKellar

Track list:

1. Blueprint

2. No Mercy

3. Sacrifice

4. 245A

5. Ethnic Decay

6. W.M.D.