Rise Above Dead - Stellar Filth

Album Type: Full Length

Album Status: TBC

Label: Self Released

Track Listing

1). Hide and Weep                             8:40

2). No Land Towards The Sea           5:32

3). Bury Them In Dust                       7:14

4). Stellar Filth                                   6:40

5). Light Release                                7:26

6). End Of A Kingdom                       6:30

7). A Thousand Thorns                       5:55

Total running time                              47:57

Rise Above Dead are an Sludge/Post Metal/Ambient band from Milan, Italy.  They were formed in 2009 by guitarists Stefano Bigoni and Matteo Sala.   Their intention was to create and play something different from the other local metal and hardcore bands.  In June 2010, Rise Above Dead self released the vinyl "Human Disintegration". This 4 song EP was a darkened blend of post hardcore, crust and sludge metal, with heavy guitars and haunting vocals that made this record sound like an electric funeral pyre.

The music was complimented by the visual darkness captured on a superlative artwork completed by Californian artist Justin Bartlett who has previously worked with Sunn O))), Trap Them, The Secret, Kvelertak and many others. "Human Disintegration” got a lot of good reviews from the press and the vinyl was distributed worldwide with the help of the several independent labels.

‘Stellar Filth’ is the band first full length release and was recorded with the assistance of Lorenzo Stecconi, best known for his work with the bands Lento and Ufomammut. 

The current line up of this five piece line up consists of

Stefano Bigoni – Guitars

Matteo Sala – Guitars

Diego Leone – Bass

Andrea  Rondanini – Vocals

Luca Riommi – Drums

I first became aware of this band, after the guitarist Matteo Sala contacted me via facebook asking if I would be interested in reviewing their new album, ‘Stellar Filth.’ Matteo described his band as a mix of sludge/post metal and psychedelia, for fans of Neurosis, Cult of Luna and Amenra. 

So, what do I make of this album, following those comparisons?  Well, the name of the album is ‘Stellar Filth’ and it couldn’t be a more appropriate title, because this record is just that, Stellar Filth!  It sounds outstanding! Immense!  Or whatever adjective you wish to use.  What’s more it is obscenely heavy with grimy riffs and a hint of interstellar ambience. 

We kick things off with ‘Hide and Weep’ and Rise Above Dead set the tone for this album beautifully.  What we have is a monumental slab of Post metal dirge, it is a fantastic mixture of thinking man’s metal, demonstrating the band’s ability to flex their muscle with weighty riffs, harsh vocals and atmospherics.  The album is a superb juxtaposition of brutality and ambience.  It is ruthless and unrelenting, then mind altering and psychedelic.  It leaves you with feelings of extreme euphoria, and seemingly having had a distorted sensory experience.  The album is an hallucinogenic aural assault. 

The album continues in a similar vein throughout, slow clean guitars only to be superseded by colossal sludgy riffs, the magnitude of which is truly exceptional. The band is note perfect throughout, with smatterings of bass, ambience, intricate drum fills and a continuous onslaught of bass heavy guitar artillery, monolithic in proportion and rendering the listener speechless.  

Album highlights such as ‘Bury Them In Dust’ ‘Stellar Filth’, owes much to the sound of Neurosis as it does to Yob, such is the devastation of noise which ensues, these tracks in particular are just massive!  Sonically the album leaves you feeling overwhelmed and lays waste to all that stands in its path.  This album is caustic in the most effect way possible and yet another must have album for 2012. 

Massive thanks to Matteo from Rise Above Dead for getting in touch and showing faith in the blog.  Hope the review does the album justice.  It's a Stellar Record.

Whilst the album is complete and ready for release, the band are currently looking for a record deal to help with the pressing and distribution of this record in Europe and the Rest of the world.  Any interested parties, please contact the band via their official web page here. 

In the meantime, the band are currently streaming songs for the album on their bandcamp page here

For more information about the band and details of where to purchase their music, check the links below.

Official

Facebook

Shop

Youtube

Myspace