ALBUM REVIEW: Cult of Occult, "Anti-Life"

By: Ernesto Aguilar

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 01/06/2018

Label: Music Fear Satan

Haunted vocals and a primordial stew of drums and effects make this an experience like few others. Heavy, undoubtedly, but also complex their latest recording, is among their strongest, with a stifling density sure to draw doom devotees' attention.

“Anti-Life” CD//DD//2LP track listing:

1). AL

2). NI

3). TF

4). IE

The Review:

That olden creak of the bass, drum rhythms painted black and bombastic guitars deliver the sound that is as familiar as it is beloved. In the case of Cult of Occult, it is also a welcome return.

The French sludge band has had a prolific career, with six releases since 2012. "Anti-Life," their latest recording, is among their strongest, with a stifling density sure to draw doom devotees' attention.

Their 2011 self-titled album is a good look at what makes Cult of Occult so formidable. Its Full of Hell-style crushing layers of volume and meandering riffs have long been part of the band's arsenal. When it premiered the 12-minute "NI" earlier in the year, the slowed down feel gave Cult of Occult's particular approach a sort of burn that is a treat as it is a trudge. The track possesses a kind of torment that a great sludge song can do, with paralyzing rhythms and, as here, its contemptuous chords that soar just over your head. It was a fine introduction to the new sounds the band has cooked up, and it gets better across the four-track, nearly 60-minute recording.

"AL" begins the album with a searing atmosphere. It takes a little patience, though, as the track goes in for more than two of its 15 minutes before the music picks up. Once the song gets moving, however, it comes surging forward with intense guitar and pressure cooker bass. The lo-fi, thick tempo of the opener sets an assertive tone for the album. "NI," the second cut, was a steely introduction to the album, but "AL" delivers on its promise.

"TF" builds off of "NI" with more of that multi-dimensional blend of sound – venomous bass work and blown-out guitars carve out a bruising pace, in the most lugubrious fashion imaginable. Haunted vocals and a primordial stew of drums and effects make this an experience like few others. Heavy, undoubtedly, but also complex in its arrangement and a great experience for doom and sludge fans looking for more than plodding riffs and songs about dwarves. Similarly, "IE" continues this nagging dread composed throughout "Anti-Life," with a sedated tenor that spirals into some of Cult of Occult's best departures.

Seldom can a band doing this style create something original with this level of output. However, Cult of Occult succeeds at making an album with a dark opalescence that rises above expectations.

“Anti-Life” is available here

Band info: facebook || bandcamp

ALBUM PREMIERE: Cult of Occult deliver their latest experimentation in terror with "Anti Life"

Remaining in the shadows concealed from the light, and hiding in the darkest reaches of your nightmares, Cult of Occult are a quartet of misanthropic aural antagonists intent on inflicting their evil sounding musical diabolus upon the unsuspecting masses.  Releasing their debut self titled album in 2011, their experiments of terror are fuelled by hatred and their insatiable need to deliver the  crudest and most vitriolic sound and yet remain utterly addictive and captivating at the same time.   

Today on June 1^{st 2018} Cult of Occult deliver, “Anti Life” an album that is certain to positively dehumanize the listener and will push you to the brink of despair, with walls of vehement distortion, devilish screams and barbarous drums beats.  No light is to be found here, no hope or beauty, only hatred and darkness.  “Anti- Life” is certain to tear your soul apart, but it will also leave you crawling back asking for more and today, it gives me great pleasure to share Cult of Occult’s newest experimentations in terror.  All Hail the New Flesh and succumb to “Anti Life”.

Band info:  Bandcamp || facebook

TOP 16 ALBUMS: The Sour 16 for February 2017

Let it be known fellow Sludgelordians, “The Sour 16” returns.  The Sludgelord presents the very best riff based music to pour scorn on this desolate day and strike upon us the might of the riff, to inject our veins with sin and guide us on journey of subservice to doom, an act that goes against the very laws and teachings of populist culture, and for those that wish to come with us on our quest, kneel with me as we embrace the thunderous din that is, “The Sour 16”.

You know the drill by now, each month, you the reader are unwittingly compiling a list of the top 16 records of the month, covering all genres of metal.  Is it not a chart, in which reviewers or contributors extol their opinion about their favourite music.  To put it simply, “The Sour 16” are the records that have been trending the most at Sludgelord Headquarters.

The results are compiled based on page views alone and calibrated into the list below.  All reviews can be viewed by clicking the artwork and we have included album streams wherever possible. (Total views since their publication are highlighted in red)

16). Morta Skuld - "Wounds Deeper Than Time" (579)

15). Crystal Fairy - "Crystal Fairy" (629)

14). Woe - “Hope Attrition” (660)

13). Weltesser - "Crestfallen" (711)

12). Grey Widow - "II" (720)

11). Dread Sovereign - "For Doom The Bell Tolls" (739)

10). Brutus - "Burst" (820)

9). Wiegedood - “De Doden Hebben Het Goed II” (924)

8). Psychedelic Witchcraft – “Magick Rites and Spells" (979)

  

7). Darkest Hour - “Godless Prophets & the Migrant Flora” (1011)

6). Death Alley - "Live At Roadburn" (1023)

5). Cult of Occult / Grim Van Doom - "Split" (1096)

4). Sleep - "The Clarity" (EP) (1437)

3). DOOL - "Here Now, There Then" (1439)

2). Unearthly Trance - "Stalking the Ghost" (1526)

1). Widows - "Oh Deer God" (1705)

A big thank you as always to our amazing writers, your dedication knows no boundaries and for that I am truly grateful. February’s  “Sour 16” features reviews by:  Victor Van Ommen, Ben Fitts, Theron Moore, Brandon Green, Charlie Butler, Chris Bull, Jake Wallace, Conor O’Dea & Grim Trashcan

ALBUM REVIEW & PREMIERE: Cult of Occult / Grim Van Doom - "Split"

By: Ben Fitts

Album Type: Split

Date Released: 15/02/2017

Label: Vendetta Records

Plump, earthy bass tones, ominous, cymbal-heavy drumming, hellishly guttural vocals and filthy guitar distortion are set to a tempo that makes Sleep look like a grindcore band. All of these elements remain constant throughout the twenty-two minutes of “Black Sea”, giving the song an endless, trance-inducing feel.  Grim Van Doom’s side of the album has very little fat on them; they are all lean, brutish works of harsh sludge that churn your stomach and make the marrow of your bones tremble.

Cult of Occult / Grim Van Doom DD//LP track listing:

1). CULT OF OCCULT - "Black Sea"

2). GRIM VAN DOOM – "Crimson"

3). GRIM VAN DOOM - "Interlude"

4). GRIM VAN DOOM - "Rust"

5). GRIM VAN DOOM - "Azure"

The Review:

The split album by the sludge bands Cult Of Occult and Grim Van Doom starkly contrast the two very different approaches that the two bands bring to the same genre. But, if anything, that contrast grabs the listener. Cult Of Occult’s half of the album is one, twenty-two minute long track titled “Black Sea”. It rumbles like a distant demon patiently clawing its way out from hell, one massive handful of earth at a time. Plump, earthy bass tones, ominous, cymbal-heavy drumming, hellishly guttural vocals and filthy guitar distortion are set to a tempo that makes Sleep look like a grindcore band. All of these elements remain constant throughout the twenty-two minutes of “Black Sea”, giving the song an endless, trance-inducing feel.

The half of the album given to German quarter Grim Van Doom is rather different. Containing three songs and a brief interlude, Grim Van Doom’s side of the album is like a punch in the face from a spiked, steel gauntlet. While all three song’s on Grim Van Doom’s side of the album cross over the five minute mark, there is still a feeling of very little fat on them; they are all lean, brutish works of harsh sludge that churn your stomach and make the marrow of your bones tremble. Pungent tones grate against your eardrums as they doll out riffs that sound as if they had been written by someone who had spent the last two decades fuming at past transgressions and plotting revenge.

Having the music of these two different bands stacked side by side is an effective way of exaggerating the qualities of both. Both Cult Of Occult and Grim Van Doom create music that is firmly within the sludge metal sphere, so there is enough similarity for coherence. However, while each band grabs sludge by the throat, they do so from disparate angels. Cult Of Occult’s slithering journey through the abyss brings out the pounding, martial energy of Grim Van Doom, who in turn make the hellish sounds Cult Of Occult that much more vivid.

“Cult of Occult / Grim Van Doom” is available here

Band info: facebookcultofoccult || facebookgrimvandoom

The Sludgelord Sour 16 for September 2015

Welcome, all lovers of the riff, you know the deal by now, however for those of you that do not, let us recap.  Each month, you the reader are unwittingly compiling a list of the top 16 records of the month, covering all genres of metal, but predominately the best the doom, sludge, stoner-psychedelic genres have to offer.  Is it not a chart, in which reviewers or contributors extol their opinion about their favourite music, but simply, the ‘Sour 16’ are the records you guys (readers) have been most interested in over the last month and checking out on this page.

So here is the The Sludgelord’s ‘Sour 16’ for September 2015, the 16 records you’re most looking forward too or are currently checking out.  Dig in, spread the word and perhaps revisit some records you may have overlooked.  The results are compiled based on page views alone and calibrated into the list below. So without further ado, enjoy the ‘Sour 16’. Roll up, kick back, chug a beer and Hail the riff! For more info click on the artwork. (Total views at the time of publication highlighted in red)

16). Slayer – ‘Repentless’ (271)

Overall, I would be confident in hailing this the best Slayer album for some time. It is certainly better than “World Painted Blood” and, for all its fury, “Christ Illusion” had no real staying power for me. It is not perfect by any means, and is perhaps a couple of tracks too long, but all in all, this is SLAYER. No sell out, no compromise, no change. Business, in fact, as usual.

14) = Wild Throne – ‘Harvest of Darkness’ (281)

Alongside the ingenuities and provocative pieces from ‘Blood Maker’ ‘I Of The Prism’ is another scintillating highlight. It’s brazen guitar work and searing vocal lines force a real sense of horripilation upon you, you don’t so much as listen to this as you do experience it. It’s structure is a labyrinth of crazed punk drumming, a really atmospheric but menacing ,reverb drenched instrumentation and enough melody to blind a unicorn.

14) =Fvnerals - ‘The Path’ (281)

There are not a lot of bands that are easily comparable to FVNERALS, as they effortlessly draw together various elements of such sounds as if Swans and My Bloody Valentine had a sleek, crooning child in an underground speakeasy.

13). Hangman’s Chair – ‘This is not supposed to be positive’ (292)

A record as powerful and as potent as this, cannot be ignored. An absolutely sterling effort, it stirs something within you like no other music can.

12). Venom Prison – ‘The Primal Chaos’ EP (295)

This is a nasty little EP from the South Wales mob- “Babylon The Whore” showing you what they are all about in its three and a bit minutes. Noise, blasts, grooves, feral production- it's all here.  This is a fine EP and if you have any interest in death, grind, hardcore, crust or any mixing of any of those sub-genres... you should hear this.

11). Iron Maiden – ‘The Book of Souls’ (316)

If you approach The Book of Souls with an open mind and accept the more bombastic moments, you will find a huge amount to enjoy. By my count, there are at least eight top notch tracks here. There may well be more, it is just that this is a genuine double album and has such scope and depth that it is hard to become familiar with it (perhaps concentrate on one disc or one slab of wax at a time?!). Eight out of eleven tracks rated as top grade is a fantastic tally. Still the Kings. Long may they reign.

10). Cult of Occult – ‘Five Degrees of Insanity’ (325)

An ominous amp hum builds before erupting into the gut churning opening riff of “Alcoholic”. What follows is a 15 minute onslaught of bleak sludge, harrowing vocals and an evil guitar tone Bongripper would be proud of. Cult of Occult employ repetition to great effect, playing each riff until breaking point before moving to the next.

9). Luna Sol – ‘Blood Moon’ (326)

Luna Sol has the material – the riffs, the attitude, and the songs – to be able to stand on their own two feet.  if you’re looking for some burly, tough, guitar driven, American rock music with inviting choruses and a strong sense of melody, then go ahead and slip this disc in your car’s CD player and go for a long drive.

8). Motorhead - ‘Bad Magic’ (353)

If this is to be the last album, then the band have added to their legacy, kept their powder dry once again and gone out all guns blazing. If it isn't, well the next one will be along in a couple of years and will no doubt give your ears a good hiding when it does. Still the best rock and roll band in the world, and as the man says, the last one you can trust until the end.

7). Hate Eternal – ‘Infernus’ (360)

There aren't many bands out there that can punish your ears with such consummate brutality, which is what Hate Eternal succeeds at doing from start to finish on this disc. Highlights? 'TheChosen Ones' has bewilderingly epic bass guitar work which is fully audible beneath the atonal guitar-mashings of main man Erik Rutan.

6). Sweat Lodge - ‘Talismana’ (371)

With such mean songwriting skills as is on display here it’s rather difficult to pick favourites. ’Talismana’ definitely brings stand-out tracks but the band with their strong sense of vision and penchant for killer riffs and catchy hooks all coated with stirring vocal melodies manages to blend it all into one cohesive whole. This is one superb debut from this Texan group and definitely one of this year’s not to be missed out on.

5). Snail – ‘Feral’ (440)

As far as tone and mood are concerned, “Feral” is far from untamed. To the touch, these eight cuts are smooth, the production doing what it needs to do to keep this beast domesticated. At the end of the day, though, this beast is hard to ignore, which is the justification for the album’s name.

4). Indian Handcrafts - ‘Creeps’ (444)

The consistency of the record is well, well above par too. Every song has its own unique character and sense of self. They never repeat the same formula or trick – they simply don’t need to rely on any form of cyclical cop out – and no track is starved of quality alongside the rest of the pack.

3). Belzebong – ‘Green Inferno’ (717)

‘Inhale in Hell’ honestly is just one massive slow chug fest, filling every available space with some ridiculous throbbing string torture with a sweet backing beat. It sounds akin to a giant walking the earth, simply moving things aside without noticing. True evil blues this band has summoned, and you the listener, shall reap their rewards! From that slow, massive chugging into feedback and staccato wah picking, they have no problems slamming you up against the wall and rifling through your pockets for some loose cash.

2). Uncle Acid and The Deadbeats – ‘The Night Creeper’ (1192)

“Horror films don't create fear. They release it,” – Wes Craven (1939-2015)

1). With The Dead – ‘With The Dead’ (1254)

It's evident that Bagshaw has acquired a few new fuzz pedals since the last Serpentine Path album as opening track 'Crown Of Burning Stars' is so oppressive, fuzzy and dense that it made my teeth itch. After the backwards speaking samples, the crunch of the guitar is incredible. The vocals are classic Dorrian and the bands sound on a whole is somewhere between Serpentine Path, 'Dopethrone' era Electric Wizard, early Cathedral and 'Misanthropic Alchemy' era Ramesses.  This for me is an album of the year contender, the kind of thing you'd expect from 3 of the scene's most influential figures. All expectation has been lived up to. Prepare to be blown away.

This list features reviews by, Chris Bull, Philip Weller, Hunter Young, Richard Maw, James Taylor, Victor Van Ommen, Charlie Butler, James Harris & Joosep Nilk

Grime - 'Circle of Molesters' (Album Review)

By: Chris Bull

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 10/09/2015

Label: Argento Records

Fans of filthy sludge take note; this is an album you need to hear this year. It's a definite improvement on previous album 'Deteriorate' as the band have followed the left hand path towards the dark side.

‘Circle of Molesters’ DD/LP track listing:

1. Intro (Obscuration)
2. Get Immortal
3. Verge Of Wrath
4. Decay In Hades
5. Sulphorous Veins
6. Accelerating Transition
7. Salvation Come From Below
8. Orgiastic Rite

Grime is:

Chris | drums
Marco | vocals, guitar
Paolo | bass guitar
Ans | guitar

The Review:

Italian purveyors of filth Grime return with 'Circle of Molesters', not sure about the title but one thing I am dead certain about is the band's ability to write a heavy tune!

Intro track 'Into Obscuration' lays down the monolithic cuts before the gnarly fury of 'Get Immortal' with its Eyehategod swagger and GG Allin entry level dirt. It's obvious that the band want the stringed instruments to be the main focus as the vocals are buried in the mix; it does work but just a fraction louder would have been preferable. The end of 'Verge Of Wrath' has some great double kicking going on, not death metal double kick, think more along the lines of Lord Mantis and Indian. 'Decay In Hades' has some great riffs to nod your head to and is possibly the most life affirming song on the album. Another Indian reference follows with 'Sulphurous Veins', waves of misanthropy flood your eardrums before the pitter patter drums and chugging riffs change the course. 'Accelerating Transition' is atypical sludge and unfortunately does not stand out. The bass sound on the intro to 'Salvation Come From Below' is horrible in the best way possible; I must find out what pedals he uses...The song itself switches rhythms a few times and has some good drum fills. 'Orgiastic Rites' is the final song and possibly the standout on this album, rhythmically staying away from the standard slow 4/4 for the most part in favour of some riff and pause action. Everything slows right down and the final chords linger for long enough to build up some disturbing feedback until the bitter end.

It's a shame that the vocals are so low in the mix as vocalist/guitarist Marco has some excellent blood curdling screams and really could have taken this album to the hypothetical 'next level'. Fans of filthy sludge take note; this is an album you need to hear this year. It's a definite improvement on previous album 'Deteriorate' as the band have followed the left hand path towards the dark side.

‘Circle of Molesters’ is available here

FFO: Eyehategod, Cult of Occult, Methdrinker, Love Sex Machine

Band info: Facebook | Bandcamp | twitter

Cult of Occult - 'Five Degrees of Insanity' (Album Review)

By: Charlie Butler

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 15/10/2015

Label: Deadlight Entertainment,

Breathe Plastic, Vendetta

An ominous amp hum builds before erupting into the gut churning opening riff of “Alcoholic”. What follows is a 15 minute onslaught of bleak sludge, harrowing vocals and an evil guitar tone Bongripper would be proud of. Cult of Occult employ repetition to great effect, playing each riff until breaking point before moving to the next.

‘Five Degrees of Insanity’ CD//DD//LP track listing:

1). Alcoholic

2). Nihilistic

3). Misanthropic

4). Psychotic

5). Satanic

The Review:

I’ve been aware of French quartet Cult of Occult for a little while but had not investigated further due to their name.  I realised what a terrible mistake I had made within seconds of listening to the filthy doom contained within “Five Degrees of Insanity”, a far cry from the bandwagon jumping retro rock I was expecting.

An ominous amp hum builds before erupting into the gut churning opening riff of “Alcoholic”. What follows is a 15 minute onslaught of bleak sludge, harrowing vocals and an evil guitar tone Bongripper would be proud of. Cult of Occult employ repetition to great effect, playing each riff until breaking point before moving to the next. A slight shift in tempo towards the end of track ushers in a pummelling one chord attack, drums pounding to a frenzied climax until the dust finally settles.  The next degree of insanity, “Nihilistic”, begins in similarly-pummelling fashion. The band begins to add in more atmospheric elements with this track, occasional bleary, reverb heavy guitar allows the listener to briefly catch their breath before the next crushing blow. “Misanthropic” kicks off with a buzzing black metal attack which is a slap in the face after the snail-paced crawl of the previous tracks. This is only a brief respite though as before long Cult of Occult are wading through treacle once more whilst maintaining the blackened atmosphere from the intro. Hopefully the band revisit and expand on this black metal side during future releases as elements of this track offer a tantalising glimpse of their wider sonic arsenal.

“Psychotic” emerges from the spaced-out conclusion of “Misanthropic” with a few minutes of glorious droning amplifier worship. The black metal atmosphere continues as a menacing tremolo picked riff emerges from the fog which later returns as an eerie, distant keyboard reprise. “Satanic” brings proceedings to a close, beginning with hysterical declarations of war on Jesus, God and everything before grinding out one last serving of punishment.

Despite being a lengthy record at 65 minutes, “Five Degrees of Insanity” is engaging throughout and strangely addictive, particularly given its relentless nature and glacial pace. This is a thoroughly unpleasant listen in the best possible way.

‘Five Degrees of Insanity’ is available on the 15 October and can be (pre) ordered here (Cassette) here(CD) here

Band info: Official  Bandcamp | Soundcloud