TOP 16 ALBUMS: The Sour 16 for November 2016

It is that time once again people to cast our minds back, and digest the 16 albums that would become November’s most viewed albums and form the basis for our sacrilegious ‘Sour 16’, the finest and most profane riffs around bundled together into a premium sized sonic soufflé.

You know the drill, each month; you the reader are unwittingly compiling a list of the top 16 records that we featured in November, covering all genres of metal.  Is it not a chart, in which reviewers or contributors extol their opinion about their favourite music.  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 and streams can be viewed by clicking the artwork . (Total views since their publication are highlighted in red). 

16). Spirit Adrift - "Chained to Oblivion” (380)

This album is elegantly forged from beginning to end, and has no definable weak chinks in its armour.  Overall, this is likely to be an AOTY candidate for me, and one I have found myself returning to again and again in a variety of moods.

15). Superjoint - "Caught up in the Gears of Application" (381)

This is gnarly and nasty music made by a figure that is both revered and reviled. Through all the controversy, one thing keeps me coming back to listen to Anselmo: the quality of the music. And the music is as potent as ever. A storming return.

14) Animals As Leader - "The Madness of Many " (388)

Tosin Abasi and company find expressionism through mathematic complexity.

13) The Judge – “The Judge (399)

This one is crazy good, and crazy Sabbath inspired too. Give this band a listen, you’ll dig it.

12). Wasted Theory - “Defenders of the Riff (417)

11). Desolate Pathway - "Of Gods & Heroes" (420)

Make no mistake, Desolate Pathway have delivered an epic doom record of epic proportions: light and shade, massive riffs, great performances, a downcast atmosphere... it's all here

10). Fvnerals - "Wounds" (443)

“Wounds” is a captivating set of songs that are simultaneously heavy and delicate. FVNERALS unique brand of doom-filtered slowcore creates a powerful feeling that stays with the listener long after the final note has rung out.

09). Holy Serpent - "Temples" (473)

All in all, “Temples” is a great record.  Holy Serpent nailed it.  The songs are well crafted, well-structured, the vocals are right on and the music is perfect parts psych, doom, sludge and out right heaviness.  Don’t hesitate, buy “Temples” immediately.

08). Dusteroid – “To Fathom Hell” (475)

They serve up a king size slice of skull crushing, heavy Sludge that feels like being hit with a sledgehammer repeatedly. Job extremely well done and then some

07). The Dead At Sea - "The Dead At Sea" (479)

A potent blend of early-Pelican crunch and Kyuss-style riffage, The Dead At Sea distil the sound of desert rock sinking into a cold watery grave.  “The Dead At Sea” is a compelling combination of killer riffs and hushed menace that perfectly evoke the bottomless depths of the ocean

06). Ortega - "Sacred States (500)

Ortega are not the first band to fuse post metal, doom and spaced-out sludge but they succeed by doing it bigger, better and heavier than most.  Sacred States” sees Ortega take their sound to the next level, delivering on the promise of previous releases and stretching out towards bold new horizons.

05). Call of the Void "A.Y.F.K.M." (508)

Call Of The Void’s sound is a potent cocktail of punk attitude and rock’n’roll swagger coated in a thick layer of sludge aggression. “AYFKM” is an intoxicating adrenaline rush that will keep you coming back for more.

04). 11Paranoias - "Reliquary for a Dreamed of World" (512)

What sets 11PARANOIAS apart from other bands operating in the realms of psychedelic heaviness is the otherworldly atmosphere they conjure. Every note is enshrouded in a hazy fog that lends their music a darkly unsettling feel.

03). Ghoul – “Dungeon Bastards” (828)

So many bands try to do what Ghoul is doing and just can't fucking get it right. This is a perfect storm. Superior song writing, technical prowess, and an awesome aesthetic.

02). Mother Mooch - "Nocturnes" (991)

Their blend of psychedelia with grunge and stoner rock/doom is a highly sought after formula and Mother Mooch are keeping the secret closely guarded - and rightfully so.  ‘Nocturnes’ is an astounding album from a band that have the potential to conquer the world.

1). Metallica - "Hardwired…To Self Destruct" (1565)

Metallica have rediscovered their mojo, brought the heavy and most importantly appear to be enjoying themselves. An album, of two halves, with a cracking opening salvo on side “A” and “B” side, marred only by one throwaway track.  If not perfect, it is the best music they have produced in over two decades and is the natural successor to the Black Album. 

A big thank you as always to our amazing writers, your dedication knows no boundaries and for that I am truly grateful.  September’s “Sour 16” features reviews by:  Richard Maw, Theron Moore, Charlie Butler, Conor O’Dea, Jake Wallace, Eric Crowe, Rick Ahmed, Bobo Coen & Phil Weller

ALBUM REVIEW: Desolate Pathway - “Of Gods and Heroes”

By: Richard Maw

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 22/10/2016

Label: Independent

Make no mistake, Desolate Pathway have delivered an epic doom record of epic proportions: light and shade, massive riffs, great performances, a downcast atmosphere... it's all here

“Of Gods and Heroes” CD//DD track listing:

1). Intro

2). The Old Ferryman

3). The Perilous Sea

4). Medusa’s Lair

5). Into the Realms of Poseidon

6). Enchanted Voices

7). Gods  of the Deep

8). The Winged Divinity

9). Trojan War

The Review:

Desolate Pathway follow up their rather excellent debut with this, their sophomore release. Musically, this is doom. Trad doom, to be precise. It's low and slow, but with clean and clear vocals which weave stories of ancient myths in amongst the riffery.

The themes here take in exactly what the title denotes; ancient myths and legends- tales of courage, magic and honour. “Enchanted” Voices runs the gamut of doom riffage with slow, mid paced and swinging variants all getting an airing. You can play spot the reference/mythology as the album progresses. Medusa gets a look in, as does Poseidon (as you will know from the advance single), the Iliad, or more specifically the battles and characters involved, gets a look in on “Trojan War” and all of it is delivered with a gravitas worthy of Christopher Lee at his peak.

This is epic stuff: big melodic vocals, big riffs and solos from Vince and nicely dynamic drumming from Mags (making full use of the kit; lots of cymbals, double kick, toms... but never cluttered). It's dark too (the intro to “Medusa's Lair” is classic full on doom before echoing that classic Sabbath riff from their fifth album). The guest bassists put in solid performances when they appear (take a bow Sealey, my compatriot in Iron Void) and over the course of the eight tracks proper the album is a journey through the darker sections of the ancient world.

Make no mistake, Desolate Pathway have delivered an epic doom record of epic proportions: light and shade, massive riffs, great performances, a downcast atmosphere... it's all here (in fact, it's all in the opener “The Old Ferryman”, let alone the rest of the album). Doom fans can buy this one safe in the knowledge that they are in for a treat.

“Of Gods and Heroes” is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

The Sludgelord "Sour 16" for May 2016

B y: Aaron Pickford

Let it be known fellow Sludgelordians, as we enter meteorological summer the harsh reality is, the 2^nd  day of June is as bleak and it is cold, but fear not, The Sour 16 returns.  The Sludgelord presents the very best Diabolus in Musica 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 should 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. So roll up, kick back, chug a beer and Hail the riff! 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). Kvelertak – “Nattesferd” (305)

There’s a lot to dig into with this new album, and plenty of ‘Nattesferd’ shows that Kvelertak can step outside of their normal comfort zone and the results have come up overwhelmingly positive. This album keeps the familiar, and adds new wrinkles throughout, to keep the album from feeling like a rerun. ‘Nattersferd’ is an album from a band still at a creative peak.

15). Deadsmoke - “Deadsmoke” (328)

With a metal buzz bordering upon scuzz, Deadsmoke comes crashing down like the heavens themselves have cracked, riffing with almost metronomic precision to let their sound boom down your ear canals.  This record is guaranteed to make your neighbors hate you.

14). Arcana 13 – “Danza Macabre” (330)

This album is all about the groove, mixing swampy simplicity with killer vocal hooks. The production is modern and clear, but without sounding overproduced. The guitars are nicely fuzzed out, the bass is growling, and the drums sound crisp and natural.  Creepy keyboards and psychedelic sound effects weave in the background, tying the album together and never letting you forget that these are songs inspired by one thing:  horror.  Overall I would go so far as to say “Danza Macabra” is a contender for the Sludgelord list of top Doom releases of 2016

13). Ommadon – “Ommadon” (369)

Events slowly unfold, occupying a compelling middle ground between the hypnotic amplifier worship of Sunn O))) and the barely-moving leaden doom of Monarch!. Riffs emerge from the gloom, shifting forms accented by gut-punching drums.  If immersion in deepest, darkest drone appeals, take a plunge in Ommadon’s well of despair.

12). Sunnata – “Zorya” (372)

It’s obvious from these five tracks that the Warsaw quartet are huge doom fans and wear their influences on their sleeve. “Beasts of Prey” is a monolithic blend of Sleep and Yob’s finest moments; heavy riffs and psychedelic passages flowing into one another seamlessly.  As “Zorya” progresses, the mood becomes heavier and darker as the tempo slows towards a hypnotic crawl,  a potent marriage of killer riffs and sky-scraping ambition. It may not be the most original release but few bands deliver heaviness on this sweeping scale.

11). Desolate Pathway – “"Valley of the King" & "Into The Realms" (380)

10). Battalions – “Nothing to Lose” (420)

Battalions laces up their good shit kickers on “Nothing to Lose”, ready to walk into a punk show, empty pool, construction site, whatever, and proceed to kick your collective teeth in and throw you into a handy wall until you buy a shirt or something, and rock the fuck out. This is heavy music, and QUALITY heavy music. These guys have crafted something that should get your soul to wake up and take notice. Get this album, and keep bands like this pumping up music to bother the neighbours with.

09). Wrong – “Wrong” (435)

From the first second to the last, Wrong maintain a constant flow of gold standard, armour-piercing riffage and somehow manage to maintain this onslaught of barely restrained energy with no let-up for 30 minutes, like The Melvins being forced into playing at double speed, with a cattle prod.  This is a flawless debut from Wrong, an addictive adrenaline rush that’ll be lodged in your brain for months to come.  When the tunes are this good there is no alternative but to surrender to the power of the riff.

08). King Buffalo - “Orion” (440)

King Buffalo’s music borrows as much vibe from All Them Witches as it does the headspace that Colour Haze finds themselves in. King Buffalo’s music is concise but it’s also psychedelic and free. Each note is hit with diligence, the builds take their time to unfold and every moment of these 45 minutes contributes something to the greater picture.  “Drinking from the River Rises” summarizes “Orion” neatly and therefore makes for a solid conclusion to this very impressive debut

07). Conjurer – “I” (496)

Captivating from start to finish, you will struggle to find a release this year that pertains such a crushing sound. Their heaviness seems to come out of your speakers and wrap itself around you. It tightens your chest and grips you, like a boa constrictor.

06). SUMAC – “What One Becomes” (551)

The fact is, this is a monolithic, multi-faceted, beast of an album.  Rigid Man” sees Sumac in familiar territory, relentless riffs raining down on the listener like an armour plated Shellac playing Isis’ “Celestial”.  The band weave seamlessly between periods of crushing heaviness, fragile calm, hypnotic repetition and mind-bending mathematical chaos and overall “What One Becomes” sees Sumac taking all of their previous achievements as a foundation and building something even bigger in their own unique vision. This album sees Sumac really find their voice and deserves to see them mentioned in the same breath as their forbears.

05). Victorian Whore Dogs - “Afternoonified” (552)

Victorian Whore Dogs are one of the more underrated and exciting live bands currently slogging away in the UK heavy music scene. They are an absolute delight to behold. Their DIY ethics (this was self produced/recorded and will be self released through their own Hibernacula Records) make other bands seem lazy and clueless by comparison and with songs about masturbation (Murder Boner), VWD deliver crushing grooves and swinging riffs with their tongues planted firmly in their cheeks courtesy of front man Danny Page's twisted sense of humour.

04). Sinister Haze – “Laid Low in the Dust of Death” (622)

“Laid Low in the Dust of Death” is a monster of flaming slag dripping from the fingers of one of the best bands going, they lay you low with riffs upon riffs, Brilliant vocal setups, and production that will just destroy you. Sinister Haze has nothing to be compared to, keeping it fresh and heavy no matter what they are doing, and this album should rank in the top 5 of any list out there.

03). Gozu – “Revival” (736)

At their core, Gozu is a bad ass American rock band. They’ve got heavy riffs in tow and bang out tunes loud enough to piss off the neighbors. But Gozu is more than this. Gozu is a songwriting machine, one that is able to churn out eight loud, hard hitting compositions without sacrificing the meaning behind the songs or the band.  Gozu’s “Revival” is gruff and dirty when it needs to be just as it’s swift and soulful when the time is right

02). Criminal - "Fear Itself" (1435)

Quite simply, this is the best thrash record I have heard yet this year and may well remain so. It edges towards death metal (in the same manner that the Seps' early work does) but this is just vicious stuff. This type of album is why I first started listening to thrash and extreme metal. The sound and the fury. Dios mio! What a fantastic album from a band playing with fire and passion.

01). Blood Ceremony – “Lord of Misrule” (3060)

If you are new to Blood Ceremony, this album is as fine a place to start as any. If you have heard any of their previous albums and enjoyed them, your enjoyment of this one is guaranteed. This is as good an example as any of a band looking to the past both in terms of musical and folklore tradition to create fantastical and occult inspired music.

A big thank you as always to our amazing writers, your dedication knows no boundaries and for that I am truly grateful.  May’s “Sour 16” features reviews by, Chris Bull, Philip Weller, Richard Maw, Daniel Jackson, Victor Van Ommen, Charlie Butler, Doza Hawes and Hunter Young

Desolate Pathway - "Valley of the King" & "Into The Realms" (Reviews)

By: Richard Maw

Album Type: Full Length & Single

Dates Released: 14/11/2015

& 11/03/2016

Label: Independent

 “Valley of The King” CD//DD & “Into The Realms” CD//DD track listing:

“Valley of the King”

1). The Valley of the King

2). Desolate Pathway

3). Forest of Mirrors

4). Last of My Kind (The Ring Keeper)

5). Season of the Witch

6). King of Vultures

7). Shadow of the Tormentor

8). Upon the Throne of Lights

“Into The Realms”

1). Into the Realms of Poseidon

2). Tales of Glaucus

“Valley of The King” Review:

Desolate Pathway entered the annals of recorded metal history with this, their debut full length, from the mind and hands of Pagan Altar alumni Vince Hempstead and band mates. Surfacing over a year ago, this record is grandiose in vision and scope. It takes in a fully realised fantasy concept story regarding a prince fighting his way to his rightful throne (“The Throne of Lights”). As such, it should be approached as a concept record, but of course, the songs work as stand alone pieces as well. The title track opens strongly- and includes a scene setting voice over, the band's titular theme song follows and displays some fine changes of pace, lovely soloing and well delivered vocals. The sound is also crisp and clear- a bonus as so much doom gets obscured in a veil of production murk.

“Forest of Mirrors” has an insistent rhythm that chugs its way into your consciousness- and good harmony vocals to boot. This mixes and matches trad metal to doom with great effect and brings out a great performance form all band members. “Last of My Kind” is a different proposition- clocking in as it does at over six minutes. The track builds up from an interesting clean opening to a feel of epic doom for the first chorus and then a time change. This is complex and challenging stuff for doom- particularly for those of the tribe who mainly listen to two chord riffs played by musicians who don't know many more than that. The track then adopts a circular pattern approach- as the best metal does, it should be noted.

The trad riffs of “Season of The Witch” hit the sweet spot- just the right mix of Maiden meeting Candlemass, most likely in some kind of enchanted forest! Some good changes break up the full on gallop nicely and ready you for the solo that weaves expertly over the drop in tempo. “King of Vultures” continues the story, and yes, wizards are mentioned. Much slower in approach than the preceding track, it adds an ebb and flow element to the record and this works extremely well, allowing the listener (me!) to immerse themselves fully in the experience of the record.

“Shadow of The Tormentor” has some rather evil sounding riffs to go with a strong and insistent hook. The clean section enhances the heavier parts- dynamics are used well by the band throughout- and again the lead work is of uniformly excellent with emotive qualities. The albums closes strongly with “Upon The Throne of Lights”- it ends suddenly and after some strong vocal hooks and fine musicianship.

If you are looking for an album with epic doom qualities, in direct lineage with the greats of doom and trad (Candlemass, Sabbath, Maiden et al), then look no further. This is an excellent and all encompassing album, waiting and ready to take you on a fantastical journey. Finally, catch the band live when you can- they slay!

“Into The Realms” Review:

Following on then, from last years fantasy concept record “Valley of The King”, comes this tempting taster for their forthcoming full length. The forthcoming record, I hasten to add, is to do with all things Greek and mythological- such a rich vein of inspiration to tap into for the band.

Musically, this single is of the epic doom variety- think Candlemass and you have the mainspring from whence this band originate, I reckon. The A-side here, “Into The Realms of Poseidon” starts with elegant piano and obligatory sound of waves before the track comes in... quietly. A finely sung vocal and clean guitar compliment a solid rhythm section which shifts feel accordingly with the heaviness which follows. It's wistful story telling with powerful riffs and a keen sense of dynamics. The approach demonstrates the new line up working cohesively and impressively on a song which is epic in scope and concept. Excellent stuff.

The second track “Tales of Glaucus” is a more straightforward proposition- it demonstrates fine riffing which takes in trad and doom influences- nice to be able to hear all instruments in the mix, too. There are changes aplenty through the song- it is not a one dimensional plod fest- and the band handle these with aplomb.

As a stand alone single this is an excellent example of what the band are all about. As a taster for the next album, it whets the appetite to insatiable levels for epic doom from a unique band. Roll on album number two!

Both releases are available from the bandcamp link below

Band info: bandcamp