ALBUM REVIEW: Destroyer of Light - "Chamber of Horrors"

By: Eric Crowe

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 14/07/ 2017

Label: Heavy Friends Records

I will have to say that this album falls into an epic category for its great compositions, the honest heart involved in creating such a journey of ebb and flow, the range of emotion that continues what true music is about; music that continues what early St. Vitus and Trouble were doing, but DoL are creating it their own way.

“Chamber of Horrors” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Whispers Into the Threshold

2. Into The Smoke

3. The Virgin

4. Twilight Procession

5. Lux Crusher

6. Prisoner of Eternity

7. Buried Alive

The Review:

With them guitwangers a twangin’ and them vocals be sangin’ these TX fellas know how to doom! Texas doom-mongering road dogs Destroyer of Light have created a masterpiece of an album with “Chamber of Horrors” right down to the magnificent and dreary artwork by Adam Burke. I have had the pleasure to play with these guys and hang out with them on various occasions, and I tell you, they only continue to get better and better. This album from beginning to end is full testimony of that growth.

“Whispers Into The Threshold” leads the charge on this provocative release, with a slow build into a drive that you want to hear keep going, but alas, it’s a 1:38 intro track that already sets the tone and leads you into a heavy wanting for more. There’s more, so be ready to just sit back and really, and I mean really, take it all in. Songs like “Into The Smoke,” “Lux Crusher,” and their single, “Prisoner of Eternity” will have you pounding your fists and raising your chalice for their powerful nature and great feel. Tones are blending perfectly between Jeff (Bass) Keegan and Steve (Guitars) building these sonic stories with absolute perfection, solos that will peel the skin off your face and vocals that will sooth away all that pain. Steve’s vocals continue to impress me as he is at the top of his game on this album, vocal wizardry throughout. His delivery is strong and confident, commanding the presence deserved. Penny’s drumming is a key element to bring all this together. He’s solid and in the pocket when he needs to be, but accents moments perfectly, but not everything is about heaviness and drive, there are subtleties and even instrumental passages that give you a chance to just sink back and reflect, like “Twilight Procession.”

My personal favorites have become “The Virgin,” and “Buried Alive.” Both tracks seem to take their time to construct a story, especially the latter being 10 minutes long, but man, what an honest treat. I know a lot of people throw around the term Epic, so much so that it really has lost its meaning and impact. I will have to say that this album falls into an epic category for its great compositions, the honest heart involved to create such a journey of ebb and flow / range of emotion that continues what true music is about; music that continues what early St. Vitus and Trouble were doing, but creating their own way. “Chamber of Horrors” is a must have, or at least check it out and give it a full listen through. It just gets better and better with every listen for me. Amazing job DoL, amazing!

“Chambers of Horrors” is available here

Band info: facebook || bandcamp

2016 ALBUMS IN BRIEF: Fleshgod Apocalypse - “King”, Despised Icon - “Beast”, Witchden - “Salt of the Earth” & Surtur - “Descendant of Time”

By Theron Moore, Richard Maw & Eric Crowe

Fleshgod Apocalypse - “King”

So, the other day, I was having a conversation with Sir Aardamoor, a knight of the 3^rd Order in the Court of King Gallbreath, and we were discussing the best bands to pump up the troops in the field right before storming a castle.  Fleshgod was his choice.  No surprise, no shock. 

To say that Fleshgod is epic in a cinematic way is pretty much a no brainer.  Everything they do is big starting off with “March Royale” the instrumental that opens the record and brings forth visions of massive troop movements, Trebuchets hauled in by slaves, and, well, the siege of a castle.  “In Aeturnum” continues the mythical siege replete with soaring, crushing, metallic vocals and background opera as well.  Fleshgod has come to play.

I like what they do.  Fleshgod is good at pulling this off just like Manowar is right on with their chest pounding, bruh-metal.  Both bands are convincing, especially Fleshgod on this, their new record, “King.”   They’ve figured out how to make cinematic metal work, how to construct it, and more importantly, how to execute it to maximum impact.  This is “Ben-Hur,” “Clash of the Titans,” “Timeline,” and lest not we forget, “300” put to music.  Make no mistake about it, Fleshgod isn’t about power ballads or hammers being thrown ala Hammerfall or Hammerfall-lite, Hammer King.  Continuing with the movie theme, those bands would be made for TV movies.  Fleshgod is full on IMAX, 3-D, big budget, franchise stock.

This is heavy music.  Probably some of the heaviest you’ll have heard last year going into this.  This juggernaut will kill posers on sight, so beware.  So, here’s what you do.  Grab a tankard of Grog, watch “300,” and when you get groggy enough, crank up “King” by Fleshgod Apocalypse.  That’s it, that’s your evening.  You’re welcome.

Band info: facebook

Despised Icon - “Beast”

Whoa.  “Beast” is an apt way of describing this record.  Its ten tons of bricks fallin’ on your head, smacked in the face by a wrecking ball, with an iron pipe to the balls.  Although the band hails from Canada I’d describe their sound as US, East Coast hardcore with a slight hint of death metal thrown in for good measure. 

Despised Icon returns from the dead with “Beast” via Nuclear Blast Records, again showcasing the mighty pipes of dual vocalists Alex Erian and Steve Marois who come ‘atcha like a tsunami.  Track four, “Bad Vibes,” is testament to this.  This song’s gonna hurt people in the pit.  I like the recurring death metal break in this song reminiscent of bands like Putrified, Gorevent or Fetal Disgorge.  Nice touch.  Cranks the brutality factor up by 10.

“Beast” kinda swings me over to bands like First Blood or Terror that have that street grittiness, back room, bare knuckles fighting feel.  Reunions often feel like lame money grabs without soul, tryin’ to sell you a brand but not the case with Despised Icon.  “Beast” is this band firing on all cylinders, lookin’ and soundin’ refreshed, stompin’ around the stage, words getting spit out of the mic like bullets out of a gun. 

Undoubtedly what makes Despised Icon stand out is the dual vox.  That’s why songs like “The Aftermath” and “Drapeau Noir” sound as heavy and tough as they do. 

The switch up between hardcore and death metal sounds, adds that extra layer of aggressiveness that puts this band over the top and allows them to change up musically at the drop of a hat and not skip a beat.  The problem you run into with a lot of hardcore bands is the fact that they can only work within set boundaries, often fencing themselves in.  With dual vocalists in Despised Icon, and the bands killer ability to nail a thrash groove, hardcore or death metal, the music is constantly evolving and staying fresh which is exactly what you get with “Beast.”  Buy it and mosh!

Band info: facebook

Witchden - “Salt of the Earth”

Minnesota, Minneapolis sludge mongers Witchden have finally returned this year with “Salt the Earth” and damn it’s a stellar follow-up from the 2012 “Consulting the Bones”. Released October 31 last year, this new album has really blown me away with well crafted songs, solid riffs and a slow mean drive. Guitars are unforgiving with amazing tone, with clarity and crunch and blend perfectly with the thick chest rumbling bass. Drums are crushing and on point the entire album and exactly what it needs.

Most of the album keeps about the same tempo, a good heavy drive, but does break into so aggressively sludgy moments that add such a weight to that album that really sticks with you. But a song like “The Old Blood” breaks away from the dark tone and has a stronger groove to it, good for night driving. “Unholy” tends to be one of my favorites; it recently appeared on Doomsayer Records ‘Volume Two” compilation. It’s just got that previously mentioned slow mean drive with guttural / throaty vocals leaning toward a death metal side of things, which to me is a nice touch. Like I said before, this is a stellar release with tracks like “Negasus”, “Salt The Earth”, The Old Blood” and “Unholy” that really stand out to me for their uncompromising heaviness and being a killer album from start to finish. A must have from 2016.

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

Surtur - “Descendant of Time”

What do we have here? No less than the finest thrash from the intense heat of Bangladesh! With Exalter treading the boards in the same country, the Bangladeshi's are making a name for themselves in this genre; violent thrash. The band photo shows one of the guys wearing a Kreator t-shirt. It's a good reference point.

This is certainly thrash in the Teutonic vein: riotous and evil sounding. After the scene setting intro “Prologue to Chaos”, the title track kicks off with some paint stripping riffing, vocalising and soloing (in that order). Vicious stuff. “Demolisher” follows up with a slower and steadier start, but it soon accelerates to early Sepultura pace.

The EP is shamelessly influenced by the late 80's German thrash squads- and the South American greats, too. This is a more satisfying approach than many modern American bands; who are too clean sounding and too slick. This is music played for the joy of it, played for the violence of it and, despite the violence it is, indeed, fun.

“Maggot Filled Brain” is the charmingly titled closing track which shifts through the thrash gears impressively, with each band member laying down an impressive and forceful sound. Simply put, this is a sharp EP for all those who like their thrash feral and unfriendly.

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Wasted Theory - "Defenders of the Riff"

By: Eric Crowe

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 30/10/2016

Label: No Slip (Vinyl) |

Doomsayer Records (Cassette)

“Defenders of the Riff” CD//CS//DD//LP track listing:

1. Get Loud or Get Fucked

2. Black Witch Blues

3. Atomic Bikiniwax

4. AmpliFIRE!

5. Gospel of Infinity

6. Belly Fulla Whiskey

7. Under The Hoof

8. …And The Devil Makes Three

9. Throttlecock

10. Odyssey Of The Electric Warlock

The Review:

“Defenders of the Riff” is right! Thank God for bands like Wasted Theory that keep straight up rock ‘n roll alive and well. High in the ranks along with Gruzer and The Medusa, this album is some serious hard hitting slab of badass, from the killer artwork by Alexander Von Weiding to the intense drive and catchy hooks. This album is perfectly crafted and completely ups the ante from “Death and Taxes” which was a flawless album in itself. Dirty rock, gritty vocals mixed either with riffs that have tons of drive, or slow chug that even makes you feel like a badass. Drums are fluent, clean, yet powerful as fuck. From beginning to end “Defenders of the Riff” will not disappoint.

These guys have really crafted something great and I know that I have been hooked on it for the past week, so I’m curious to see what will come in the future. This is definitely for fans of Clutch and Nashville Pussy, so get on this album.

 “Defenders of the Riff” is available here

 Band info: bandcamp || facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Hexxus - "Tunguska"

By: Eric Crowe

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 18/062016

Label: Doomsayer Records

Hexxus brings something different from the word go, desolation lays in their wake, pain and fear tremble before their sheer levels of decibel destruction.

“Tunguska” CD//DD track listing:

1. Andromeda (10:06)

2. The Great Migration (5:57)

3. Cross Bearer (6:49)

4. Extinct is Instinct (4:11)

5. Tunguska (11:40)

The Review:

The Southern region of the US has been spawning a great deal of talent over the last few years, whether it has gained the proper recognition or not, it still grows and it continues to thrive. There is more to the South than the goings on in NOLA. North and South Carolina, Florida, Georgia has had plenty to offer in the ways of amazingly talented bands, and Alabama is no different. It is the home of Hexxus, one of the most oppressively heavy bands to ever surface from the scene, and they are rising fast.

Though a Southern band, you won’t find any of that Southern groove so many bands reflect from around here. Hexxus brings something different from the word go, desolation lays in their wake, pain and fear tremble before their sheer levels of decibel destruction. All tracks bring different elements but all tie in to an astounding release, from beginning to end, it’s a relentless ride of beauty and fierce inner horror.

“Andromeda” begins with such a weighty, oppressive tone and riff, setting the mood for the rest of the album perfectly. Lyrics are abstract, which I love personally, but deal with a personal loss of a close friend in a fire. This knowledge only elevates the dread in the music. Vocals are punishing and all three members claim their range, of highs, mids and lower range growls, but come together with great ease.

“The Great Migration” kicks in with a heavier punch and more of a drive with greatly placed wonky leads. Slowing down, it drives everything to a deeper level and the tag-team vocals keep a lot of fluidity and movement within the song. “Cross Bearer” continues with the mid paced onslaught with powerful chugs and weird chord phrasings, they only add value and depth to the songs, and they don’t feel odd for the sake of being odd. “Extinct is Instinct” is easily one of the more up-paced tracks but still a healthy dose of caustic sludge, and even a metal solo that blares from out of nowhere! Now the final and also title track “Tunguska” is the perfect end song, blending a dark melodic beauty and powerful burdensome weight of some of the most perfect riffs. The end riff will kill you and carry your cold heartless carcass away into the unknown.

Though new to the scene, they are making a huge racket and gaining momentum month by month. They are raising the bar here in the South and setting a new standard. Good, we needed that.

“Tunguska” is available here

 Band info: facebook || bandcamp

RIYL: Molehill, Iron Monkey, Fistula, Wizard’s Beard

Matriarch - “Magnumus: The 44th Scribe and Lorde of the Hallucinaunts” (Album Review)

By: Eric Crowe

 

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 20/04/2015

Label: Self released

 

 

This is really an amazing release, from start to finish. It took me a minute to catch the feel of the album, but once it hits home, it really hits you. Tons of tone and texture, beautiful and unrelenting and a complexity these guys have really tapped into. This is recommended for fans of Buried At Sea, FULCI or Sea of Bones. Give it a solid listen, support these guys and tell them The Sludgelord sent you their way!

 

“Magnumus: The 44^th Scribe and Lorde of the Hallucinaunts” DD track listing:

 

1. Moonburn

2. Bathed In Blue Light

 

The Review:

 

This 4 piece hailing from Denver, CO delivers one heavy and diverse slab in just 2 tracks. Described as “no frills caveman dope sludge, delivered via a pants-shitting wall of sound at a catatonic, gravity-bending crawl”, I would have to agree on all accounts. Made up of a lot of ex-members from a variety of awesome bands, including, Rebreather, Low Gravity, Garthok & Siamese Royalty, it all comes together perfectly here, but that’s enough talk about what you

 

can read online, here’s what’s in the music…

 

The journey begins with “Moonburn” with a sonic washing of tonal build and feedback, before breaking into the first riff, which has a light airy feel to it, comparable to early Pelican. The riffs have a lot of movement and progression within them, not just generically recycled over 32 measures, but there is a continuous flow to them and the song. Right around the 3 minute mark, perfectly grimy vocals charge in, adding another layer of filth in this ever evolving track, which turns for the heavier at this point. The vocal parts are sparse and not too wordy, but well spaced to keep it interesting. The delivery is mid ranged and throaty and once you start to feel the hypnotic effect and flow of the riff, it totally drops out to a deeply mellow place, keeping you in a light float; executed with excellence, and this is where “Bathed In Blue Light” takes over. Such a seamless transition in tracks, I love it.

 

Building and playing off of one another, that light floating feeling begins to sink, and the drones and absolute heaviness of the tone begins to pull you under. So slow and weighty, just simply go with it and enjoy where the journey takes you. Vocals keep flowing in and out at intervals, just slightly keeping you grounded. Within the drifting drones, added layers of solos wash in with perfect taste and don’t get all noodley and distracting. Then with beating the last bits of life out of the final riffs, it comes full circle with a minute of feedback and tonal washing.

 

This is really an amazing release, from start to finish. It took me a minute to catch the feel of the album, but once it hits home, it really hits you. Tons of tone and texture, beautiful and unrelenting and a complexity these guys have really tapped into. This is recommended for fans of Buried At Sea, FULCI or Sea of Bones. Give it a solid listen, support these guys and tell them The Sludgelord sent you their way!

 

“Magnumus: The 44^th Scribe and Lorde of The Hallucinaunts” is available here

 

Band info: bandcamp

GRÜZER - "Let It Burn" EP (Review)

By: Eric Crowe

Album Type: EP

Date Released: 01/04/ 2016

Label: Independent

The tone and song writing is top notch, even the solos are so on point, keeping the energy strong. For me, it has a Corrosion of Conformity “Blind” era feel and these guys are serious and bring a no nonsense attitude to the table, and they aren’t backing down.

“Let It Burn” CD//DD tracklisting:

1. The Accessory

2. Burning of Columbia

3. Birminghammer

4. Bruised Not Broken

5. The Calm Before…

The Review:

Heavy, dirty, southern swagger straight out the gate! And it’s dead on from there with these Columbia, SC natives. “The Accessory” begins with a good ‘ol sample of an engine revving and from then the song kicks you right in the jaw with hard hitting drive and gritty / throaty vocals to keep it grimy. This grease covered track has power, drive and a great hook. The tone and song writing is top notch, even the solos are so on point, keeping the energy strong. For me, it has a Corrosion of Conformity “Blind” era feel to the chorus, and there ain’t NOTHING wrong with that! There’s a moment where the track holds back just a bit, but then kicks into this thick heavy chug with repetitive almost chant like vocals, very well done.

“Burning of Columbia” begins with huge drum / tom work over battle type samples and the thick swell of guitars. This track takes a bit of a rest from the opener, and just lays down some serious groove and stays on point yet keeping the urgency. Vocally, at points, there has been a channeling of Neil Fallon, with the delivery and great story-telling approach. Not a rip off what so ever, so no worries. Huge walls of riffs building and throaty sung vocals run rampant throughout, takes me back to when Rich of Stuck Mojo’s sound used to fill the room!

“Birminghammer” is another track just keeping it on the slow side, dragging through the muck of the South. Midway through it picks up steam and kicks it into overdrive again. Fast paced chugging and palm-muting, it just gets so dirty.  “Bruised Not Broken” hits a really heavy doom ridden stride (think Crowbar) with thick layered guitars and perfectly powerful vocals. This is the perfect track for finishing out this release, multi layers of depth and really brings the whole album together.

These guys are serious and bring a no nonsense attitude to the table, and they aren’t backing down. They will be blazing a fiery trail through the South and beyond, so be on the lookout for them when they come through.

“Let It Burn” is available here

Band info: facebook

Capsized - “Overwhelming The Circles” (Album Review)

By: Eric Crowe

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: TBC

Label: Independent

Gravelly harsh vocals collide with discordant riffs that get glued inside your mind very quickly and the off centre type riffs remind me of what Hydra Head Records used to do.  The weight of this album is intense and at times an immeasurable force that can be uplifting and downtrodden at the same time, which is great to hear in songwriting these days. Things are stirring in the South, that’s for sure, and I know for a fact it has more to offer than just NOLA. Keep listening, keep looking. Capsized is one that’s moving and gaining momentum!

“Overwhelming The Circles” CD//DD track listing:

1. Maelstrom

2. Landfall’s Light

3. Sirens

4. Tidal

The Review:

The Birmingham, AL music scene was strong in the late 90’s and early 00’s, and somehow settled down into a quiet void. That has changed significantly as of late with the resurgence of members of yesteryear starting up new projects, and a whole new crop of bands.  Capsized is one of those bands that are starting to turn a lot of heads and gain momentum, and raise the flag for the state, that they aren’t dead yet. Capsized is fronted by old Molehill drummer, Billy Luttrell, I only make the reference, because I was a fan and short time member of the band. Indeed he doesn’t and won’t ride on the coattails of past bands, instead pushing forward into a new day with Capsized and hopefully creating something greater and a definite force to be reckoned with.

“Maelstrom” starts off with a Blue Velvet sample, setting the perfect tone for the rest of this monumental release. Gravelly harsh vocals collide with discordant riffs that get glued inside your mind very quickly and the off centre type riffs remind me of what Hydra Head Records used to do, and perhaps should have ventured more towards, but this band is a beast, and better than that. Walls of tone and force, coupled with heavy hitting, and precise drumming really get a lot of energy flowing. Every element and effect used is incorporated perfectly, bringing a marriage of the best sludge / metal moments of Isis and Old Man Gloom x100. The tempo is pretty constant with a continual drive, a very fuck yeah kind of song.

“Landfall’s Light” hits with build and a tension, coupled with an underlying urgency that breaks before 1:30 into the track. Vocals are very fitting, throaty yet melodic, which add to the depth of the music, this also helps carry you into this violent voyage of methodical chaos. The tribal-like drums keep a heavy yet simple background along with the bass seamlessly following, creating such a wonderful tension and release, ebb and flow throughout. The pace slows adding so much weight, but only for a moment, just enough to catch your breath before another pummelling.

“Sirens” is probably my favorite track because of the depth and the emotion it creates throughout the song. Despite the sombreness of the riff, this does not reduce the heaviness what so ever. Throaty sung vocals capture pain and embrace the deep burdens within, with unbelievable ease. The synth parts really come through on this one, adding a deeper level. The walls build, and come tumbling down beautifully, and leave the listener barren and exposed. The ending repetition is necessary, wrapped in chaos and precision, which a lot of bands can never effectively pull off. The weight of this track is intense and at times an immeasurable force that can be uplifting and downtrodden at the same time, which is great to hear in songwriting these days. Something you see in calibre bands like Neurosis and Yob!

“Tidal” begins with a spoken sample about parasites, with underlying effects and texture, the track is sharply mixed with the opening riff and very roomy sounding drums bursting through in a very slow drive. A simple riff can be so heavy sometimes. The progression of this song is great. Building off the simplicity of drum and riff and morphing into strong guitar textures and harmonies. All the while darting in and out of full force drives, to heavy melodic and discordant riffs.

“Overwhelming The Circles” is an amazing album, from start to finish. There are so many elements in this album that are tightly woven together and it is an album that has been hard not to listen too. It has been my go to for 2 or 3 weeks now. Things are stirring in the South, that’s for sure, and I know for a fact it has more to offer than just NOLA. Keep listening, keep looking. Capsized is one that’s moving and gaining momentum!

“Overwhelming The Circles” will be available here

Band info: facebook | bandcamp

Seahag - 'The Rx Epidemic' EP (Review)

By: Eric Crowe

Album Type: Digital EP

Date Released: 17/9/2015

Label: Self Released

Metal never sounded so good and I’m glad these dudes woke from their slumber to produce this powerful and chaotic release. So many elements woven together with immaculate structure creating an intense ride that keeps this in constant rotation for me.

“The Rx Epidemic” DD track listing:

1. Gravestone Fraud

2. Hanged in Effigy

3. Refuse to Suffer

4. Garden of Rot

The Review:

After a 7 year slumber, Arkansas dirt metal champions, Seahag have returned with a voracious album! And what an album! It starts off by just grabbing you by the throat and never once even thinking about letting go. “Gravestone Fraud” comes straight out of the gate with high energy and an open can of whoop ass. Thick and heavy toms and chugging guitars rip into a heavy yet bouncy drive, with vocals guttural and throaty pushing with maximum force into your ears. The drive half times for a bit, bringing it more into a groove, and even slows a bit more with some single note trills reminiscent of ‘Left Hand Path’ by Entombed, which is bad ass! As the song progresses and slows down, it really seems to gain so much more power, with those crunchy guitars and drums pounding you into dust.

The power drive continues with “Hanged in Effigy” with a splash of D-beat, duel vocals that perfectly intertwine. Lots of palm muting and slight pauses before slowing down to a slower heavy blues riff with lots of guitar squeals that makes you wanna move and hurt things. Slower and slower the song creeps before coming to a close.

“Refuse to Suffer” picks it back up with a heavy as fuck riff and those guttural / throaty vocals like a punch in the gut. Such clarity and thick tones here, and the palm muting / chugging help build a tension and a dirty heaviness. The building tension breaks with the next part that has a heavy blackened feel, which makes me think of their song “Wasted” from their previous release “Our Presence Here Is In Vein.” And then in the blink of an eye that riff slows to a crawl, so filthy and covered in woe. Steady and plodding with the vocals swarming back and forth, then BAM, the riff picks back up for a couple measures for a blackened finish.

Closing out this EP is “Garden of Rot.”  In my opinion is a great closing track, bringing the whole album together. Solid riffs, with harmonized parts, breaking into faster parts with some tremolo picking and trading off tempo of the previous mentioned, to a more groove-like feel. With a slight break the track slows down with a super weighty riff that you just get trapped under pressing the air right out of your lungs. Love that smothering feeling in a song.

Metal never sounded so good and I’m glad these dudes woke from their slumber to produce this powerful and chaotic release. So many elements woven together with immaculate structure creating an intense ride that keeps this in constant rotation for me.

“The Rx Epidemic” is available via bandcamp

Band info: facebook | bandcamp