Welcome to The Sludgelord!
Presenting up to date news, reviews & interviews for riff addicts around the world.
This is 'Liberation through Amplification.'
Allow yourself to indulge in a hefty dose of riffs; because it is time to
present 16 of the best albums
from August & September, it is time for yourSOUR 16.
You
know the drill by now, every couple of months you the
reader are unwittingly compiling a list of the top16 records,
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 HQ.
The
results are compiled based on the amount of page views the reviews have
received and are then 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 brackets)
16).
Craft, “White Noise and Black Light” (387)
15).
Clutch, “Book of Bad Decisions” (399)
14).
Satan, “Cruel Magic” (425)
13). 1968, “Ballads of the Godless” (437)
12). Organ Dealer/Nerve Grind/Invertebrate, “Split” (442)
11).
Allfather, “And All Will Be Desolation” (481)
10). Chubby Thunderous Bad Kush Masters, “Come & Chutney” (503)
Kurokuma prove once again, that trends in heavy music never last, but creating something unique and personal within the boundaries of heavy music, undoubtedly will.
“Dope Rider” CD//CS//DD//LP track listing:
1).
Dope Rider Part 1
2).
Dope Rider Part 2
The Review:
I'm
always drawn towards bands that tread their own path, so it's rather fitting
that I get to review the phenomenal Kurokuma's latest EP, 'Dope
Rider'. While the concept maybe based on a comic strip from marijuana themed
publication High Times, fans of traditional stoner will be shocked at the lack
of copy and paste pentatonic riffs and banshee wails.
Part
one of this 2 part release teases the eardrums with Joe E. Allen's always
hypnotic, tribal drumming while feedback and droning guitars build slowly. The
verse riff is superb showing just how unique the band are in their approach to song
writing and riff crafting. Driven by Allen's drumming, vocals are traded back
and forth between guitarist Jacob Mazlum and bassist George Ionita to
accentuate the rhythmic flow and as the track draws to its natural conclusion,
awash with gritty psychedelic textures, it's Allen's use of the mighty cowbell
that closes.
Part
Two starts off meatier than a caveman barbecue with devastating, muted riffs
amid drumming that seems off kilter but is nevertheless absolutely on point.
The tremolo riffing caught me off guard and had me gurning and nodding in
definite approval. By the time the most accessible closing riff bleeds out to
some droning, notes, listeners will want to press play all over again. At least
I did...about 6 times...
Kurokuma
prove once again, that trends in heavy music never last, but creating something
unique and personal within the boundaries of heavy music, undoubtedly will.
“Dope
Rider” is available digital here.
Cassette and CD available at www.doomstew.com/store/.
Vinyl coming September 2018.
Blowing brains wide open since the release of an
early two track demo in 2014, Sheffield based atomsmahers Kurokuma have made quite
the impression on the doom scene, supporting the likes of Crowbar, Trap Them, Conan, KEN Mode,
Skeletonwitch, Goatwhore and Samothrace. As well as tours with Dvne and then Vinnum Sabbathi in
2017, it seems that despite the gap of almost two years since the release of their
acclaimed debut EP “Advorsus” Kurokuma have built a solid foundation based upon their devastating lives shows and unrelenting work
ethic. Now as we begin to the enter the
second half of 2018 and although they have never been away, Kurokuma are set to
make some big announcements and we felt it was appropriate to get the
scoop. I recently hooked with Kurokuma drummer Joe E.
Allen to chat about the roots of the band and what the future holds. Check it out below
Can you give us an insight into how you
started playing music, leading up to the formation of Kurokuma?
Joe:
Jake and myself have known each other since we met a long time ago at Corp in
Sheffield. After I moved back from Japan more recently we were hanging out,
smoking, listening to Electric Wizard,
jamming, you know. Isn’t that how all doom bands start? We also wanted to make
sure we were adding more exotic instrumentation and rhythms into the mix. We
found our exotic bassist, George through an online ad after our original one
left.
For those people unfamiliar with your
band, are there any bands on the scene past and present that you would use as a
reference point bands to describe your band, and who or what continues to
inspire you and push you to try new things?
Joe:
It was originally Black Tusk, Black Breath and other bands that start with Black. The
more primal, rhythmic elements came from listening to “Battle Against Clown” from the Akira
soundtrack, me playing the taiko drum in Japan and a shared appreciation of
South American electronic music. Also George being a percussionist as well
helps.
We
have pretty high and adventurous standards when it comes to what passes as
worthwhile music. Seeing off-the-wall bands like Granule
and Birushanah recently in Japan feeds the
creativity. Our music is meant to represent raw power at its core. All music is
an inspiration. In fact, anything at all is - you can draw that power from
anything and anywhere and then put it back out for the people.
Since the release of your well received
debut “Advorsus” in September 2016 can you summarise what you guys have been up
to over the last 18 months or so. Any highlights you’d like to mention and any
forthcoming announcements you’d like to share with our readers?
Joe:
A lot has happened since that. UK tours with Under, Dvne
and then Vinnum Sabbathi from Mexico. “Siege of Limerick” in Ireland last year
was our first show abroad, then earlier this year we did Japan with Conan and Granule, then Iceland
for the 4/20 weekend…
Japan
was just as dope as you’d expect. Probably more actually. The fans were
receptive to us and Conan, especially cos
it wasn’t a kind of music they were necessarily used to. We had a team of
people linked to “The Doom Doc”
following us round and they’re working on a short film. I’ve seen clips and
it’s gonna be a nice piece exploring touring, as well as Japan’s metal scene
and cannabis culture there. It’ll be out later this year.
And
we’ve got a video diary we filmed ourselves in Iceland coming out very soon. We
were there for a 4/20 event with the Icelandic premiere of “The Doom Doc”. A lot happened that
weekend, including one of the members of Morpholith getting
arrested haha. So that video diary will be out at the start of June along with
the release of “The Doom Doc” on
DVD, finally.
Soon
we’re playing in an actual cinema down in Bristol soon for another screening of
“The Doom Doc”. That’s with 11paranoias, Under, A Horse Called War and Shrykull - five bands all featured in the film. That will
be sick, visuals and the lot
Then
we have our first release in over a year and a half coming out in August on Doom Stew Records. They’re based in San Francisco and run
by the drummer from Brume.
Does anything spring to mind when you
think about the completion of your upcoming record and how is the mood in the
camp at present?
Joe:
We’re enjoying everything that’s happening right now, soaking it all in. But
we’re very pleased to finally have some new music to put out, and on vinyl this
time. Feels like a very long time since “Advorsus”
came out and we don’t really play those songs much anymore. We’ve gone to town
with this new release - it’s a concept EP and it’s pretty special. I mean,
check the artwork for a start.
It’s
all based on the Dope Rider strip from High Times in the 70s. We got in touch
with Paul Kirchner - the creator and artist - and he was very into the idea so
he let us use any of the art. The lyrics in one of the tracks are from one
specific Dope Rider story, and that whole story is printed in full on the lyric
sheet insert. It’s gonna be a very nice thing to hold in your hands, especially
for fans of beautiful and surreal art.
What stands out as your overarching
memory from the recording sessions?
Joe:
We recorded it with Sam from Slabdragger down at “The Cro’s Nest” in Croydon. It was a
funny few days for a few different reasons which I won’t go into, but looking
back on the positives Sam has a really nice place where we stayed and the
weather was hot so it was a good, sweaty time.
One
thing that sticks out was having to dash to see this guitar tech guy after Sam
was hearing some weird notes on George’s bass during recording. This guy has a
little shop and has worked with bands like Judas Priest. After
getting it reset the bass was sounding perfect. We did a couple of experiments
with South American instrumentation as well, some of which made it onto the
final mix.
We
ended up taking the tracks to Chris from “Skyhammer
Studio” and he did a mix that left the two tracks sounding nice and big.
It’s been a very long process up until the release but that’s what can happen,
ya know.
With you new record in the bag, how is
your schedule shaping up over the next 12 months?
Joe:
This August we hit up Eastern Europe on tour, including Rockstadt in Romania
and Brutal Assault in Czech Republic. We’re playing with Converge
twice so I’m gonna ask Kurt Ballou if he wants to record our next release. Also
gonna get a photo with Danzig.
We
have a split EP planned with some friends of ours on a notorious Sheffield
label. We’re recording a cover we’ve been working on and some deep, dubby cuts.
Then
we do a UK tour with a dope powerviolence band from Japan, announcing that
officially soon. Then a handful of dates with Boss Keloid.
We’re on about going back to Japan, maybe Ireland again. We might be just about
ready to record an album at some point next year...
We
also have one more track left over from that last studio session so we’ll be
putting it out on a split with a certain Mexican band - you can probably guess
who if you think hard enough.
Finally, do you have any last words?
Joe:
Big up THE SLUDGELORD and the Sheffield sludge
crew.
Under are a
trio from Stockport, Greater Manchester. Though rooted in the blueprints of
sludge and doom metal, their sound is harder to pin down with elements of prog,
noise and avant garde creeping in. Under play with jagged,
slow, off kilter riffs that tease the listener into a false sense of security.
With dark and abstract lyricism evoking a trippy and sinister unease, the trio
cite Swans, Mr. Bungle, Melvins and Radiohead as prime
influences.
After
the success of their debut EP 'First
Attempt', Under built up a solid reputation playing
frequent live shows in and out of Manchester and in 2016 they embarked on a
successful UK mini-tour with Kurokuma.
'Slick' is
their highly anticipated debut full length album, completely self produced and
recorded by the band themselves. The trio have successfully built on everything
they have been working towards, carefully fine-tuning every detail on the
record. This eclectic listen is chock full of crushing riffs, odd time
signatures, and a mixture of aggressive screaming vocals juxtaposed against a
backdrop of more relaxed tripped out clean sections. With all three band
members providing vocals, often harmonising together to create epic melodic
textures. The record's bizarre lyrics, out there vibes and unpredictability
will surely pull in listeners for repeat listens.
'Slick' is destined to be one of those special records where you
hear something new with each listen and today we’re excited to premiere a track
from the album ahead of its official release via APF Records,
ahead of its official release on May 31st 2017. So if you’re fan of Melvins, Big Business, Swans, Faith No More,
Dillinger Escape Plan, Mr. Bungle, check out the track “Innards” below. 'Slick' will be initially
released on CD and Digital formats. So be sure to preorder a copy here
Album Type: EP Date
Released: 0909/2016 Label: Medusa Crush Recordings
Like
a bullet from a sniper, the opening riff from 'Lust' is delivered with pinpoint
accuracy. 'Dark Triad' opens tribal drumming before hardcore inspired sludge (a
la Love Sex Machine/Black Shape Of Nexus) gives everything a damn good
thrashing. The riffs are groovy enough to get your head nodding but are out of
the box enough to give you something to think about.'Kali', the third and final song is simply
brilliant. Thumping heavy riffs entangle with deconstructed song formats,
making this a standout track on a standout release.
‘Advorsus CS
//DD track listing:
01. Lust
02. Dark Triad
03. Kali
The Review:
Is
'Prog-doom/sludge/metal' a genre yet? If not, Kurokuma have just invented it. 'Advorsus' is the new EP from these
Sheffield based atomsmashers, and contained within it's 3 tracks are enough
weight, chops and ideas to make so called bigger bands scratch their heads and
say "why
didn't I think of that?!"
Like
a bullet from a sniper, the opening riff from 'Lust' is delivered with pinpoint accuracy. Some punishing sludge
makes way to some tribal drumming bringing to mind Sepultura's'Roots' as the band put all their distortion pedals to work. There
are so many layers to this band its unreal, the jolting bass weaves in between
the drums and the NWOBHM meets Melechesh meets Crowbar
guitar work is very impressive. 'Dark
Triad' opens with some more tribal drumming and clean guitar work before
hardcore inspired sludge (a la Love Sex Machine/Black Shape OfNexus)
gives everything a damn good thrashing. The riffs are groovy enough to get your
head nodding but are out of the box enough to give you something to think
about...and the guitar tone? Superb!
Listening
to this, it's hard to believe I'm listening to a fairly "new" band,
they sound so cohesive and fluid...but they only have a demo to their name; 'Kali', the third and final song is
simply brilliant. Thumping heavy riffs entangle with deconstructed song formats,
making this a standout track on a standout release. It's a track that has me
searching the thesaurus for adequate superlatives; it's astonishing and
corpulent.
I've
witnessed this band live and can confirm that they are every bit as loud and
heavy as they are on record. A band to keep tabs on, they'll surely be making
waves in the very near future.
‘Advorsus" will beavailable Friday 9th September here
NOIZ Promotions commented: “Over the last few years, the city of Manchester has become one of the most respected and active in the UK riff scene and has drawn interest and fans to here, resulting in an expanding, yet tight-knit scene. I'm really excited to have such a great lineup – so, BIG RIFFS AND HEAVY TONES will be the order of the day.”
The event will also feature side attractions and an aftershow, details of which are all yet to be announced, together with the final wave of band announcements in the coming weeks.
The crushing weight
of a world ending, a desolate hallucinatory trip through dystopia
The Low-Down:
Kurokuma
are a weird as hell Doom/Sludge Metal band from Sheffield, UK. I saw
these guys opening up for H A R K / Ken Mode on their recent joint UK
Tour. Kurokuma impressed the hell out of me as their music verges on
Avant-Garde/Experimental Rock with violent slabs of Doom and Sludge
Metal being used just for the sheer hell of it.
Imagine
a more fucked up and crazier version of early Mastodon with vibes of
The Melvins and Mr Bungle appearing here and there for one complete
head-fuck experience. That's the only way I can describe them. You
should see these guys live on stage as they're even more crazier
though with a menacing and intriguing stage presence. It's a good job
that Kurokuma have a Soundcloud page so you can witness this damn
craziness for yourself.
OK,
the band only offer two tracks but don't blame me that I didn't warn
you for one crazy as hell ride. 18.2 Tons and Ursus Thibetanus –
proves that Kurokuma have the potential to be something special
within the UK Doom/Sludge Metal scene. All they need now is to
release a debut EP or Album of some kind. As I really want to see
what Kurokuma can do with a proper release of some sort.
Kurokuma
– are a band you all need to check out now. Even if you hate them
just give them a listen to fuck up your entire world for 12 mins or
so. What's the harm in that!!!
