TRACK PREMIERE: The Dark Red Seed debut "Dukkha"

Seattle's THE DARK RED SEED are set to release their new album "Becomes Awake" on May 18th 2018. The band which is the musical outlet of Tosten Larson, guitarist for Seattle dark folk musician King Dude is an amazing combo of dark folk and heavy psych music and today we premiere their song "Dukkha".

Tosten commented:

“Dukkha” was not the first song written for the “Becomes Awake” album but it was written intentionally as the starting point of our story.  Instrumentally it is supposed to be big and loud and chaotic.  The bridge is meant to have a dissonant, uncomfortable chord progression with saxophones, Synths and guitars blaring all around.  The verse and chorus section is vaguely inspired by an similar chaotic At the Drive In song I heard many years ago.  “Dukkha” doesn’t actually sound like the song it was inspired by but rather I wanted to create a jarring angular feeling I got when I first heard the At the Drive In song.  The reason for all the chaos and stress the song should invoke is because that is what the song is about and that is where the journey of this story begins.  “Dukkha” translates to pain and suffering.  In this case my interpretation of” Dukkha” could be seen as experienced by unchecked hedonism causing a life out of balance.” 

Pre-order the album here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

Review: Sick Tapestry - "Dark Eyes" (Single)

By: Chris Bull

Album Type: Single

Date Released: 05/09/2016

Label: Independent

“Dark Eyes” DD track listing:

1). Dark Eyes

2). Intro – Reprise (Instrumental*Improv)

The Review:

Sick Tapestry are a fairly new band, but most definitely a band that deserves your attention. Their drummer used to be in the criminally underrated Formes so extra points go to you, if you know them.

I'll be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect from this. There's a build up of drums from Jordan McNamara and reverb drenched sounds on 'Dark Eyes' before a jazzy interval had me scratching my head and wondering what the hell I was listening to. Luckily when the heavy part kicks in, it is exceptional and it makes sense of the jazzy part.

Sounding almost like Gojira (especially the vocals). We're treated to more of the clean/jazzy part before we dive back into the heavy section. Everything breaks down and the drums maintain the steady pace while the vocals and what sounds like heavily reverb laden church organs in the distance, builds into more Gojira like compositions.

Some great use of effects pedals follows and transforms into the next track; the eponymous 'Intro-Reprise (Instrumental/Improv)' which does exactly what it says on the tin. McNamara is the catalyst to the whole piece providing plenty of free flowing drum patterns while keeping the rhythm tight. Some Godflesh like bass rumbles are followed by delayed guitar noodlings and then some doomy passages before it falls away like a hair from an alopecia sufferer.

Despite being only 2 tracks (and only one actual full song) written and performed by a 2 piece band, there is plenty to sink your teeth into. Get yourself over to their bandcamp page and have a listen!

“Dark Eyes” is available here

Band info: facebook || bandcamp

ALBUM REVIEW: Holy Serpent - "Temples"

By Theron Moore

Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 30/09/2016
Label: Riding Easy Records

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.

“Temples” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Purification By Fire
2. Bury Me Standing
3. Toward The Sands
4. The Black Stone
5. Sativan Harvest

The Review:

The snake is writhing; the storm is brewing from beginning to end with “Temples.” Clocking in at 43:19 seconds, Holy Serpent delivers five songs the way music was meant to sound – heavy, psychedelic, fuzzed out sludge. And the Serpent, on this their second record, have seemingly perfected their sound.  I point this out because it usually takes most bands several records, maybe three or four, to truly dig deep within themselves and pinpoint their musical identity and really work that out on a sonic level.  Holy Serpent managed to do just that right here. 

The band is re-inventing the wheel with this record, they’re making said wheel much more efficient and effective.  Its better parts Cathedral and Sleep, fused together, performed as only Holy Serpent can.  The bass and guitars drive this record.  Heavy wah-wah, down tuned, low end, that dance and play around a wall of distortion, mapping song routes and musical direction for singer Scott Penberthy’s hypnotic, almost dream-like vocals that define and carry each song.  “Temples” isn’t doom or sludge for the sake of such.  The songs are well done, well structured, that speak to you on visceral levels, stimulating cortex and neurotransmitters.  They’re easy to connect with and stay connected with.   

“Purification by Fire” opens the record with a somewhat sinister, ominous vibe, building and prodding along, laying the foundation of what to expect with “Temples.”   Slow, methodical and dirge-like at times, is a great way to describe second song “Toward the Sands,” however, there’s a buried gem at the 6:25 mark with an up tempo Sabbath meets Cathedral boogie-groove type section, which quite frankly, I’d like to have heard more of, but, what a cool way to cap off the end of this song, I really dug it, it fit perfectly. 

“Bury Me Standing,” track three, reminds me a lot of Sleep but changes tempo and goes full on Serpent.  The guitar parts on this song are remarkable, they really guide this track from start to finish.  “Sativan Harvest,” like “Toward the Sands,” hits that melancholy, dirge like vibe again, but harder, slower, allowing Holy Serpent to showcase that sheer wall of sound technique they’ve been developing throughout this record. 

Capping off “Temples” is “The Black Stone,” a dreamy, psychedelic slab of distortion laden goodness that properly ends the record.  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.

“Temples” is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

FFO: Sleep, Black Sabbath, Cathedral, Electric Wizard

Bardus - "Stella Porta" (Album Review)

By: Charlie Butler

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 01/04/2016

Label: Solar Flare Records

Bardus go straight for the jugular with “Smoke Bath”, a ragged adrenaline rush, like Nirvana tearing through early Kylesa and if the idea of Yob having their drinks spiked with amphetamines appeals to you, “Stella Porta” will be right up your street.  This record is a swift, addictive rush of all the best elements of heavy music and will ensure you keep coming back for more throughout 2016.

“Stellar Porta” CD//DD track listing:

1. Smoke Bath
2. Monolith
3. Sky King
4. Transcendence
5. Haze
6. Oracle
7. Clandestine

The Review:

With its trippy, mushroom-based cover art and track titles like “Haze” and “Transcendence”, “Stella Porta” sets certain expectations. The latest LP from Philadelphian trio, Bardus definitely delivers a far-out ride but not in the stereotypical stoner rock fashion you may have in mind.

Bardus go straight for the jugular with “Smoke Bath”, a ragged adrenaline rush, like Nirvana tearing through early Kylesa. They proceed to hone this combination of filthy grunge and gut-churning sludge to perfection over the course of the album. Justin Tuck’s raw howl is a key ingredient, imbued with an intensity that heightens the urgency of the band’s already frenzied assault.

This alone would be a sweet recipe for success but Bardus raise the stakes with frequent outbursts of acid-fried psychedelia. “Monolith” shifts from hard riffing into a delay-soaked voyage into the beyond, to mind-melting effect, while the band demonstrates all their strengths simultaneously on the spaced-out racket of “Oracle”. If the idea of Yob having their drinks spiked with amphetamines appeals to you, “Stella Porta” will be right up your street.

Bardus manage to pull off the difficult balance of high-octane punk aggression and unchained cosmic jams to perfection. A swift, addictive rush of all the best elements of heavy music, “Stella Porta” is sure to keep you coming back for more throughout 2016.

“Stella Porta” is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

The Sludgelord EP Premiere - "Origins" by Mount Soma

Mount Soma formed in 2014 after three members - Brian(guitar/vocals), Keith(guitar), Conrad(bass) - had played together in an acoustic alt rock/trad group which had recently disbanded and had a common interest in writing heavy music together. After some early initial writing sessions Aaron(drums) came on board after having previously played with Conrad in a couple of short lived local stoner/doom bands. Having played a couple of gigs towards the end of 2014 Mount Soma supported Birmingham doom outfit Alunah when they came to Dublin in 2015. Work started on a debut EP later in the year which was finally wrapped up in early 2016. People have cited elements of stoner, doom, sludge, psych and prog being present in their work.

The three tracks that comprise “Origins”, which is also their debut EP are connected thematically and follow a narrative arc originally intended as part of a long player but slimmed down for this initial release. The overarching theme was the journey from universal consciousness to matter and creation, to enlightenment, purification, consciousness death and rebirth and ultimate reintegration into the universal mind. A full circle. It incorporates two heavy tracks bridged by an atmospheric acoustic led piece, containing elements of stoner, doom, sludge, psych and whatever else you might find in there.

‘Origins’ is essentially a live recording with ‘Nebula’ and ‘Lazarus’ being recorded live in the studio and ‘Origin’ being recorded at a later date in the engineer’s living room. A few additional bits such as synths/effects were added afterwards.

With Mount Soma set to release their debut EP “Origins” on April 5th. Today at The Sludgelord we’re are happy to premiere “Origins” in full and you can check it out below.

“Origins” track Listing:

1). Nebula

2).Origin

3). Lazarus

Band info: facebook | bandcamp

Oranssi Pazuzu - ‘Värähtelijä’ (Album Review)

By: Daniel Jackson

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 26/2/2016

Label: Svart Records |

20 Buck Spin

Taking the album “as is”, ‘Värähtelijä’ contains flashes of brilliance, plenty of greatness, but a general need to be a bit more concise and efficient. It’s not every idea that deserves five minutes of exploration. In fact, very few ideas deserve that kind of focused repetition. Still, there’s no doubting that Oranssi Pazuzu are one of the few truly unique metal bands going in 2016, and that counts for a lot.

‘Värähtelijä’ CD//LP//DD track listing:

1. Saturaatio

2. Lahja

3. Värähtelijä

4. Hypnotisoitu viharukous

5. Vasemman käden hierarkia

6. Havuluu

7. Valveavaruus

Oranssi Pazuzu is:

Jun-His | Vocals, Guitars

Moit | Guitars

Korjak | Drums

Ontto | Bass

EviL | Keyboard, Percussion

The Review:

Oranssi Pazuzu is a band that has always favoured innovation and originality over instant memorability in their music. That’s not to say that the two are mutually exclusive. To my ears, the band’s debut album, ‘Muukalainen Puhuu’ was rich in both departments, playing with fresh ideas, while crafting songs that have stuck with me for nearly seven years now. While it’s difficult to determine whether ‘Värähtelijä’ will have that same kind of staying power over time, I’d argue that the album is at its best when those two components are present at the same time.

In that sense, ‘Värähtelijä’ is often excellent, but also a bit distracted and prone to flights of fancy. Taking album opener “Saturaatio” as an example; the song is always interesting, even as it gets stuck in something of a constant loop. The band might add a slightly different or new layer here and there, but it takes nearly five minutes to really make a distinct break from its early pattern. For some listeners that’s going to be seen as being to the band’s credit. In my case, I feel like the band labours the point at certain spots in the album.

“Lahja” represents another issue I have with parts of ‘Värähtelijä’: some of the songs spend a long time building to a climax that just doesn’t pay off strongly enough. “Lahja” builds in a way that recalls Neurosis’ classic ‘Under the Surface’, albeit with the requisite Oranssi Pazuzu spin. The problem is that the crescendo never truly peaks. It just gets to 75% and then retreats to a softer dynamic. The song still has merit in spite of this, but it definitely loses something without that big moment. The album’s title track suffers slightly from the same problem.

Where the album really picks up in the second half, “Hypnotisoitu viharukous” has a similar flow to “Saturaatio”, although here the pattern is more engaging and urgent, and it also manages to wrap things up and feel complete over the course of five and a half minutes, which is to its great benefit. “Vasemman käden hierarkia” is the longest song on ‘Värähtelijä’, but it’s also its most diverse, which gives it a distinct advantage over the songs on the first half. The song grooves, contorts, glides, and rages through the early minutes. The song eventually breaks to brood in some eerie ambience before recovers and finds its stride in the closing minutes, making for a real journey rather than feeling like you’re something of a musical treadmill.

I think my overriding concern with ‘Värähtelijä’ is its length. Very few albums in history have ever warranted that kind of duration. A bit of judicious editing, getting this album down to fifty minutes would have done wonders. Taking the album “as is”, ‘Värähtelijä’ contains flashes of brilliance, plenty of greatness, but a general need to be a bit more concise and efficient. It’s not every idea that deserves five minutes of exploration. In fact, very few ideas deserve that kind of focused repetition. Still, there’s no doubting that Oranssi Pazuzu are one of the few truly unique metal bands going in 2016, and that counts for a lot.

‘Värähtelijä’  is available digitally here and a CD/LP copy here. For those in the USA you can order here

FFO: A Forest Of Stars, Hail Spirit Noir, Nachtmystium, Ved Buens Ende

Band info: Facebook | Official Site

Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard - ‘'Noeth Ac Anoeth'’ (Album Review)

By: Peter Man

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 04/12/2015

Label: New Heavy Sounds

The wall of guitar, at times, sounds as though it is ten instruments deep, crushing your brain with the weight of a 150 ton hydraulic press.  All of this contrasts elegantly with lead singer Jessica Ball's siren aria floating above the driving rhythm.

‘'Noeth Ac Anoeth'’ CD//DD// LP track listing:

1. Les Paradis Artificiels
2. Slave Moon
3. Nachthexen

The Review:

Although their name may poke a bit of fun at the doom stereotype, Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard are seriously kick-ass.  The Welsh quartet offers unto the space lords their instrumental-heavy brand of druid doom on their first full length release 'Noeth Ac Anoeth'.  The record contains only three tracks, but comes in at over 50 minutes of total run time.  When you sidle up next to this album and press play, make sure you're in it for the long haul.  The guitars, loaded by Paul Davies and Wes Leon, fire a relentless attack of riffage as James Carrington drums crack with the crispness of Indiana Jones’ whip.  The wall of guitar, at times, sounds as though it is ten instruments deep, crushing your brain with the weight of a 150 ton hydraulic press.  All of this contrasts elegantly with lead singer Jessica Ball's siren aria floating above the driving rhythm.

'Les Paradise Artificiels' is the shortest song at 9:58 and the album's first track.  This one starts fast with the main riff pounding away at your ears.  At 3:43 it could almost make a cut and become two songs, as there is a minute-long interlude into a completely new, low-growling riff.  The band spends the remainder of the track pounding away space-time, letting the synthesizer join in the fun at the outro.  The second track, “Slave Moon”, is another ten minute monster, highlighted by a section that uses Ball's dreamy vocals as a sort of harmonic drone that sounds almost like a second synthesizer.  The track 'Nachthexen' tops out at a, ahem, mammoth 30 minutes in length; it was released early in 2015 as an EP.  It begins with a dreamy guitar riff that is cleansed of any fuzz.  After a short interlude, the second act starts at 2:45 with the crash of power chords allowing the riffs to continue forth.  The third act comes in at 17:00 and is powered by two consecutive guitar solos.  After 21:00, the song runs off the rails amid a garble of synthesizer noise, only to regain consciousness at 23:15 with a sound that seems to belong on the soundtrack of Edward Scissorhands.  To finish,' Nachthexen' again morphs into a brutal, distorted groove that beckons you to head bang till the end.

'Noeth Ac Anoeth' is a protracted foray into the primal depths of the doom genre.  The album has every element a doom fan craves, from ferocious power chord processions to Jessica Ball's ethereal cries to the strange musings of FX and synthesizer, presented at the band's whim.  My favorite song?  I took the band's advice and decided not to choose.  MWWB says: "you may have difficulty focusing."  I agree, and suggest giving up on your presumptions of MWWB and simply let their music wash over you in waves of metal awesomeness.

‘'Noeth Ac Anoeth'’ is available here

Band info: bandcamp | facebook

Riff Rewind: A Retrospective Review of The Sludgelord Archives

Whilst we’re still coming to terms with founding editor Steve Howe sadly leaving the blog, and with over 3000 articles published over the last 4 years, even the most ardent supporter of The Sludgelord, will not have read every one.   Today and over the weeks to come we present our retrospective rundown of the top reviews, free downloads, bands to check out, live reviews, interviews and much more as a tribute to what Steve started, what we continue to do and what we strive to achieve in future.

As you look through the archives, it is clear to see what Steve was attempting to achieve, indeed I think he acheived that, supporting the underground scene and giving exposure to heavy music.  This week on the inaugural Riff Rewind feature, we go back to the very beginning, all the way back to Friday 18/2/2011 and 5 bands you should most certainly need to check out.

As you dip into this feature, it’s only fitting we leave a final word of tribute to Steve’s work, Ted Smith a fan of the blog recently left this comment ‘It’s a real shame to hear you’re leaving, thanks for everything’. Thanks for everything Steve, hail the Riff! You can follow what Steve is doing via his new blog Outlaws of the Sun here

Now let’s get into the riffs, who’s heard of a band called Ghost, hell who remembers MySpace? 

Ghost

Ghost are a Swedish Black Metal/Progressive/Power Pop Band, this was according to their MySpace page way back in 2011. 

Ghost released their debut album ‘Opus Eponymous’ in 2010. It has been getting some rave reviews from the music press, but in some quarters they have reacted negatively due to it being too retro and perceived as nothing new.  Personally I think this is a brilliant album. So with the band set to release their third full length ‘Meliora’ via Loma Vista Recordings on 21^st August this year, Here is my fave track ‘Ritual’ from their debut. Enjoy!!! 

For more information:

Official: http://ghost-official.com/

Like: https://www.facebook.com/thebandghost

L’Ira Del Baccano

L'Ira Del Baccano is an Instrumental Psychedelic Doom Metal band from Italy who have released 2 albums to date.  Way back in 2011 they were offering their ‘Si Non Sedes iS’ live album for free via their website.  Described as ‘56 minutes of doomdelic instrumental rock, incorporating very heavy space Rock with lashing of psych doom.’, they went on to release their long awaited debut ‘Terra 42’ which we raved about and you can read it here

Whilst ‘Si Non Sedes iS’ is no longer free, you can pick up both records via their bandcamp page here

For more information:

Listen: https://liradelbaccanoofficial.bandcamp.com/

Like: https://www.facebook.com/LiraDelBaccano42

Koloss


Koloss from Sweden issued their debut album ‘End Of The Chayot’ way back in January 2011.  Originally released for free download, the band explained that everything was recorded, mixed and mastered by the band, therefore because there was no actually cost to produce the record, they offered it up for free.  Fast forward then to 2015, the band released their last record in October 2013, called ‘Empower the Monster, but their debut is still available as a ‘Name your Price’ download.  

So, if you’re a fan of ISIS, Baroness and Neurosis.  Download it now, this is awesome Stuff.   You can also check out this great interview Steve carried out with the band in 2013 here

For more information:

Listen: https://koloss.bandcamp.com/

Like: http://www.facebook.com/koloss

(C) Shannon Corr

 Kowloon Walled City

Kowloon Walled City is a superb band from San Francisco, California. They play really down and dirty sludge, noise-metal, with a shit ton of cool groove to match.

KWC have been going since 2007. To date they have released 1 EP ‘Turk Street’ 2 Albums ‘Gambling on the Richter scale’ and most recently ‘Container Ships’ (review here) and 3 Splits, most recently with Thou and Battilus.  Named after a densely-populated, autonomous region of Hong Kong known for its brothels, casinos and opium dens, Kowloon Walled City recently signed with Neurot Recordings and Gilead Media for the release of their upcoming record.  This band is a firm favourite at The Sludgelord, indeed if you like them, you’ll most certainly like the band Tigon too (review here). 

You download most of their music as ‘Name Your Price’ download from their band camp here.  This band is highly recommended.

For more information:

Like: http://www.facebook.com/kowloonwalledcity

Official: http://inthewalledcity.com/

Adrift for Days

Adrift for Days are band that need no introduction here at the Sludgelord. Given that we have lauded about them since 2011. Hailing from Sydney, Australia, they described themselves on their early bio as a psychedelic stoner/doom band, formed to entertain their love for down-tempo music; blues, psychedelia, post-rock, drone, doom, sludge, stoner rock, ambience (etc).

Their debut album "The Lunar Maria" is a sprawling 71-minutes magnus opus, a veritable smoked out, psychedelic drone fest that was originally released which was released on August 5th, 2010.   Inspired by such groups as Neurosis, Electric Wizard, Dax Riggs, Weedeater, Alice in Chains, Down, Om, Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd. Recording of their debut took place at The Brain Studios with additional recording, mixing and mastering completed by Tim Carr at 301 Studios.

Adrift for Days have since released another stunning record ‘Come Midnight’, that Steve voted as his no1 of 2012.  You can download ‘The Lunar Maria’ as well as their most recent record from their bandcamp page

This is another stunning band for you to check out and highly Recommended if your fans of Neurosis, ISIS and bands of that nature.

For more information:

Like: Facebook

Listen: BandCamp

Thanks for reading and hope you check out these fantastic bands. Thanks as ever for your support and hopefully this article will be the first of many to come. 

 

Label Intensive: An Examination of Poisoned Mind Records

Poisoned Mind is a specialist DIY label based out of New Jersey and Connecticut, born and bred by self confessed analog addicts and VHS aficionados; Tom and Mike set forth with a mission to turn their obsession for music and trashy 80’s horror VHS, into a limited pressing vinyl only entrepreneurial venture. In many ways the combination of horror and the stoner rock scene go hand in hand, with imagery of psychedelia, tales of black magic, and the occult featuring prominently in numerous low budget movies, but also in the imagery and lyrics of well known stoner bands too, with sound bites of movie featuring heavily in music by Electric Wizard, and inspiring lyrics to numerous others. 

Having two vinyl releases behind them, a debut 7inch pressing for the soundtrack to Chester N. Turner’s BLACK DEVIL DOLL FROM HELL, a revered 1980’s horror movie in which a kindly woman is raped by a ventriloquist’s dummy. Poisoned Mind, followed that up with a debut 12inch limited vinyl pressing from Crypt Trip, a band hailing from Dallas Texas, who play an addictive blend of psychedelic fuzz rock.  With the label on the brink of issuing their latest releases, I took the opportunity to fire some questions at them, in order to get low down on this unique and high class vinyl only label

(SL) Guys, thanks for doing this, for those people who are not familiar with your label, could you tell us a little about yourself, your label and why you decided to start Poisoned Mind Records?

Tom:  Thanks Aaron! For a while I’ve wanted to start a label. Records have always been my first love and it’s the format I grew up with and still buy and collect to this day. Mike and I met each other through the vhs and record groups on facebook and finally got to hang out a couple years ago. We realized we shared a lot of the same interests and threw around the idea of starting a label.  We started Poisoned Mind together and had the idea not to limit ourselves as far as the music we put out.  We wanted to create a label that was different, not just strictly a soundtrack or doom label.

(SL) Looking on your store page, you seem to have a number of releases in the pipeline, What can fans look forward to from your label in 2015? How is your schedule shaping up? Any exclusives you can tell us about?

Tom: Going from 2 releases last year we have about 5 albums on tap for release this year so far. A little something for everyone and that’s the vision we had when we started. We have the Fistula 7” coming out in the next couple of days and the Crypt Trip repress, Merlin’s Christ Killer LP which is like a cinematic doom psychedelic trip, The new Wolfmen of Mars LP titled Gamisu, if you dig horror films and soundtracks then Wolfmen is right up your alley, We also have a couple soundtracks that we can’t announce just yet, but sit tight!

(SL) Admittedly, I had an ulterior motive for featuring you guys, having purchased the Crypt Trip die hard, I am also a massive fan of Fistula.  You’re set to release ‘Never Trust a Cop’ on 7inch by those guys, what can you tell us about that, when can we expect that to hit your store and how did you get involved with those guy?  

Tom: Its looks like the Fistula 7’ will hit our site on May 30^th.  Mike was talking with Dan at Patac records and the singer of Fistula and he asked us if we would be interested in releasing it for them. Of course we said yes!

(SL) Given that music and movies can be streamed now on our computers, on TVs, there seems to be less of need to go to a store, to a cinema or to invest time buying the physical product, do you place more importance on offering a great package to your customers, given the emergence of digital age.  What is the ethos behind what you’re trying to do with the label? 

Tom: Of course it’s a different day and age but I love seeing new generations get into

records, cassettes and VHS. I think more and more people are discovering and enjoying these formats.  It was only a matter of time before this happened.  A lot of times I won’t even listen to digital tracks, ill order an album and wait to get it in the mail before I listen to it.  We are just trying to create a nice package for the music and give the fans something special and the bands something that represents them the best we can.

(SL) What, if any bands or labels may have inspired you to start the label or was there a specific reason you felt you wanted to support the art you have?  For example what motivated you to put out Black Devil Doll From Hell as your first release?

Tom: At the time when I was thinking about starting a label there weren’t any soundtrack labels yet. I have been collecting soundtracks since the 90s and I knew it was just a matter of time until they started to tap into that market again. Then Mondo re-released the Maniac soundtrack and then Death Waltz came out and everyone went nuts ha-ha,

A few years later I was talking with Steve at STB Records, him and I go way back as friends and we are from the same area in NJ. We were throwing around the idea of doing a label together but in the end he went out on his own and created such an amazing label, from the bands to the layouts and packages he offers. He was definitely a huge inspiration for us and we continue to help and inspire one another.  Early on I always looked up to labels like hydrahead, hyperrealist and robotic empire. Then it shifted towards, southern lord, tank crimes, rise above, A389, Teepee. Nowadays Hevisike, bilocation, Ripple, Patac. So many great labels out there.

Mainly I think for mike and myself a lot of our friends inspired us to do something, like Louis at Massacre Video, Matt at horrorboobs  Josh at lunchmeat magazine, Uneasy Archive, King Of The Witches. These are all DIY movie labels and it’s great to see all of them growing into something special.

As for why we started with Black Devil Doll From Hell, mike and I both knew Louis at Massacre Video and are fans of this underground classic. It was right around the time Louis actually found the director Chester Turner after trying to track him down for years. Mike and I were outside at a horror convention and mike said to me “hey wouldn’t it be cool if we were able to do a Black Devil Doll From Hell 7” or  something”? I knew right then and there we had to do it and we had to get started on the label together. Up until that point there really wasn’t a soundtrack out there on record for a film Like BDDFH and that was the appeal for us as well. 

(SL) I used to be big a movie fan when I was younger and used to get a kick out of watching trashy horror movies, latterly in my early 20s stuff from Japan such Takeshi Mike movies etc, because I was kinda obsessed with how extreme the boundaries of cinema could be pushed.  Where did your fascination with movies start and why the fascination with VHS? 

Tom: I guess the fascination came from having an older brother who would take me to the movies.  Him and his friends used to rent movies all time and when he went out id sneak into his room and watch the ones I wasn’t supposed to. I remember sneaking into his room one day and watching Make Them Die Slowly/ Cannibal Ferox. Up until that point I never saw anything so brutal, it all looked so real to me and it scared the shit out of me. Kind of like the same feeling I got listening to the song Black Sabbath when I was kid.

Growing up, my Mother worked right next to a video store, so I would spend countless hours in there looking at the covers of all these movies. I was always drawn to the scary and gory covers and even back then I knew that they weren’t just films but these covers were works of art. When DVD hit I switched off like a lot of people did. About 6 years ago I was watching videos on YouTube and discovered that a whole new generation had found love for this format and appreciated these wild covers and movies just like I did growing up and it amazed me. I got bit by the collector bug and started buying them again. It’s a combination of nostalgia and seeing films in their original state or maybe that rare film that doesn’t have a DVD release. Maybe I can download it or watch it on YouTube but for me I want to own it, it’s just a different feeling for me.

(SL) In your experience, how easy/difficult was it to sell the idea of your label and what you hoped to achieve, in the sense of releasing something like Black Devil Doll on vinyl, which many would deem as obscure? Was the first release any more of a gamble than say, releasing Crypt Trip, given there is such a thriving stoner rock scene. 

Tom: We had an idea BDDFH would do well given the cult following it has and the whole mystique of the film. Did we expect it to sell out in a day? No we really didn’t, I think that release surprised a lot of people and just showed what is possible when it comes to releasing soundtracks.

With the Crypt Trip album it was somewhat of the same feeling. I guess expect the worst and hope for the best right?  These days everything is a risk when it comes to releasing music. You just never know. You just try to build a following with your label and hope people dig it. What we hoped to achieve with these releases, we just wanted to do something we both were into and have fun. Sure we had the idea of more releases after BDDFH but I don’t think either of us actually knew if it was gonna go beyond that but we were gonna try to!

(SL) What do you look for in order for you to get involved in releasing something on vinyl?

Tom: If we like something and feel good about it and there isn’t an LP release then we will look into releasing one. We aren’t really concerned with repressing stuff other labels have done before. When it comes to soundtracks and bands our goal has always been to release things that aren’t on record and the same goes for bands we enjoy.

(SL) There is much talk about the ongoing backlog at the pressing plants, which has caused a bottle neck in production and big delays in releases, what are your thoughts about the emerging scene and what are some of the difficulties/frustrations of running a label, because there are many other commitments such as family, work etc that perhaps restrict the amount of time you can dedicate to your label?  Not to mention the financial pressure? 

Tom: The frustration all comes from the wait time for pressing 100% ha-ha. It’s like man I wish we had these records in our hands right now to get em out there! It’s just not how it works though and you just have to be patient and remain positive. 

With the wait times and everything mike and I decided screw it lets just put even more of our money up and send everything we have lined up right now to press instead of spreading it out and this will be the way we operate from here on out.  We both have day jobs, mike busts his ass all day long at his job but I have a job where I can actually work on label stuff in my downtime.  It’s a tough balance and we are both learning what works best for us as time goes on.

(SL) How valuable are blogs and social media? What are your thoughts on changes in the music/movie industry over recent years?

Tom:  Blogs and social media are a huge part today; no way would we have been able to do what we did with our first 2 releases if it wasn’t for it.  It used to be just magazines and music videos but now there are so many more outlets and people who are passionate about things they are into be it music, movies or whatever. Both of our releases were just through word of mouth, social media and Crypt Trip of course playing shows and touring. Bands and social media help us get our name out there just like we help them out. It all comes together in the end.

I do see a huge shift in people wanting to own physical copies now. I think it’s safe to say that all formats are back and here to stay. I mean there are bands that I own the record, cd and cassette. Not only once but 3 times over ha-ha. The same goes for films as well.

(SL) Given that you have a number of releases (2 at present) under your belt, how do you measure the success of each release, are you reliant on selling units in order to release the next one? 

Tom: Whatever money we do make goes right back into releasing more albums and we just put more of our own money up again to try and get ahead of the game and get more releases out there this year. The way we measure success is we are happy just breaking even. We were fortunate enough to have our first 2 releases sell out and hopefully with each release we can keep it going. 

(SL) Some labels place a significant importance on the releases having a sense of being a collectable, with Standard and Die Hard Editions.   What do you feel is the significance of releasing such a package (s)?

Tom: From a record collector and fan standpoint, I feel the significance of doing these

releases is offering something for everyone. You have someone who just wants the die hard version and if they don’t get it they may not even buy anything else and would rather pay more on the secondary market because that’s what they want. Then you have the people who just want it on color vinyl and don’t care about a box set with extras. Oh its only left on black vinyl I want color im not buying it!  Then of course the one who just wants to own the album and doesn’t care what color its on etc. Then the collector who must own every version under the sun and wants them all. 

(SL) If you could have released any movie soundtrack or record past or present, what would it be and why?

Tom: It would definitely be Phantasm and I think I can speak for Mike on this question also since it’s both our favourite series of all time. Mondo actually just released it for the first time in 35 years. That soundtrack sets the tone to the film as well as any out there.  We both just love it.  As for a present soundtrack release we just got the rights to one but you’ll have to wait and see!

(SL) Finally, do you have any final comments/word of wisdom you’d like to bestow upon us?

Tom: Thanks so much for taking the time for this interview Aaron and all the work you do there at Sludgelord. A lot of time and effort goes into what you and your contributors do and it shows and is much appreciated. As far as our releases coming up you can expect a different mix of bands, soundtracks and surprises. Thanks to everyone who made our first year a success and bought something from us and everyone who helped us out along the way. We are just getting started!

The Fistula ‘Never Trust A Cop’ 7inch and repress of Crypt Trip Debut full will be available here from Saturday 30^th May 2015

Words and Interview courtesy of: Aaron Pickord and Tom @ Poisoned Mind Records

 

For more information:

Shop: http://poisonedmindrecords.bigcartel.com/

Like: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Poisoned-Mind-Records/535472189861174