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This is 'Liberation through Amplification.'
‘Corporate Weaponry’ has blasts aplenty, along with some excellent lead work. It certainly ticks all the boxes: memorable title and thus chorus, breakdown section, time changes and a superb production. Fast and furious in the main, this is a fine example of where Malevolent Creation are at in 2015. Simply put, if you like any of the band's previous work, you will love this. If you enjoy death metal that is not too far into tech-territory, then this record is for you. Death metal, for death metal fans.
‘Dead Man's Path’ CD//DD//LP track listing:
01. Dead Man's Path
02. Soul Razer
03. Imperium (Kill Force Rising)
04. Corporate Weaponry
05. Blood Of The Fallen
06. Resistance Is Victory
07. 12th Prophecy
08. Extinction Personified
09. Fragmental Sanity
10. Face Your Fear
11. Carnivorous Misgivings *
12. Dominated Resurgency *
* (Bonus Tracks of the Digipak and the CD included in the LP-version,
re-recorded songs from the “Stillborn” album
Malevolent Creation is
Phil Fasciana | guitar
Bret Hoffmann | vocals
Jason Blachowicz | bass
Gio Geraca | guitar
Justin DiPinto | drums
The Review:
It would be no exaggeration to say that Malevolent Creation wrote ‘The Ten Commandments’ of death metal! Joking aside, that one album alone cements their status as a classic band. Sure, they are not usually included in most lists of “Obituary/Deicide/Morbid Angel/Cannibal Corpse” when discussing a death metal version of the Big Four, but if those bands are that, then Malevolent Creation must be not too far off...
The Florida (by way of Buffalo) veterans return with this dark and rumbling release. The title track is downbeat and doomy- not a blast beat to be found and spoken word vocals used. An interesting start. ‘Soul Razor’ finds the band on more familiar territory. 3,2,1... Blast Off! It's feral stuff; as sharp as the title implies but with a listenable quality that elevates them above most modern pretenders to the throne. ‘Imperium (Kill Force Rising)’ is an energetic romp that remains engaging throughout its six plus minutes.
‘Corporate Weaponry’ has blasts aplenty, along with some excellent lead work. It certainly ticks all the boxes: memorable title and thus chorus, breakdown section, time changes and a superb production. Fast and furious in the main, this is a fine example of where Malevolent Creation are at in 2015.
‘Blood of The Fallen’ continues this template- very speedy to start with new drummer Justin DiPinto acquitting himself very well throughout (the less said about the controversy surrounding the exit of former drummer Gus Rios, the better). Of course, the song slows for a spell and offers up some nicely chugging riffage.
The second half of the album is arguably even more brutal with the likes of ‘Resistance is Victory’ ruining your speakers. ‘The 12th Prophecy’ has a brilliantly dramatic feel to the main riff and keeps things taut from thereon. Indeed, the album is focussed throughout; ‘Extinction Personifies’ rattles by at pace and ‘Fragmental Sanity’has a really old school feel to the riffs and lyrics- great stuff. ‘Face Your Fear’ finishes off this strong release with a more groove based initial attack that would not be out of place on a Six Feet Under album. The pace picks up, of course, running the gamut of fast thrash beats, half times and turnarounds.
Simply put, if you like any of the band's previous work, you will love this. If you enjoy death metal that is not too far into tech-territory, then this record is for you. Death metal, for death metal fans.
As the haze of sunshine finally appears to be descending for the last time and with it the end of summer, let us not despair and instead rejoice as we usher in another feast of music for your listening pleasure, a veritable smorgasbord of riffs, this can only mean one thing? The Sludgelord’s ‘Sour 16’. Welcome, all lovers of the riff, you know the deal by now, however for those of you that do not, let us recap. Each month, you the reader are unwittingly compiling a list of the top 16 records of the month, covering all genres of metal, but predominately the best the doom, sludge, stoner-psychedelic genres have to offer. It is not a chart, in which reviewers or contributors extol their opinion about their favourite music, but simply, the ‘Sour 16’ are the records you guys (readers) have been most interested in over the last month and checking out on this page.
So here is the The Sludgelord’s ‘Sour 16’for August 2015, the 16 records you’re most looking forward too or are currently checking out. Dig in, spread the word and perhaps revisit some records you may have overlooked. The results are compiled based on page views alone and calibrated into the list below. So without further ado, enjoy the ‘Sour 16’. Roll up, kick back, chug a beer and Hail the riff! All review/band links can be accessed by clicking on the artwork. (Total views at the time of publication are highlighted in red)
16). Eschaton – ‘Sentinel Apocalypse’ (312)
For anyone with an interest in death metal from Revocation to Morbid Angel to Immolation to Death, then this album should definitely be checked out. I enjoyed it hugely and recommend it highly.
15). Nightfell – ‘Darkness Evermore’ (320)
“Rebirth” sees the band playing with different melodic black metal elements… which make for a wonderful musical counterweight to the resonant doom n’ death rumbling of the album’s general comfort zone.
14). Fight Amp – ‘Constantly Off’ (348)
‘In short, I’ve been missing out. I’m really happy to have had a reason to sit down with a band I already thought I knew and find out there’s still so much more to them. I can only highly recommend ‘Constantly Off’, and after this I’m off to check out all the stuff I’ve missed.’
13). Lucifer ‘Lucifer I’ (352)
‘All in all, “Lucifer I” is a solid release, song-per-song. It’s sure to be a hit for all the ‘70s obsessive’s and the proto-metallers, but it also has moments that are evil enough and dark enough to satisfy those who need a little more intensity beyond the black rainbow.’
12). = Myrkur - ‘M’ & Gnaw Their Tongues – ‘Abyss of Longing Throats’ (354)
At this juncture, Myrkur has proven to be capable of material that is truly special, with the sort of vivid musical imagination welcome in any genre, metal being no exception. What’s most exciting is what an even deeper exploration of this kind of folkish black metal, rich with creativity might yield a couple of years from now. ‘Gnaw Their Tongues has opened up a portal into hell and is dragging you with him. Fear the worst. Expect to suffer. If you make it out alive, expect some severe emotional trauma.’
10). Six Feet Under – ‘Crypt of the Devil’ (357)
‘This is as pure a strain of death metal as you are ever likely to find: crushing, sawing guitar riots? Check. Throat-expanding guttural vocals? Check. Lurid, obscene song titles, including ‘Broken Bottle Rape’ and ‘Compulsion to Brutalize’? Check mate. If it’s classic death metal grooves you’re after, look no further.’
09). Limb – ‘Terminal’ (371)
All in all, Terminal builds on what Limb have already achieved and is ultimately better than their top notch debut. The tracks on Terminal are well crafted, and the whole piece is tighter throughout. Absolutely no time is wasted on the album with every note being completely integral to the success of the album
08). Locrian – ‘Infinite Dissolution’ (400)
‘Standout track ‘An Index of Air’ leans into emptiness with a rattling drone, an almost imperceptibly off-time drum pulsing the intro before expanding out into tidal-waves of anguished convulsions blended with blissed out droning black that Deafheaven would burn gasoline-soaked churches to attain.’
07). Carousel – ‘2113’ (420)
‘2113’ is a blur of dynamic, late night booze fuelled journeys filled with timeless hooks and immensely powerful solos. A band that knows how to capture your attention; they filter the music of their childhood heroes add a contemporary twist and their unique flair and create magic. They build on their concrete foundation of strong vocals and catchy choruses, wrap up some tight backing and present a very pleasing album complete with a jazzy little bow.
06) Hivelords – ‘Tapered Limbs of a Human Star’ (424)
'Cavern Apothecary' was a glimpse into the potential this band had at that point. On ‘Tapered Limbs of a Human Star’, they've smashed through the glass ceiling and surpassed the promise they showed. The fact that they're signed to Anthropic Records is both a blessing and a curse; it makes those who know about the band seem like part of a secret club and preserves their cult status. However, had this been released on a label like Relapse, Profound Lore or Candlelight, everyone would be losing their shit and proclaiming this as the best album they've heard this year. It’s simply stunning.’
05). DoctoR DooM – ‘The Seed We Have Sown’ (534)
‘It's a monstrous sound, reminding me of a club scene in many a Bond film, but replace lounge piano or jazz with a much more upbeat rock band. This is Everyman Rock. And they love to stay around with their songs, so look forward to an album full of 4+ minute slabs that will take you along sonic highways of old.’
04). Ahab – ‘The Boat of Glen Carrig’ (551)
‘It's hard to sum the record up, such is the scope and depth on offer within the record, but suffice it to say this: it will feature in year end lists, it will grow on you and is definitely one of the more unusual and ambitious releases of the year. This is fine stuff, but then again coming from Napalm Records, does anyone expect anything less?! Dark, atmospheric and powerful. A fantastic record.’
03). Pentagram - ‘Curious Volume’ (710)
Overall, for my money, Curious Volume is a better album than Last Rites- more focused, more inspired and it crackles with life, it really does. It is the best album from Pentagram in a long while and for that we should all rejoice. Legendary for a reason!
02). The Sword – ‘High Country’ (1377)
The length of the album, at 15 tracks, does make getting acquainted with this record a slow process, but in the end you’ll discover there aren’t any dips in form. ‘High Country’ is rich in consistency and across its span, Cronise, Shutt and co. dispel any fears you may have about this release all the while oozing a slick professionalism. They’ve been at this song writing malarkey for a while now, they’re hardened pros and this stands testament to their brilliant legacy.’
01). Ghost – ‘Meliora’ (5382)
‘Today, Ghost still manage to shock and surprise us in a society where we’ve seen and heard it all before. People are fascinated, fixated even with finding out their true identities. Their music is more powerful than it ever has been too. ‘Meloria’ is a spellbinding listen and one which will see them elevated to greater plains of existence. It affects you, leaves you shaken. They can make you laugh or cry without so much of a flick of the wrist and, although the music we love is basking in something of a purple period right now, a band as potent as this is still a rarity.’
This list features reviews by, Chris Bull, Philip Weller, Kat Hilton, Hunter Young, Richard Maw, James Harris, Dominic Walsh, Chris Markwell, Daniel Jackson, Erik Sugg & Greg Sheriff
‘This is as pure a strain of death metal as you are ever likely to find: crushing, sawing guitar riots?Check.Throat-expanding guttural vocals?Check.Lurid, obscene song titles, including ‘Broken Bottle Rape’ and ‘Compulsion to Brutalize’?Check mate.If it’s classic death metal grooves you’re after, look no further.’
‘Crypt of the Devil’ CD//DD//LP track listing:
1. Gruesome 2. Open Coffin Orgy 3. Broken Bottle Rape 4. Break The Cross In Half 5. Lost Remains 6. Slit Wrists 7. Stab 8. The Night Bleeds 9. Compulsion To Brutalize 10. Eternal in Darkness
Six Feet Under is:
Studio Band: Chris Barnes | Vocals Phil Hall | Bass and Guitars Josh "Hallhammer" Hall | Drums Brandon Ellis | Lead Guitar
Live Band: Chris Barnes | Vocals Steve Swanson | Guitar Jeff Hughell | Bass Marco Pitruzella | Drums
The Review:
Sometimes, death metal just comes ripping up from the ground to grab you by the feet.Six Feet Under just did that to me.My poor Converse never saw it coming: just a rumble underground, then… darkness.And beautiful, claustrophobic death metal enveloped me like a welcoming coffin.Greet ‘Crypt of the Devil’, the latest offering from the Floridian four-piece, with a smile and a view to never see sunlight again.Let me tell you all about it as I hammer the nails in…
May the 5th of this year saw this fine piece of death metal hardware tearing up the airwaves like a deranged sous-chef.10 tracks of the finest SunshineState death metal, freshly-squeezed and ripe for the listening.Take as needed for pain, frustration, heart problems… hell, just take the damn album already!
This is as pure a strain of death metal as you are ever likely to find: crushing, sawing guitar riots?Check.Throat-expanding guttural vocals?Check.Lurid, obscene song titles, including ‘Broken Bottle Rape’ and ‘Compulsion to Brutalize’?Check mate.If it’s classic death metal grooves you’re after, look no further.After all, if you think Chris Barnes and co. aren’t going to bring the very best in brutal music, there’s no need to check yourself.You’ve already wrecked yourself.
Let’s talk music.Yes, I’ve just told you it ticks all the death metal boxes, but I haven’t told you how well it does so: ‘Crypt of the Devil’ is just… mind-blowing.Following on from 2013’s ‘Unborn’ it sticks to that diabolical vein of music like a jagged needle in your arm.Barnes himself has stated that he wrote these songs from the perspective of a serial killer, and he has gotten into that mindset with dark gusto.Just have a listen to ‘Stab’ and feel that psychotic desire rush headlong at you.Try listening to ‘Eternal in Darkness’ and not look over your shoulder in fear of the shadows behind you.I dare you.
‘Crypt of the Devil’ marks the inclusion of Phil ‘Landphil’ Hall (Cannabis Corpse) to the songwriting and creation process, so, personally speaking, this feels like a mini-evolution of Six Feet Under to me.This album is dark, sadistic, and walks with a terrifying confidence amongst your music collection.Get it while you can… but keep it away from any sharp objects.Just in case.
