ALBUM REVIEW: Helpless - "Debt"

By: Charlie Butler

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 08/09/2017

Label: Holy Roar Records

Every track on “Debt” is imbued with a captivating air of spontaneity and weirdness, delivered with a terrifying level of intensity.

“Debt’ CD//DD//LP track listing:

1) Worth
2) Out Of Commission
3) Grief Vultures
4) Moral Bankruptcy
5) Sertraline
6) Weightless Prayers
7) Ceremony Of Innocence
8) Sinkhole
9) Manufactured Consent
10) Denied Sale

The Review:

Plymouth trio Helpless look set to let a fire under the UK underground with blistering debut LP “Debt”.

A number of familiar influences on Helpless’ sound can be detected throughout “Debt”. The furious grind-infused crust of Trap Them, the metallic hardcore experimentation of Converge and the mind-melting math-metal constructions of Botch and Coalesce all make their presence felt. While there are a few current bands mining similar seams for inspiration (excellent Holy Roar label mates Employed To Serve for example), the way Helpless execute this combination of elements is something else. Every track on “Debt” is imbued with a captivating air of spontaneity and weirdness, delivered with a terrifying level of intensity.

The majority of the tracks here barely make it past the two minute mark but each one is packed with intricate detail. Furious ragers like “Worth” and “Grief Vultures” sit alongside mini-epics like “Weightless Prayers” where the band manage to navigate slower paced territory without letting up on heaviness.

After a nine tracks of breakneck, relentless attack, Helpless take a slight breath to allow album closer “Denied Sale” to unfurl over five minutes. It begins with their spikiest guitar line scraping over the ominous rumble of the rhythm section and builds to a crushing finale where the band unleash an arsenal of lumbering riffs.

“Debt” is an incredible statement from Helpless. There are few bands out there who can achieve such a perfect balance of spite and creativity.

“Debt” is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

REVIEW: Call Of The Void - "A.Y.F.K.M." EP

By: Charlie Butler

Album Type: EP

Date Released: 16/12/2016
Label: Translation Loss


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

“AYFKM” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1). Get in the Van

2). Are You Fucking Kidding Me

3). Throwing Bullets

4). On and On

5). Never Enough

The Review:

It’s been a few months since I’ve heard something filthy from the riff hotspot that is Denver, Colorado. Thankfully, Call Of The Void are here to break the silence with their facemelting new EP “AYFKM”.

“Get In The Van” opens the record and draws the listener in with a towering edifice of doom riffage.  The crawling hypnotic heaviness casts a powerful spell which makes the sudden shift into breakneck sludge-fuelled hardcore at the song’s mid-point feel like a kick in the gut.  The track feels like a glimpse into an alternative reality where Matt Pike was kidnapped by Black Flag, a killer combination of dirty punk and Sabbath worship.

From here, Call Of The Void waste no time and rip through the remaining four tracks in a breathless ten minutes. The title track makes it clear that “AYFKM” stands for “Are You Fucking Kidding me?” a sub-two minute burst of bile-soaked rage with insistent hooks that will burrow their way into your brain. “Throwing Bullets” ups the pace to near breaking point, throwing more grind influences into the pot and culminating in a ferocious raw thrash finale reminiscent of Trap Them at their most unhinged. “On and On” and “Never Enough” almost come as a relief after the onslaught of the preceding tracks but even when Call Of The Void slow down a little they still pack a hefty punch.

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

“AYFKM” is available here

Band info: facebook || bandcamp

ALBUM REVIEW: Gatecreeper - "Sonoran Deprivation"

By: Rick Ahmed

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 07/10/2016

Label: Relapse Records

When they use melodies they're more creepy than pretty. They seem to only be there to allow you to catch your breath before they sit on your chest and start punching you in the face again

“Sonoran Deprivation” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Craving Flesh
2. Sterilizing
3. Desperation
4. Rotting As One
5. Stronghold
6. Patriarchal Grip
7. Lost Forever
8. Flamethrower
9. Grotesque Operations

The Review:

"In defence of hm-2 death metal"  Frankly I find it a little dismissive to reduce this new wave of death metal to nothing more than a type of distortion pedal produced in the early 80's. Gatecreeper does have that buzzsaw tone, they also conjure the spirit of the 90's, but they add much more of a doom metal vibe to it. At the same time the composition of these songs reminds one of traditional hardcore, the fat is stripped; the goal is simple, brutality.

When they use melodies they're more creepy than pretty. They seem to only be there to allow you to catch your breath before they sit on your chest and start punching you in the face again. The vocals are harsh barked death grunts that sit perfectly in the mix so as to compliment the crunching chugs rather than overpower them.  Also, the cover art is a breathtaking oil painting of what appears to be some sort of intergalactic horizon which also wins them some points in the "cool shit I'd like to display on my record rack" category. 

Anybody into extreme music should be able to enjoy the simple brutality and groove this album offers, I'd also recommend it to fans of; Nails, Trap Them, Obituary, Entombed, Kataklysm, Harm's Way.

“Sonoran Deprivation” is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

THE SLUDGELORD PRESENTS: The Sour 16 for September 2016

By: Aaron Pickford

 

 

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

 

You know the drill, each month; you the reader are unwittingly compiling a list of the top 16 records that we featured in September, covering all genres of metal.  Is it not a chart, in which reviewers or contributors extol their opinion about their favourite music.  The ‘Sour 16’ are the records that have been trending the most at Sludgelord Headquarters.

 

The results are compiled based on page views alone and calibrated into the list below. All reviews can be viewed by clicking the artwork and we have included album streams wherever possible. (Total views since their publication are highlighted in red). 



16). Worshipper - "Shadow Hymns (475) 

Musically, with this being somewhere between Black Sabbath (Dio era in particular), Monster Magnet and anything from Witchfinder General to Angel Witch I feel that there is something for most metal fans to enjoy here. Throughout the eights tracks there are lots of ideas, lots of riffs and uniformly great performances from the band. This album surprised me with its scope and approach, so please lend your support and check Worshipper out as this is a rewarding and well crafted album.

 

15). Thou - "Peasant" (2016) (536)

 

14) Usurpress - "The Regal Tribe" (651)

This album is an album, in a profound, coherent and meaningfWorshiul way. It is heavy, dripping with dynamic and interesting, organic changes. The sound is warm but never suffocating, and it is brutal both when holding back (“The Mortal Tribes”) and unleashing (“Behold the Forsaken”). I hate to use the word genre-defying, but whatever fusion of death, doom, stoner and black metal Usurpress have evolved into, it is their voice, it is seamless and mature, and displays no sense of affectation.

 

13) Lesbian – “Hallucinogensis (656)

“Pyramidal Existinctualism” sounds like Mastodon after their drinks have been spiked with LSD and “Kosmoceratops” is epic fist-pumping thrash that takes a left turn into weird, uncharted territory. “Labrea Borealis” and“Aquilibrium” contain more melodic passages that expand the band’s horizons further into cinematic grandeur before crashing back to Earth for further, wild fretboard explorations. Overall “Hallucinogenesis”sees Lesbian achieve a perfect balance of labyrinthine complexity and headbanging simplicity.

 

12). Tardive Dyskinesia - “Harmonic Confusion” (677)

From cellos to righteous crescendos, this song album plumbs the depths of heavy prog and, weirdly, allows the listener to reach new heights as a result. Paradoxical? Sure. Bloody invigorating? You better believe it, buddy. 10 tracks of heavy, expressive, expansive music, just waiting to show you just how mythical Greek metal can be. Pray to the Old Gods, and seek salvation in‘Harmonic Confusion’.

 

11). Brant Bjork - "Tao of the Devil" (703)

In short, “Tao of the Devil” isn’t much different than Brant’s other albums in that it’s both a look back and a step forward. And like his other solo albums, this one can stand alone as a prime example of what Brant Bjork does best.

10). Asatta - "Spiralling Into Oblivion" (768)

This is cracking stuff and a worthy addition to the ever expanding doom canon, "Three Dials”is Crushingly heavy and really fucking noisy, "Lapse” features some swinging grooves to go with the slothful doom sounds, “She Died Long Ago” is a slow trudge through the darkest of doom- and echoes Candlemass rather than Conan in its approach. A fine debut then and an indication that there are great things to come from Asatta, who have positioned themselves up there with modern doom's elite.

 

09). Mouth of the Architect - "Gates of Flesh" (815)

“Path Of Eight”is a fine demonstration of a band evolving their sound without losing sight of what made them great in the first place. Mouth of the Architect have come into their own with this record and hopefully it will gain them some much deserved attention.

 

08). Khemmis – “Hunted” (891)

Overall, ‘Hunted’ is an extremely solid follow-up to their critically acclaimed first album. It is a melting pot of some hugely powerful styles of heavy metal music and the flawless coalescence between cataclysmic doom and melodic prog is a truly impressive feat. Khemmis are a band on a mission and so far, they’re doing it all right.

07). Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard - "Y Proffwyd Dwyll" (928)

“Y Proffwyd Dwyll” is a celestial voyage of crushing density. “Valmasque” sets the tone for the album, establishing a towering wall of sound built from huge lumbering riffs, set against a backdrop of swirling space noise and sci-fi synths that enhance their attack and swell their sound to a galactic scale. Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard have struck gold here with their distinct brand of spaced-out carnage.

 

06). Trap Them - "Crown Feral" (1035)

...the tracks that are strong, like “Hellionaires” and “Revival Spines” in particular, really need to be considered the best stuff Trap Them has ever written. And while opening track “Kindred Dirt” didn't immerse me in the album in the way I'd hoped, by the time we reach “Twitching in the Auras”,there can be no doubt that Trap Them have made a definitive and impressive move forward on all fronts. The sound is overall excellent. Lyrics are angry and powerful and riffs are deep and plentiful. Strongly recommend, and an excellent reason to continue to follow this excellent band closely.

 

05). Giraffe Tongue Orchestra - "Broken Line" (1362)

Giraffe Tongue Orchestra have forged a sound that is unlike any other and more than just the sum of all its parts. “Broken Lines” is, in all, diverse and thrilling and one of the most unpredictable records you’ll hear all year.

04). Meshuggah - "The Violent Sleep of Reason" (1529)

Trying to describe Meshuggah’s sound is a challenge. The only way I can put it is that they’re a musical cascade: a never-ending barrage of sound and heaviness pounding down upon you. Don’t expect or ballad or moments of levity here, this is a relentless tide which you will not escape from. Tracks like ‘MonstoCity’and ‘Our Rage Won’t Die’ are pummelling tracks of new material which can easily be slotted in to their live setlist and not seem out of place. In fact, the same could be said for any of those songs on display here: like a chain forged by Vulcan, there’s not a weak link present. It all hits, and hits hard.

 

03). Ayahuasca – “YIN” (1631)

Throughout, nothing ever quite sits right, like a jigsaw with a few missing pieces: The spasmodic guitar work of ‘Dark Matter God’ is a fitting example of this. Yet they find, upon that uncomfortable platform, a way to drill into your psyche excellently. It may be weird, but it has an uncanny way of selling itself to you.

 

02). Neurosis - "Fires Within Fires" (1674)

 

1). Suicdial Tendencies - "World Gone Mad" (2363)

It flows in a virtually flawless manner and I do believe “World Gone Mad” will be remembered as one of their best records, ever. This one’s a home run with a bullet.

 

A big thank you as always to our amazing writers, your dedication knows no boundaries and for that I am truly grateful.  September’s “Sour 16” features reviews by:  Richard Maw, Theron Moore, Charlie Butler, Chris Bull, Victor Van Ommen, Philip Weller, Conor O’Dea, Jake Wallace, Chris Markwell & Jay Hampshire

ALBUM REVIEW: Trap Them - "Crown Feral"

By: Conor O’Dea

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 23/09/2016

Label: Prosthetic Records

...the tracks that are strong, like “Hellionaires” and “Revival Spines” in particular, really need to be considered the best stuff Trap Them has ever written. And while opening track “Kindred Dirt” didn't immerse me in the album in the way I'd hoped, by the time we reach “Twitching in the Auras”, there can be no doubt that Trap Them have made a definitive and impressive move forward on all fronts.  The sound is overall excellent. Lyrics are angry and powerful and riffs are deep and plentiful. Strongly recommend, and an excellent reason to continue to follow this excellent band closely.

‘Crown Feral CD//DD//LP track listing:

1). “Kindred Dirt”
2). “Hellionaires”
3). “Prodigala”
4). “Luster Pendulums”
5). “Malengines Here, Where They Should Be”
6). “Speak Nigh”
7). “Twitching In The Auras”
8). “Revival Spines”
9). “Stray Of The Tongue”
10). “Phantom Air”

The Review:

There's an overvaluation of novelty and groundbreaking composition in music criticism, and metal reviewers in particular seem prone to this unfortunate default. While the avoidance of derivative work is obviously important, music is always composed with historicity and within a continuum; 'truly new' would de facto be unrecognizable as music, let alone as an example of a genre. Trap Them do not fall into the category of relentless reinvention nor of mind-shattering novelty, but what they have done, persistently and doggedly, is carefully reinvent their sound, reconsidering both paths they have already crossed and staking out roads they wish to follow. “Crown Feral” represents a substantial and strong instance of that continued process of reinvention. While not necessarily a pinnacle moment for the band, the album is an important and recognizable evolution of sound.

By my measure, Trap Them's identity as a band first coalesced in “Darker Handcraft”. While “Sleepwell Deconstructor” and “Seizures” both clearly set the belligerent tone and forceful energy of the group, it's really with their third full-length that we see a concrete approach and sound emerge. “..Handcraft” is solid, angry and driving, deeply rooted in crust and grind subgenre inspirations, but bringing that HM-2 sound to the fore that sets the band apart from its peers.  While 2014's “Blissfucker” has taken a shit load of criticism as a misstep, it represents some serious revamping, experimenting and rethinking by the band. Successful? Not always, but definitely commendable and a reminder to the hesitant that sometimes breaking something down allows it to be better rebuilt. Which brings us to “Crown Feral”.

“Crown Feral” is not just a good course correction for some of the experiments that didn't really work on “Blissfucker”, but one that manages to push the band beyond the earlier sound of “Darker Handcraft”. Some 'duller' moments, but fuck, the tracks that are strong, like “Hellionaires” and “Revival Spines” in particular, really need to be considered the best stuff Trap Them has ever written. And while opening track “Kindred Dirt” didn't immerse me in the album in the way I'd hoped, by the time we reach “Twitching in the Auras”, there can be no doubt that Trap Them have made a definitive and impressive move forward on all fronts.

Originally when drafting this review , my sense was that it was a strong, slightly uneven album in which the unevenness comes mainly from the fact that some songs are in the 'pretty good' range while the best tracks hit mind=blown level of just excellent. Upon reflection, what I think I am hearing is a band that is still growing and developing and hasn't quite settled into this more mature evolution; a collection of good and great songs that doesn't quite meet the mark of an excellent album.

Production is a bit brickwalled, and can get tiring, but the sound is overall excellent. Lyrics are angry and powerful and riffs are deep and plentiful. Strongly recommend, and an excellent reason to continue to follow this excellent band closely.

‘Crown Feral is available here

Band info: bandcamp|| facebook

RIYL: Black Breath, Nails, The Secret, Rotten Sound

"Load the chamber, spin the cylinder, and pull the trigger": THE SLUDGELORD PREMIERE of "The Black Kaleidoscope" by Vorvan

Over the last 12 months I couldn’t fail to be impressed by fast emerging German DIY label WOOAAARGH, an imprint that first came to my attention with the release of the crushing album “Grim Love” by Grim Von Doom, they are label specialising in hardcore punk/metal.  Over the last few months we have featured three of their most recent releases, the excellent God  Mother/Artemis split, While Sun End’s new full length and only last week, we debuted the misanthropic maelstrom of Implore and their 5 track scarifying EP, “Thanatos”. 

With those releases in the bank, the momentum of WOOAAARGH shows not sign of wavering, indeed on October 14th 2016 the label will co-release “Once Love Was Lost” , the new album from Vorvaň.   Formed in Moscow, Russia in 2009 by guitarist Eugene Cherevkov, the band went through several line-up changes before settling into its current line up.  Since their inception it wasn’t long before Vorvaň began to build up a solid buzz in their native country and as a result they have shared the stage with heavyweights such as Napalm Death, Extreme Noise Terror and Walls of Jericho.

Despite the fact they have unleashing their brand of anarchic punk since 2012, Vorvaň remain relatively unknown outside of their native Russia, until now that is.  Musicians most notably from Converge and From Ashes Rise, took part in making “Once Love Was Lost” become a reality and as a result the album will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the best albums of 2016, as ‘Once Love Was Lost’ represents a new era for the band.

So if you’re fan of Converge, Trap Them, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Mastodon, Disfear, load the chamber, spin the cylinder, and pull the trigger, as we unleash the album track “The Black Kaleidoscope”

'Once Love Was Lost' will be released on Gatefold 2LP, accompanied by a mammoth 32-page Booklet and available in the following colours,  200 silver & black mixed,  200 solid white and 100 doom black .  It can be pre ordered here

 

Band info: facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Weekend Nachos - "Apology"

By: Charlie Butler

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 20/05/2016

Label: Full Length

The passage of time has done nothing to calm Weekend Nachos. There may be moments where they explore more melodic avenues but for the most part “Apology” is a shot of high-octane, feedback-riddled rage. The band’s unique blend of hardcore and powerviolence with a weakness for punishing sludge riffs is as potent as ever. “Apology” is a fine swansong for Weekend Nachos. It provides an effective reminder of the band’s devastating power while offering a tantalising glimpse of what might have been.

“Apology” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1). 2015

2). Dust

3). Fake Political Song

4). All

5). Judged

6). Dog Shit Slave

7). Writhe

8). N.A.R.C

9). POW MIA

10). World Genocide

11). Eulogy

12). Night Plans

13). Apology

The Review:

“Apology” is a bitter-sweet release from Weekend Nachos. The Illinois quartet have decided to call it a day after twelve years of fury but not before releasing this bile-soaked missive.

The passage of time has done nothing to calm Weekend Nachos. There may be moments where they explore more melodic avenues but for the most part “Apology” is a shot of high-octane, feedback-riddled rage. The band’s unique blend of hardcore and powerviolence with a weakness for punishing sludge riffs is as potent as ever. Dylan Walker from Full of Hell, shows up to add his bark to the breakneck “Dust”. Elsewhere the band vent their anger at the state of the world and poisonous friendships.

Most surprising is the epic ten minute title track. A sprawling, snail-paced instrumental reminiscent of label-mates Primitive Man’s more subdued moments, it sits crushing doom riffs either side of an unexpected sparse piano centrepiece. This central section evokes a haunting menace that makes the thunderous finale all the more effective when the full band rumble back into play. The track provides an appropriately grand finale for 

“Apology” but also shows that the band were still a strong creative force. It’s a shame this is the end of the road as it would’ve been interesting to see them go further down this path and integrate these more exploratory sounds with their usual primal attack.

“Apology” is a fine swansong for Weekend Nachos. It provides an effective reminder of the band’s devastating power while offering a tantalising glimpse of what might have been.

“Apology” is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

RIYL: Nails, Trap Them, Dead in the Dirt, Napalm Death

Interment - "Scent of the Buried" (Album Review)

By: Daniel Jackson

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 1/4/2016

Label: Pulverised Records /

Dark Descent Records (North America)

Scent of the Buried’ strikes an excellent balance between thrashing speed and grinding riffs, and pulling the reins in on the tempo as needed for the sake of variety.  Though it is very by-the-book, it’s done so well that you can’t even really call that a knock against it. Instead, it’d be more accurate to say that the album is proof that if you do a basic formula well enough, it’s more than enough to compete with flashier albums built on a flimsier foundation, stylistically.

‘Scent of the Buried’ CD//DD track listing:

1. Death And Decay

2. Sinister Incantation

3. Chalice Of Death

4. Repugnant Funeral

5. Scent Of The Buried

6. Rise Of The Dead

7. Unholy Upheaval

8. Dawn Of Blasphemy

9. Skullcrushing Carnage

10. Nailed To The Grave

Interment is:

Johan Jansson | Guitar,Vocals

Torbjörn Brynedal | Guitars

Allan Lundholm | Bass

Kennet Englund | Drums

The Review:

If there’s one thing there isn’t a shortage of in 2016 and it’s bands with that early 90s Stockholm/Sunlight Studio sound. A lot of its popularity comes from hardcore influenced bands seeking to use that sound to give their bands a new or different dimension (e.g. Trap Them, Black Breath, or NAILS), but there are plenty of newer bands seeking to relive a glory period they had no chance of being a part of the first time around, due to age or some other factor. For the most part, a lot of those efforts fall short of the mark, with style over substance being a frequent concern. Thankfully there are bands like Interment who are still around to remind everyone that a classic sound can be done the right way, though they have the added benefit of being a part of the first wave.

Interment released three demos from 1991 to 1994, which in retrospect offer a similarly high level of quality to the bigger bands of the era. Johan Jansson and Kennet Englund moved on to bands like Uncanny, Dellamorte, Centinex, and Demonical. Once Interment was resurrected in 2007, the band started life anew through a series of compilations and split releases and releasing a well-received full length album in 2010, ‘Into the Crypts of Blasphemy’. Bringing us to 2016 and ‘Scent of the Buried’.

From a stylistic standpoint, the album doesn’t really offer anything you haven’t heard before. It’s completely indebted and dedicated to the Stockholm sound of the early 90s (though the band’s home of Avesta is roughly two hours drive from Stockholm itself). The album was even recorded in the famed Sunlight Studio itself with Tomas Skogsberg at the helm. With all of the ancillary details in order, all that’s left is for the music to come through, which it absolutely does. ‘Scent of the Buried’ strikes an excellent balance between thrashing speed and grinding riffs, and pulling the reins in on the tempo as needed for the sake of variety.

With as much of this particular death metal style as there is right now, it’d be a real shame if this album got lost in the shuffle. It sounds massive, and it’s absolutely a top-tier example of the genre, with its only real drawback being that it comes out at a time when the market is flooded with similar, though inferior bands. Though ‘Scent Of The Buried’ is very by-the-book, it’s done so well that you can’t even really call that a knock against it. Instead, it’d be more accurate to say that the album is proof that if you do a basic formula well enough, it’s more than enough to compete with flashier albums built on a flimsier foundation, stylistically.

You can pick up a digital copy here and a CD copy here and eventually here in North America. 

Band info: Facebook