Liturgy - 'The Ark Work' (Album Review)

Album Type: Full-Length

Date Released: 24/03/2015

Label: Thrill Jockey Records

‘The Ark Work’ CD//LP//DD track listing:

1. Fanfare

2. Follow

3. Kel Valhaal

4. Follow II

5. Quetzalcoatl

6. Father Vorizen

7. Haelegen

8. Reign Array

9. Vitriol

10. Total War

Liturgy is:

Hunter Hunt-Hendrix | Guitar, Vocals

Bernard Gann | Guitar

Tyler Dusenbury | Bass

Greg Fox | Drums

Review:

Liturgy has always been a divisive band. It’s very likely that they will always be a divisive band. It doesn’t matter whether you’re speaking in purely musical terms, or if you’re talking about the philosophy behind the music; they elicit a strong reaction either way, and that’s probably by design. From the first time I heard ‘Renihilation’; Liturgy just clicked for me. I’ve been listening to black metal for nearly twenty years now, and while I easily identified it as black metal, I’d rarely heard it played with such intensity, or with such a frenetic energy to it. It wasn’t just about blast beats or ridiculously speedy tremolo picking; it was about the entire presentation. It was wild and exuberant at a time when so much of black metal had been more about depression and sorrow (which are still worthwhile things for the genre to explore, by the way).

‘Aesthethica’ harnessed that energy and turned it into songs that dug their hooks into you. The rhythms were stronger and more varied and the band had learned to build up to big moments, which resulted in an even better album than the first. All of this is to say that I have been on board with Liturgy’s musical vision from the moment I heard them. Sadly, I’m not on board anymore and you can believe me when I say that I don’t take any joy in reviewing this album as harshly as I’m going to.

‘The Ark Work’ is a fucking mess. It’s an album characterized by a series of bad decisions from which the instrumental compositions are never able to recover. This isn’t about playing with new genre elements or trying new things in general. It’s about bad execution and not realizing what the reasonable limitations of one’s capabilities as a musician/songwriter are. The biggest issue among several larger problems is Hunter Hunt-Hendrix’s vocals. His vocal delivery brings to mind a child who doesn’t want to go to school because they don’t feel good, or maybe begging for more time to finish up a video game. It’s in such stark contrast to the bombast and fanfare of the music that it sounds like it was pulled from a different album and when his singing matched this album’s music closely; it was a happy accident. I’ve often wondered while listening to ‘The Ark Work’ what this album might be with a more capable singer. Who would even be up to the task? I can only imagine.

You can point to a number mishaps throughout the album, musically as well. “Kel Valhaal” borders on being a nightmare to get through as a listener. The horns repeat the same general rhythmic idea over and over again with occasional studio trickery that sounds like the musical equivalent of a thirty year old Max Headroom malfunction. This continues for nearly three minutes, along with bagpipes whining and bells struck with mallets in the background. Once we finally get some genuine progress in the song, the vocals come in and Hendrix delves into some variation of a rap performance. I’m not qualified to dissect a vocal performance in this style, but from someone who only occasionally listens to rap/hip hop, it sounded more accomplished than a complete joke like YouTuber Krispy Kreme, at least. Still, it’s not anywhere near enough for the song to regain its footing after the inadvisable compositional and instrumental choices in the song’s first half.

I will also point out that any review claiming that ‘The Ark Work’ is completely without merit should be read suspiciously too. “Follow” and “Follow II” would make an excellent single instrumental song, taking the best parts of each and condensing it down. The bells work well as an introductory element in “Follow” and the strings are beautiful in the second half of “Follow II”. There’s a great song to be had between the two with judicious editing. “Quetzalcoatl” has some great ideas on the musical side of things, especially in the big climactic moment at about the minute and a half mark. Unfortunately, the vocals are a big hinderance to the rest of the song. Unfortunately, I believe that is in some ways the story of ‘The Ark Work’. Anytime the album shows real promise from a musical standpoint, Hendrix’s vocals choices not only don’t enhance the songs, they get in the way and cause real damage more often than not. Even if the vocals were completely removed, ‘The Ark Work’ would be deeply flawed, but at least you’d be able to appreciate the brilliant moments when they came along. Instead what we have is an album that sounds like it came from a band so excited about its concept and so wrapped up in making it happen that they couldn’t tell what was working and what wasn’t.

Words by: Daniel Jackson

You can pick up a digital copy here and a CD/LP copy here.

For more information:

Facebook | Twitter

Occult 45 - Human Abhorrence 7" (Review)

Album Type: 7Inch

Date Released: 10/03/2015

Label: Broken Limbs

‘Human Abhorrence 7”/DD track listing:

1). Plaster Saint

2). Tyranny Stomp

3). Chainsaw Vigilante

4). PPFO

5). Wizard of Gore

6). Succubi

7). Death with Diginity

Occult 45 is:

John Hauser | vocals
Dean Sykes | guitar
Chris Kennedy | bass
Jason Dost | drums

Review:

Philadelphia has already blessed the world with cheese steaks and the Fresh Prince, but apparently this isn't enough as its gone and vomited out Occult 45 and their latest release, 'Human Abhorrence'. It's rough, it's fast, its 13 minutes long, and the musicians apparently don't know what scales are. Opening track 'Plaster Saint' churns out in a series of power chords before hurtling along at quadruple speed, finally returning to earth at a more polite bpm for its second half. The gears shift down again by the end for a beautiful mush of noise before returning to breakneck fury for 'Tyranny Stomp'. This is a band that knows the value of dynamics, as far as can be used in a genre such as grind at any rate.

It's grind with a certain degree of restraint. Not the kind of restraint that screams 'we all suffer with lack of testosterone and get excited about the property ladder', but rather the kind that makes this usually brash genre much easier to digest and enjoy. Grind is usually like a filthy dog on a chain that is constantly barking at top volume, Occult 45 make that dog shut the hell up occasionally so you can actually like it.

Maybe this is the reason the band, for all their speed and sandpaper textured sound, don't sound pissed off like so many of their peers do. Their stumbling violence sounds more like a drunken wild night than vitriol against the latest social ill to blame the world's problems on. It's straight up fun. It's basically the soundtrack to the coolest, crustiest party you've ever been to, where the only partner you're likely to wake up next to the following day is a severed goat's head. If you think that sounds appealing then give 'Human Abhorrence' a spin. I mean if that's the case you should probably seek help, but at least I'll be right there with you.'

Words by: Jake Mazlum

‘Human Abhorrence’ is available here

Fore more information:

FACEBOOK | BANDCAMP

Archelon - I (EP Review)

Album Type: EP

Date Released: March 01^st 2015

Label: Self Released

I - Track Listing

1.Gaia 03:27

2.Blood on the Sabre 08:22

3.Faint Young Sun 06:57

Members:

Craig - Guitar & vocals,

Adam - Bass & vocals,

Tj - Drums

Bio:

Archelon formed in Sheffield UK in August 2013 when Drummer TJ and Guitarist Craig who had been playing together for some time recruited Adam to play Bass and complete the line-up of their progressive Sludge metal band.

Fusing thier love of such bands as Mastodon, ISIS, Neurosis, Pelican, Russian Circles and many others. Archelon sound like a shifting techtonic mass bludgeoning everything in its path with the raw power of a glacier carving valleys from mountains. Their sound is slow, raw, agressive, groove driven and undeniably heavy.

Review:

Archelon another band that a few of my friends have recommended me to check out and here I am finally checking this great band out. If you're a fan of the bands mentioned in their bio then you should seriously check out Archelon as their debut EP – I – is a damn good indication that this band is definitely worth your time.

Opening track – Gaia – is 3:27 minute blast of Progressive Sludge Riffs with a touch of Ambient Noise thrown in for goo d measure. The vocals are reminiscent of early ISIS/Neurosis with traces of hardcore running through them. It's a shame the song isn't on for a tiny bit longer as it could of done with a further minute or so for the heavy riffs to do more damage. Though the Ambient sounds ends the song superbly well.

Second track – Blood On The Sabre – is pure Progressive Sludge/Post-Metal territory that will offer a few decent heavy thrills amongst the Sludge/Post-Metal crowd. It starts rather quietly before the loud riffs start to appear near the 3^rd minute. The vocals are impressive yet again as they bring an air of intelligence and a hint of anger and fury to give Archelon's overall sound a more primal feel.

The final track – Faint Young Sun – has a more experimental and noisy vibe compared to the other tracks. As Archelon turn the atmosphere into a sombre and cold violent place where fear and oppression is all around you. The vocals have a more disturbing feel to them as Archelon leave you feeling in a depressive state. The riffs are played at a slow pace that gives the band plenty of room to explore and create some sombre Post-Rock ambient style music. Though the heavier Sludge/Post-Metal riffs aren't too far behind.

Archelon have created a stunning debut EP and I recommend you check it out if you want a Post-Metal release that will make you coming back for more punishment. Then this is the release for you. I is available to buy on BandCamp Buy Now Download.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Written by Steve Howe

For More Information

Facebook | BandCamp

HOOF - Seraph Of Saturn (EP Review)

Album Type: EP

Date Released: March 30^th 2015

Label: Self Released

Seraph Of Saturn - Track Listing

1.Black Drug 05:56

2.Hail The Unholy 05:00

3.Forbidden Pact 02:48

4.Putrid Altar 06:20

5.Cessation 01:52

Members:

Seth Randolph

Aaron Sanford

Brandon Davis

Bio:

HOOF is a three piece doom band from Fairmont, WV.

Review:

HOOF is the type of band that I love promoting on Sludgelord. A band that comes along and literally impresses me in a big way with their heavy riffs that soon get under your skin. HOOF deal in heavy pounding Doom/Sludge Metal riffs that harks back to the early days of High On Fire with an ode to Black Sabbath here and there.

Their debut EP – Seraph Of Saturn – is a strange and very dark EP as it ventures from fast-paced riffs to the more strange experimental occult overtones of sublime 3^rd track – Forbidden Pact. Though opening track – Black Drug – will have you fast-paced sludge metal junkies on edge with it's style of blistering style of angry riffs and superb vocals to match. Seraph Of Saturn is an EP you need to play very LOUD to get the full effect.

Fourth track – Putrid Affair – carries on the heavier carnage from opening track – Black Drug – but gives it a more doom and gloom makeover that sees HOOF become demented murderous mad-men of the riff. Embrace this with open arms if you dare. Definitely the EP's standout track as the band even include a trippy psychedelic occult rock sound near the middle of the song.

This is an outstanding debut EP from HOOF as it's contains a ton of great ideas that one listen to the EP is never enough. If you're a fan of 70s style Classic Doom Metal, Occult Rock and modern day Sludge/Stoner Metal then Seraph Of Saturn is the EP for you. This is a dark and mysterious tale that you won't be able to get enough of. Check it out for yourself as Seraph Of Saturn is available to buy on BandCamp Buy Now.

Brilliant Stuff!!!!

Written by Steve Howe

For More Information

Facebook | BandCamp

Domovoyd - Domovoyd (Album Review)

Album Type: Album

Date Released: May 08^th 2015

Label: Svart Records

Domovoyd - Domovoyd - Track Listing

01. Domovoyage

02. Ambrosian Perfume

03. Caustic Afterglow

04. Mystagogue

05. Amor Fati

06. Vivid Insanity

Members:

Oskar Tunderberg - clamor, low frequencies

Niko Lehdontie - oscillations, low frequencies

Dmitry Melet - lower frequencies

Axel Solimeis - pulse

Bio:

Echoing guitars from the grooves of distant space, Domovoyd drone forth their debut album "Oh Sensibility." Detonated in the year 2010, the band has risen to the forefront of the Finnish Underground. Masters of dark, hypnotic, sprawling hazed-out doom, their music is a flaming celebration of the psychedelic arts from the temples of Hawkwind to Matt Pike's altar of the riff. Capturing the live-energy that has electrified audiences with their unique, heavy dose of rhythmic sludge, Oh Sensibility is an album that drone heads and doom freaks cannot afford to miss.

Swilling the world about in their mouths and spitting it through a cosmic spiral, Domovoyd know how to traverse time and space, and have the necessary intoxicating ingredients to take you there. Saddle up your space rocket and say goodbye to your sensibilities, as Domovoyd, smoking long dead galaxies in their wake, blast you into the furthest reaches of beyond.

Review:

The fine people of Svart have delivered the goods once more with this eponymous LP from Domovoyd. The young Finnish quartet barely look old enough to legally drive let alone be crafting a monumental second album of super-heavy psychedelic rock with a strong retro flavour. “Domovoyd” is bookended by two monstrous journeys into the outer limits; the aptly named “Domovoyage” and “Vivid Insanity”.

“Domovoyage” kicks off with a menacing cloud of Velvet-Underground-style droning violins, establishing an uneasy atmosphere before the band enters the fray and establishes some flange-heavy vibes. Proceedings gradually get fuzzier with more searing leads coming to the fore before the whole track unexpectedly goes up several gears, launching into a furious gallop towards the stratosphere. Vocals make their appearance for the first time, giving the overall feel of Jus Oborn fronting a tooled-up Hawkwind.

Just when you think that Domovoyd have reached a plateau of psychedelic perfection, they manage to find even higher gears, cranking up the intensity and dropping some seriously crunching riffage. The vocals match the fury of the music, giving the impression of Matt Pike at full tilt, trapped in a wind tunnel. Things calm down a little after this only for the band to begin the whole journey again, even more exhilarating second time round. As opening tracks go, 2015 will have to try pretty hard to rival this onslaught.

The album ends in similarly epic fashion with the 17 minute monster “Vivid Insanity”. Beginning in sparse, tranquil fashion as the band lock into a lazy, hypnotic groove haunted by the same buzzing violins that started the record. The peace is shattered by frantic heaviness, the band building up a head of steam before lurching into treacle-thick riffage to end the album on a satisfyingly doomy note.

Although these two behemoths offer the highlights of “Domovoyd”, there’s plenty of fun to be had from the tracks in between. In particular, “Mystagogue” does a fine impression of prime Electric Wizard which continues into “Amor Fati” which adds a bit of the frantic garage rock of The Heads to the mix to fine effect.

“Domovoyd” is a fine effort from this exhilarating young band, a perfect mix of classic psychedelic rock and modern heavy sounds that is sure to stick in the mind long enough to bother 2015’s end-of-year lists.

Words by Charlie Butler

Thanks to Nathan and Svart Records for the promo. Domovoyd will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl from Svart Records from May 8^th 2015

For More Information

Facebook | BandCamp

V A I L S - Galactic Triceratops (EP Review)

Album Type: EP

Date Released: March 19^th 2015

Label: When Planets Collide

Galactic Triceratops - Track Listing

1. Sally's In Love

2. Megaton's Telethon

2. Galactic Triceratops

4. Heterodyne

5. Don't Poke The Bear

Members:

Owen Street - Bass/Vox,

Mathew Ham - Drums

Bio:

Dumping any preconceived notion of what a contemporary two-piece should sound like firmly on its over-coiffured nut, South Wales’ V A I L S deal in a strain of uber-aggro melodic sludge, notable for both its punk aesthetic and consummate musicianship. Operating in the Venn diagram set where early Killing Joke intersects with The Melvins and Torche, ‘a one-two beast of balls-heavy animosity’ was the received wisdom of Sludgelord, and it’s hard to disagree.

Bassist Owen Street and drummer Mathew Ham turned a few eyes and ears on last year’s demo, seamlessly locking in like distant twins on the propulsive Fuckpuncher and riff-strong Snake Falls Show All. Now, with a few incandescent live shows under the belt, they launch their first EP proper – Galactic Triceratops on When Planets Collide on 30th March. Recorded by Joe Garcia (OM, Temples Festival) and mastered by Nick Zampiello (Converge, Isis), the band has channeled their sound, their groove and their drive into a quite remarkable proposition.

Review:

V A I L S are a Punk/Noise/Sludge/Stoner Duo have just released their superb debut EP - Galactic Triceratops - which is released by When Planets Collide. For a duo V A I L S are extremely loud. If you're a fan of Big Business, Torche and High On Fire then these guys are the band for you though V A I L S offer a more direct punk based attitude.

Opening track - Sally's In Love - is a fast-paced offering with the band playing noisy and in your face style Punk based Sludge/Stoner Rock to hold your interest. The song could be classed as a romantic love song though only if your partner is a fan of Noise Rock with a dash of Sludge/Stoner Metal to get them fully into the romantic mood. The vocals remind me of Big Business though that's no bad thing as they do the job superbly well.

Second track - Megatron's Telethon is a brilliantly clever and exciting track that shows how creative V A I L S actually are. As the band offer fast-paced and high energy volatile Stoner Rock carnage with enough power to give Optimus Prime an intergalactic headache never mind inspiring Megatron into starting a telethon. As you can tell, V A I L S have a passion for all things Science Fiction as they explore some crazy and wild ideas that gives their debut EP a very addictive quality. The EP is a very bass heavy affair as there isn’t a lead or rhythm guitar I sight. As V A I L S band members only play Bass Guitar and Drums respectively.

Third track - Galactic Triceratops – is a more direct Sludge/Punk Rock song that maybe too jarring for some to experience. The rest of us will enjoy the hard-riffing delights that V A I L S have created here. If Big Business ever did the soundtrack for a Transformers movie then this is the twisted result. Fourth track - Heterodyne - is perhaps the loudest song on the EP. It's a very messy and noisy affair and I mean that as a compliment. As the band mix ambient noises with bass heavy riffs that shouldn't really work but the band pull this off with style and ease.

The final song and possibly the EP's standout track - Don't Poke The Bear – is another heavy rock and roll affair that sees V A I L S throw everything in the air for one crazy ride. It can become very trippy at times as it has moments of dark twisted Psych Rock vibes. The drumming is superb through out as it becomes the main focus of the song. V A I L S offer a drone/ambient experience for the last 90 seconds or so. It brings the EP to a rousing and exciting finish. 

V A I L S have managed to create an excellent debut release and one that will see them go far within the UK Sludge/Stoner Rock scene. V A I L S are one of the more exciting duos I've came across recently. Hopefully V A I L S can build upon this EP and offer a full length record to match the crazy and superb ideas that Galactic Triceratops holds. 

Do yourself a favour and check this out now. You owe it to yourself. It's available to buy now on BandCamp Buy Now and CD via When Planets Collide.

Words by Steve Howe

For More Information

Facebook | BandCamp

GURT - D.I,Y.M.C.A. (EP Review)

Album Type: EP

Date Released: April 1^st 2015

Label: When Planets Collide

D.I.Y.M.C.A. - Track Listing

1. 8 out of 10 Cunts

2. Scrump

3. Scornmower

4. Baggy Trousers

Members:

Gareth Kelly - Growth - Mouth.

Rich Williams - Sedulurt - Riffmonster.

Dave Blakemore - Spice - Bassmaster.

Bill Jacobs - The Scorpion - Bashing.

Bio/EP Info

GURT have had the year of all years since the the release of their debut, having completed their first ever full Euro tour, destroying Bloodstock, crushing Hammerfest, and supporting 2 of their greatest influences Red Fang and Weedeater... but as always no relaxing has been done and the hard work has continued and less than a year since HORRENDOSAURUS comes their brand new release...

Punk + Party = D.I.Y.M.C.A. the brand spanking new EP from London’s filthiest party-doom bastards GURT!

A crushingly destructive combination of DIY punk attitude smashed together with a love for all things groove driven, these 4 songs are the perfect follow up to their epic debut HORRENDOSAURUS. Full of crushing riffs, groovy swagger and beastly vocals, these 4 songs are destined to become live favourites as they are unleashed on their upcoming UK tour.

Once again here to remind you that this is not sludge, this is not doom, this is GURT!!

Review:

London Sludge/Stoner Heavyweights - GURT - return with a surprise EP released on April 1st 2015 - April Fools Day. Yeah those sneaky fuckers sprung this EP on me very early on and here's my review of D.I.Y.M.C.A. As you can see the bands childish sense of humour is there for everyone to see. From the marvellous EP title and another joke is the band on the EP cover for D.I.Y.M.C.A.. Some people may have to ask their parents or grandparents what the joke is. Check out YMCA on YouTube if you need further help.

Don't worry as the rest of D.I.Y.M.C.A.doesn't feature any Disco/High Energy Pop jinks as GURT are here to play their style of heavy bruising Sludge/Stoner Metal riffs. First track - 8 Out Of 10 Cunts - feels like a number from their last superb album - Horrendosaurus. So nothing much has changed. GURT still live in the same violent and heavy world they always have but it's still a great number to immerse yourself with. Gareth's vocals are impressive as ever. They're more of the same Death based Grunt styles but at least their vocals you can easily understand. 8 out of 10 Cunts is another strong track from GURT for long-time fans to enjoy.

Second track - Scrump - is the EP's heaviest offering as GURT offer 6 mins of intense riffs and hardcore vocals that has a slight EHG vibe for good measure. When the band unleashes a blend of fast paced riffs towards the middle of the song, you can see why these guys are highly regarded within the Sludge/Stoner Metal scene. The instrumental work is the main selling point here and business is good for GURT especially when they start adding a distinctive Hard Rock/Blues Rock vibe.

Third track - Scornmower - is another epic offering from the band lasting 7 minutes. Though from the sound of it you would think GURT were playing a grindcore style song that will be over in 90 seconds or so. Not so as this is where GURT impressed me the most as they've managed to create different ideas to match the mood of the music. One minute - GURT play very fast and the next they play slower Hard Rock moments with familiar menacing brutal Sludge Metal riffs starting to appear as time goes by.

GURT next song will delight and confuse many folks though it gives GURT a chance to show people they actually do have a wicked sense of humour. As the last song is a cover of Legendary UK Ska/Pop Band - Madness - classic track - Baggy Trousers. It's too GURT's credit they make the song sound so familiar and so very different at the same time. If you're a fan of this song wait until you hear GURT's take on this. It has a disturbing seedy appeal to it compared to the upbeat pop original. Gareth does his best - Suggs gone Death/Sludge Metal impression with the vocals.

If GURT decide to play this track on their forthcoming UK tour then I can't wait to see the videos on YouTube. Mainly to see what the audience’s reaction will be. A crazy out of control moshpit jostling and jousting to Baggy Trousers. Maybe it's another elaborate joke from GURT for people to become part of the action. Let's wait and see. D.I.Y.M.C.A.is an excellent EP that will only enhance GURT's growing reputation. Highly Recommended.

You can buy D.I.Y.M.C.A. from When Planets Collide now. Thanks to Gareth for the promo.

Words by Steve Howe

For More Information

Official | Facebook | BandCamp