Tuesday 31 July 2012

Steve's Top 5 Records of July '12



Well Since Aaron has posted his top 5 albums for July then it's time for me to do mine. Apologies for missing any bands out especially Black Cowgirl and Battle Path. If it was a Top 10 then these bands would of definitely been in.

No 5 - Black Science - An Echo Through The Eyes Of Forever Review



A sublime album from these cosmic space rockers. Full of great riffs and ideas to match. If you want your body and soul to be transported into the next dimension. Then this is the album for you. Read Full Review Here.

No 4 - Sardonis - II

II cover art

A brilliant album from one of the loudest and most creative Instrumental Sludge/Doom Metal Bands I have heard this year. This was so good I bought the Vinyl Record straight away. Awesome. Read Full Review Here.

No 3. -TITAN - Burn



TITAN is an absolute blast of total destructive Sludge/Doom/Hardcore Metal. Probably TITAN's best work to date, If you want loud, heavy passionate Post-Hardcore/Sludge Metal riffs then BURN will suit you down to the ground. Brilliant. Read Full Review Here.

No 2. - Baroness - Yellow & Green

Baroness - Yellow & Green

Well what more needs to be said about this brilliant album. I know it's got a lot of haters amongst their fan base. But I think this is Baroness most defining work. I loved it. I feel Baroness need to be applauded for trying to do something different. Awesome album. Read Full Review Here.

No 1. - BEAR FIGHT! - GNARMAGEDDON



Well here is my fave record of July 2012. And what album it is. An excellent collection of riffs and vocals to match. This is the album I have been listening to non-stop recently as I fell instantly in love with it. It's so damn catchy at times.

The reason why it's my No 1 Record of July 2012 is for the song - BeerWulf. My fave song of 2012 so far. Worth it for the album alone. Read Full Review Here.

Monday 30 July 2012

Aaron's Top 5 Records of July '12

So, guys.  It is probably 7 months overdue, however Steve and I have decided to begin compiling our favourite records of the month and we are starting with July.  Too be honest, this is records we have reviewed in July, so there may be artists we feature who have released their music before July or indeed albums which have not been released yet. This is just a list of the records I have reviewed, listened too and we have featured on the blog.  You may agree or disagree but it's my list.  So here goes in descending order. 

No. 5

Adrift - Black Hearts Bleed Black
ADRIFT. Black Heart Bleeds Black CD

I hadn't heard of this band prior to Steve's review and once I listened to it, his description couldn't be more accurate.  Another brilliant band from Spain.  I love this record and feel compelled to press the repeat button once this record finishes every time.  The record is full of brutal riffs and a pleasure to listen too.  I will be keeping my eye on this band for future releases and may even check out their back catalogue too.  Brilliant.  http://thesludgelord.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/adrift-black-heart-bleeds-black.html

NO. 4

Telepathy - Lucretius (Single)
Lucretius (Single) cover art

I was left speechless listening to this record. It is a brilliant brilliant track and I am grateful to the band for informing  us about his brilliant track. I truly feel they are doing something new, fresh and inventive. If you want more reasons why I think this is a great record. Read my review. Check out the band. It's great.  http://thesludgelord.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/telepathy-lucretius-single.html

NO.3

Vagitarians - Wood



I only reviewed this record yesterday, but I have been listening to the record non stop since.  Some of the best sludge metal you'll hear this year.  Can I now say, I'm a Vagitarian?!! :).  You guys seem to like it too, judging by the feedback the band got from my recent post on facebook.  Poland seem to have a dirth of excellent bands at the moment and judging by this album, I am looking forward to more in the future.  Check out my review for more info.  http://thesludgelord.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/vagitarians-wood.html

NO.2

Slabdragger/Meadows Split 12"



I can't say anything more than I have already said about this record and it was a toss up between this record and my No.1.  I couldn't pick between, but invariably I needed to choose.  So Slabdragger/Meadows is my No.2 record.  The greatest thing about this record apart from the brutal heaviness of Slabdragger, was the discovery of Meadows.  Their tunes are fantastic.  You can judge yourself when it is released.  http://thesludgelord.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/slabdraggermeadows-split-12.html

No. 1

Tigon - Infinite Teeth

Infinite Teeth cover art

Yes, my No. 1 record of July is this brilliant release by Tigon.  I can't help but rave about this record.  The reason I chose it, was due to the mixture of blistering ferocity coupled with the off kilter time changes and all round brilliant musicianship.  What's more I just felt it was something different and exciting.  Do yourselves a favour and check out this band, if you haven't already done so. http://thesludgelord.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/tigon-infinite-teeth.html










Pyramido/Union Of Sleep Split 7" - Hell Comes Home Vol. 1


By: Aaron Pickford

Album Type: 7" Inch Split,
Date Released: 25/6/2012
Label: Hell Comes Home


Pyramido/Union of Sleep Split 7”/DD track listing:

Pyramido Side

A). Cleansed

Union of Sleep Side

B). Crawl


Pyramido is:

Ronnie Källbäck | Vocals
Henrik Wendel | Guitar
Dan Hedlund | Guitar
Dan Bengtsson | Bass & Backing Vocals
Viktor Forss | Drums

Union of Sleep is:

Ash | Guitar
Christian | Bass
Toni | Vocals
Raven | Drums
Rocco | Guitar

The Review:

Sloooow resonating doom is what we have here from Malmo's finest musical export.  From the opening of the track with the searing din of the feedback and the cymbal crashes we are subjected to 6:00 of some downright ugly sludge doom.  Pyramido are just an immense brute force.  At the forefront is the giant vocals from Ronnie, who sounds like a man screaming his last breathe, he is a front man of awesome stature and power.  Equally everything else is just as herculean in terms of power, the twin guitar assault with the titanic almost funeral doom pacing are monumental with the occasional phrasing of fast alternate picking on the high string giving the track an almost demonic death metal feel to it.  Indeed everything on this track is at the slower end of pacing, feeling as if this is an anthem for the Grim Reaper himself, seeking his next batch of victims to take to hell.  The track is just a sublime addition to their already phenomenal back catalogue and a strong contender for the finest entry in the Hell Comes Home series so far. 

 Too be honest, Union of Sleep are another band I hadn't heard prior to this track.  But boy am I a fan of this band now!  Holy Shit, this track is just stunning.  Sounding like the bastard offspring of Entombed but more sludgier and grittier, My god, I am awestruck at how tremendously dangerous this track sounds.  It is in fact the exact Bi Polar opposite to Pyramido, the pacing is frenetic and fast and angry, just a chaotic freight train of bludgeoning heaviness.  The speed and intensity, reminds me of grind super beasts Rotten Sound and that is no mean feat.  The sound of everything on this record is superb, raw, aggressive and most of all a bloody devastating maelstrom of malevolence.  Fan-bloody-tastic.  This split is another must have. 

This split is available here page.




Sunday 29 July 2012

Vagitarians - 'Wood' (Album Review)

By: Aaron Pickford

Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 30/1/2012
Label: Rojek Wizard



Over 40 minutes of unforgiving, incomprehensible and extremely brutal music, showing a complete lack of human sensibility.  This band punish you from the very first second and is unrelenting throughout, it does not diminish in intensity for a single moment.  This record is bloody merciless!!

‘Wood’ CD//DD track listing:

1). Spirit Is Free (8:42)
2). Close To The Window (6:52)
3). Shallow Grave (5:32)
4). Ruthless/Bezlitosne Mieso (11:57)
5). Stones From A Blank Sky (10:55)

Vagitarians is:

Rutek | Lead Guitar, Vocals
Piter | Rhythm Guitar
Sagan | Vocals
Marian Odsłuch | Bass
Grabarz  | Drums

The Review:

Man, seemingly when you think you can't hear another great record this year, given the quality releases we have had so far.  Along come Vagitarians to blow the theory completely out of the water.  My god, this record is outrageous, it is just brilliant.  Yes, they're probably not going to win the feminist award for good will to women, given their controversial name (maybe I'm just a prude), but ‘Wood‘ is outstanding from start to finish.  Over 40 minutes of unforgiving, incomprehensible and extremely brutal music, showing a complete lack of human sensibility.  This band punish you from the very first second and is unrelenting throughout, it does not diminish in intensity for a single moment.  This record is bloody merciless!!

At 8:42, ‘Spirit is Free’ gets this album underway in superb form with a seismic earth shattering slow sludgey riff, incorporating a dropped bend and then unyielding sounds of the high notes of the second guitar piercing your eardrums such is their inexorable din.  We're only into the first 1:30 of the track and the variety of riffs is mouth watering, with influences of sludge and southern rock, with the flow and interval of notes sounding like something from Down or COC.  The opening of the track is incredible.  Vocally there is a mixture of guttural growls and shrill shrieks which suits the music beautifully, but it is the musicality and previously mentioned variety of down tuned sludgy riffs which leaves a lasting impression.  The drums sound vicious too, with Grabarz beat of kick drums, almost distorting under the weight of the sound.  At the 5:00 mark the brutal barrage subsides to give way for what can only be described as a movie soundtrack type soundscape, incorporating various sounds, which take pride in disorientating and confusing the listener until the tumult continues like a boot in the face and with the power of blunt force trauma.  The remaining 2:00m plus is a devastating onslaught of riffs with occasional pinched harmonics adding further variety to their sound,  with the drums subjecting the listener to a succession of repeated beatings.

Next is ‘Close to the Window’, with the semi distorted opening prelude of riffs, ensnaring you in a bear trap vice, until the band unleash the full force of their arsenal.  It must be said that use of electronics is incorporated brilliantly too.  This track is like Kirk Windstein trading insults with Mike D. Williams, in the vocal department too.  The band has this desert rock vibe to them, which is just another example of the splendour of this record.  There is just about everything you could want to hear on this record. 

‘Shallow Grave’ could possibly be my favourite track on the record.  It needs to be heard to be believed.  Starting with a classic rock tinged riff, then it goes from that to sounding as if they have just turned into Pig Destroyer.  Same riff, just As Heavy As A Really Heavy Thing, it is disgustingly brilliant, hell Scot Hull or the late Seth Puttnam from A.C. could be screaming on this record, such is the ferocity of the vocal.  This is some of the heaviest stuff you'll hear this year, no doubt about it.  The riff is colossal with the pinched harmonics sounding fantastic. 

‘Ruthless/Bezlitosne Mieso’ kicks off with a bass riff reminiscent to ‘Dawn Patrol’ by Megadeth and from there, this mammoth 12:00 track is essentially an instrumental track.  It is a relentless, unmerciful track, which is accentuated by the roaring / screaming vocals from the previous 3 tracks, but it is used sparingly on the track.  This is all about the band flexing their musical and virtuosic flair, which the band has in spades.  Rutek on lead guitar plays some blistering solos on this track which is some of best I have heard this year.  Again the track just reaffirms how great this band really are and is another example of the talent coming from Poland at the moment.  The whole band get the moment to shine, brilliant drumming, crunchy riffs, booming bass and destructive guitar solos, what more could you ask for?

‘Stones From A Blank Stare’ is the final onslaught from the band, it is very atmospheric and slow paced.  It is a great finish to an amazing record, throughout the dual vocal attack sounds menacing and unhinged.  It is does not diminish in its intensity throughout the course of the near 11:00 of the track, again Rutek blazes out in the track with a stunning guitar solo.  Again this is what I loved about the record, it has variety in abundance on the track and indeed the record.  It is for that reason 'Wood' is without question one of my favourite albums of month. 


You can buy it here and if you want a CD version of the record drop them an email which can be found on the Bandcamp page. 




Band info: Bandcamp | Facebook

Saturday 28 July 2012

BURROWS

Faces in the Hillside cover art

Burrows are a Sludge Metal Band From South Central Connecticut, USA

The members are:

Matt Streit - Bass/Vocals
J. Kelly - Guitar
Nick Viccione - Drums

Burrows are a superb Sludge Metal band who say they are influenced from Crowbar, Entombed, Neurosis and ISIS.

They have an excellent EP up for free download from BandCamp. Faces In The Hillside is a 4 song and 16 minute blast of top notch Sludge Metal riffage.

So if your a fan of those bands then you will find much to enjoy here as Burrows do include some of those great band's influence into their style of hard hitting Sludge Metal.

It's an excellent EP that you will be listening to time and time again. Especially the brilliant 5:23 minute track Dead Roads which is worth it for the download alone. Awesome Stuff.

The EP is expertly produced that plays to it's strengths right from the start. There is not one bad moment or song on this excellent EP. It's a superb release from a band I want to hear more of. Especially if they venture into Neurosis/Isis territory.

These guys could be onto something special with their next release.

Highly Recommended.

Check This Great Band Below

CATERPILLAR PARTY!

the year of the caterpillar! cover art

Caterpillar Party! are a Noise Rock band from Downingtown, Pennsylvania, USA

The members are: Drew Christy, Brandon Bigos, and Eric Anderson

Caterpillar Party! are a very weird and very cool experimental Noise Rock Band starting to emerge in the Noise Rock Scene.

People have asked me to feature more Noise Rock Bands which is what I am doing more of. Well Caterpillar Party! are a superb band for you guys to check out.
They have just release their excellent new EP - the year of the caterpillar! - A 5 song and 12 minute blast of top-notch experimental Noise Rock music.

The album cover sort of put me off as I didn't know what to expect. But that is the charm of this great band. Their music is highly infectious at times that it's impossible to ignore. Especially the excellent track - Looge City.

Caterpillar Party! do have a loud distorted edge to their music as well especially on the excellent chaotic track - Dog Lounge.

If you want something different from the realm of Sludge/Stoner/Doom Metal then these guys are perfect anti-dote to all things loud.

Give it a try you will be pleasantly surprised. Overall - the year of the caterpillar - is an excellent release and expertly produced and played by all involved.

You can download this excellent release from BandCamp for free right now. Highly Recommended.

Check This Great Band Below:

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BandCamp

Hibagọn


Hibagọn is a Stoner Metal Band from Bergamo, Italy

The members are:

Jᾇbo - kaboom voodoo sticks
Doᾧi - shaga massive strings

Hibagọn is an amazing Stoner Metal Band that you need to hear right now. Plain and Simple this band fucking rocks big time.

They have just released their highly original and excellent new album - Hibagọn VS Monsters Spewed from Time’s Stomach to Clutch the Universe in a Mortal Slime

These guys are really hard to compare against other bands. They are a very original band. They add a cool Experimental Rock vibe to their music.

I suppose you could say they are like Karma To Burn but with a more way out there experimental Space Rock edge.

All of the songs have brilliant titles to them such as "Pirates Of The Red Dune", "Zombies From Outer Space" and my fave track "Silent Assault of the Killer Diplodocus"

The album cover should tell you what to expect. Something totally different in the realm of Stoner Rock/Metal.

For a two man band these guys get very loud at times but also they incorporate some cool Funk Rock vibes as well.

Look take it from me this band is brilliant. And the album is something you need to hear right now. The whole world needs to know about Hibagọn and their take on experimental Stoner Rock/Metal.

What is even better the guys are giving this amazing release for free on BandCamp right now. So headover there now and get downloading. Highly Recommended.

Check This Excellent Band Below:

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BandCamp

Check Out The Excellent and Very Weird track - Silent Assault of the Killer Diplodocus



CHILLUM


CHILLUM are a Sludge/Doom Metal Band from Rochester, USA

The members are:

Grimm Belcomb - bass, yelling
Mike Mcgee - Drums, ritual sacrifice
Mark Metzger - guitar, yelling

CHILLUM play a brutal blend of Doom and Sludge Metal paying homage to many bands past and present like OM and Sleep.

When the guys contacted me they said their music is like OM jamming with Electric Wizard but with a hint of Black Metal.

Well that is a very accurate description for this great band's music. It might not be the most sophisticated thing you hear all this year but you can't deny it's very loud and it has some superb riffs to check out.

Their new EP - End Of World is 3 songs and 25 minutes long. The highlight of the EP is the 16:37 minute epic - End Of World.

It's a great EP if a little bit under-produced. My advice is playing this excellent EP as loud as you can and let CHILLUM be you guide for the next 25 minutes or so.

An excellent release from a band with huge potential. You can download End Of World for free from BandCamp right now. Highly Recommended.

Check This Band Below.

Akûma/WEEDSNAKE Split

Split Akûma/Weedsnake cover art

Akûma is a Sludge/Post-Metal Band from Mexico

The members are:

-xVâlx: Guitarra, bajo, ruido, eco espacial, claves, feedback, vox.
-xFâbriziox: Bateria, aullidos, groove.
-xwôntx: Guitarra, eBow, bajas frecuencias, feedback, bajo, ruido, disonancias, invocaciones, gritos, sonoridades, discordancia. 

Weedsnake is a Stoner Metal Band From Mexico

The members are:

Rockers - Vox
Etziel - Guitar
Pope - Bass
Vainillo - Drums

Two of the finest Mexican Stoner/Sludge Metal Bands have got together and released one of the finest split releases I have heard this year.

Both of these bands have been on this blog before. Akûma and WeedSnake. They both have a lot of fans on this blog and it's not hard to see why. These guys both fucking rule in their own unique way.

Well the guys have got together and have released their brilliant S/T split album. Which features 2 tracks by each band.. All of the songs are brilliant tracks you need to check out now on BandCamp.

Omar from Akûma recently told me this about this great release - "We're trying to put Mexican Stoner Metal onto the map, we don't want people to think Mexico as a country full of violence and corruption, we are doing our part to change that image of our nation with the music that we do"

A great release from two truly brilliant bands trying to do something really special with their music.

The bands are trying to find someone to release this great record on Vinyl and other physical releases. Digital Releases will be coming at a later date.

Amazing. End Of. Highly Recommended.

Check Akûma from the link below:

Facebook

Check Weedsnake from the link below.

Facebook
BandCamp

TAURUS - LIFE Review


TAURUS is an Ambient/Psych/Drone/Doom Metal Band from Portland, Oregon, USA

The members are:

Stevie Floyd
Ashley Spungin

You may recognise these hugely talented musicians as they are members of two brilliant bands. Stevie is part of ace Sludge Duo – Dark Castle and Ashley used to be part of brilliant Stoner Rockers - Purple Rhinestone Eagle who sadly split last year.

Well Taurus is their new project and what a project it is. An ambient/psych/drone/doom metal band which incorporates mystical vibes into their music as well.

Taurus have just released their eagerly awaited opus – Life. A sprawling and far out there epic release which incorporates only 2 songs which runs for a mind expanding 35 minutes.

Life is more of a dark nightmarish story into your soul than an album. It’s not an easy journey to take. This release is for the more adventurous listener and not the casual listener.

The two tracks don’t have what I call a normal structure. The riffs are virtually non existent. This is music for people with the time to listen to Ambient Drone Doom Metal. It’s not an easy album to listen to. You need patience and a keen sense of experimental adventure to check out this superb album.

Life features down-tuned loud distorted guitars with slow and heavy drumming to match as well. The feedback of the music hark back to the early experimental days of BORIS.

This release is going to appeal to fans of Sunn0))) and Earth rather than the members original bands. This is probably experimental music at its most honest and raw.

Taurus throw caution to the wind and play out an epic journey filled with ambient soundscapes and strange vocal passages portray a nightmarish world of sorts. I suppose the album lives up to its title – LIFE.

As in that Life can be a very bleak place at times but if you come through it you will find many rewards from it.

The instrumental work is just amazing on this release. It was recorded live in the studio and shows what amazing musicians Stevie and Ashley are. They deserve credit for releasing something diverse as this great release.

Life is not afraid to challenge the listener’s mind or even their grip of reality to portray an ambient based masterpiece of experimental Doom/Drone Metal.

Life is highly recommended. I have to thank TAURUS and Earsplit PR for letting me review this. I hope TAURUS will release many more unsettling visions like LIFE. Great Stuff.

Life is available from all good stockists now. You can get digital and physical releases from BandCamp right now where the album is streaming in full if your feeling brave enough.

Check This Great Band Below:

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BandCamp

Black Science - An Echo Through The Eyes Of Forever Review


Black Science are a Space Rock/Psych/Stoner Rock Band from Seattle, USA

The members are:

John G - guitar, vox, gadgets, sorcery
Adam Draeger - guitar, vox, keyboards, tomfoolery
Reverend Ryk - bass, keyboards, badassery
g. eichler - beats & brewmastery

Black Science play a highly original mix of Psych Rock, Space Rock and Stoner Metal to brilliant effect. This brilliant band have been on the blog before with their excellent album - Cosmodemonic & Beyond.

Which had an excellent mix of Psych Rock. Space Rock and huge lashings of sublime Stoner Rock which took you into the far reaches of outer space.

Well Black Science are back with their heaviest and most intergalactic work to date. Nothing much of the music has changed from their last excellent release. Just that everything is a bit more trippier and very louder.

An Echo Through The Eyes Of Forever – is a 7 song and 54 minute blast of Space Rock riffs mixed with even more bombastic Psych Rock/Stoner Rock carnage.

The album does have a fairly cool story to tell in each of the songs which I am not going to describe as some of them I don’t know what they are on about. Only Black Science truly know what goes on in their own take of Intergalactic Space Rock.

But you will have a blast listening to them and trying to understand the songs yourself. What I think myself will be totally different to your own views. And that is the beauty of this album. It’s open to your own interpretation. From the awesome first track First Contact Manual upto the amazing final 15 minute epic “Our Sentence Is Up”. Which is worth the purchase of this superb album alone.

Black Science are one of the most original bands you are likely to encounter on the Stoner Rock scene today. The amount of ideas they pack into each and every song is astonishing. Full of sublime riffs with dream-like vocals to match the intense Space Rock atmosphere that you don’t hear much of these days.

I once described these guys as Hawkwind jamming with Kyuss and that description sort of does stick at various times. But other times these guys are very hard to categorize.

The album is brilliantly produced and played by all involved. And showcases Black Science’s talent to wondrous effect.

Black Science have released the coolest and most far-out there album of 2012. This is probably the best Space Rock album of 2012. If anything comes close to matching this I want to hear it now as I don’t think nothing will.

This album shows why Black Science are one of the best and most original bands waiting to be discovered today.

Highly Recommended. You bet your intergalactic soul it is. Awesome

You can buy this superb album from BandCamp right now. I urge you all to check these guys out now!!!

Check This Great Band Below

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BandCamp

BRETUS - In Onirica Review


Bretus are a Sludge/Stoner/Doom Metal Band from Italy

The members are:

Ghenes:Low Guitars/Bass
Zagarus:Vox
Faunus:Guitars
Striges:Drums

Bretus play a hard rocking blend of Sludge, Doom and Stoner Metal influenced by bands such as Sabbath, Saint Vitus and Pentagram.

Their new album – In Onirica – features 7 tracks which run for 58 mins or so.

If you’re a fan of those great bands mentioned above then your going dig this great band. As they play the same style of great hard hitting Doom Metal with great hints of top-notch modern Sludge/Stoner Metal riffage.

The vocals can take a bit of time getting used to but after a couple of listens they seamlessly blend into the background of the awesome music and riffs on show.

Bretus are a super tight unit who know how to write a great song with a commanding presence to them. This band will make you take notice of what they have to say right from the start.

The riffs do get very spooky at times especially on the awesome 8 minute instrumental track – The Black Sleep which brings a foreboding sense of despair and doom to proceedings with a great organ instrumental thrown in for good measure as well.

“Insomnia” sets the album’s atmosphere brilliantly well with an eerie barking of wolves before the creaking guitar riffs starting coming to life. Another 8 minute epic which the band set out their plan of attack right away. Playing sublime riffs to chill the soul to.
You know you’re in for a great time when listening to this album from listening to this track alone. The band might not be the most original of Doom/Stoner Metal bands butt that doesn’t stop them in writing top-notch rock/metal tracks to rock out to with passionate lyrics and vocals to match.

They do throw in a healthy dose of modern Sludge/Stoner Metal just in case you feel like you’re stuck in a time warp. 70’s Hard Rock matched with today’s cool modern riffs.

Other outstanding tracks to check out include – Down in the Hollow and the brilliant Forest Of Pain. Superb tracks that show what a great band Bretus actually are. Another great band that Italy can be proud to call their own.

The album is expertly produced and played by all involved. So In Onirica is a great album to check out from a band that should hopefully be round in many years to come.

You can buy In Onirica from all good stockists now.

Highly Recommended.

Check This Great Band Below

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Thursday 26 July 2012

20 Questions with -(16)-


-(16)- 2012. Bobby, Cris, Tony & Mateo
Hey guys!  So, it's time for your weekly dose of 20 Questions with... This week I'm excited to say that I bring you my interview with Tony Baumeister from one of my favourite bands.  The mighty     -(16)-. 

Funnily enough my first task when I joined the blog was to review the new -(16)- record, Deep Cuts from Dark Clouds, which was daunting enough, because I wanted to do my best to impress the guys enough to let me stay.  I think I did an okay job.  Hell, I'm still here, so I must be doing something right.   You can read the review here.

Anyway, enough of the BS.  In my eyes and perhaps some of you feel the same, but -(16)- are legends of a genre of music I love with a passion and over the years I feel they have been criminally overlooked perhaps in favour of lesser bands.  Anyway, when I first thought of the idea of doing this segment for the blog, -(16)- were at the top of my list of band to interview.  So here it is, my interview with -(16)- or rather 1/4 of the band.  Check it out.



You seem to have made the impossible possible, by eclipsing your last record and releasing the
brilliant ‘Deep Cuts from Dark Clouds’. A definite contender for my album of the year.

For those people who are unfamiliar with your band, could you tell me a little bit about the history of the band? Where you're from, band members, when you formed?

Tony:  Thanks!  The band formed in 1992 in Santa Ana, California.  Skateboarding, weed, and love of Melvins, Helmet, Unsane etc, inspired the formation of the band.

Is the band a full time project or do you have to work too?

Tony:  It's amazing that some people actually think that bands like us make money.  Quite the contrary - we lose money.  We literally pay to do this band.  We all have day jobs, and pay out of our own pockets to rehearse.  Then, every time we tour, we either break even, or lose money.  It's discouraging, but we enjoy making music together, so we continue...

Was it an easy decision to reform the band in 2007 and do you have a clear direction you wish to take the band? If so what is different now, than in the past?

Tony:  It wasn't a decision we really contemplated.  someone suggested a "reunion" show, so we basically said, "sure, why not?"  There's never been a clear direction per se, we just turn our amps on, and write songs the way we like. 

Do you think -(16)- were overlooked, perhaps in favour of the New Orleans Sludge metal scene? If so, do you have any thoughts or reason why?

Tony:  I don't think that we were overlooked.  We hardly ever toured, and I truly believe that's the main reason our following isn't bigger.

Where did the name -(16)- come from?

Tony:  It's a stupid story, really.  I didn't join the band until '93, so the name was already in place by then.  The short version of the story is that when the band started, Bobby (20) and Cris (21) had 16-year old girlfriends.  Whether that story is funny or disturbing is an ongoing debate... 

How would you describe your sound?

Tony:  I hate describing it, because i never feel like words adequately paint the right picture.  Heavy riffs played at mid-tempos?  Sludge rock?  Stoner metal?  I have no idea.

Is there a rock/metal scene in your hometown?

Tony:  There are many "scenes" here in LA, and -(16)- has never really fit into any of them  and even though "not fitting in" doesn't bother us at all, it also means that our hometown shows are poorly attended.

What's it like being a rock/ metal band there? Is it a struggle?

Tony:  iI's absolutely a struggle.  There's no money to be made, so you need to really enjoy what you're doing if you want to get anything out of it.

What are your influences musically and artistically?

Tony:  I can only speak for myself, but some of my favorite artists include:  Unsane, Sam Cooke, Led Zeppelin, High on Fire, Queens of the Stone Age, AC/DC, Melvins, Dax Riggs, Misfits, Thin Lizzy, among many others


Were you in any bands before -(16)-? If so, what were they like and how has your style changed since then?
Tony:  I was in a couple bands before i joined -(16)-.  Both were of the metal variety.

Correct me if I’m wrong, your current record is your 10th official release since 1992? Despite the changes in personnel, how has the band changed since then?

Tony:  I don't know how many official releases we have - I just count the full-length albums.  "Deep Cuts From Dark Clouds" is our sixth.  Over the years, the band has definitely evolved.  I like to think that the changes are primarily better songwriting.

Why should people buy your record?

Tony:  Because it's not nice to steal.

How does 'Deep Cuts..' compare to your back catalogue?

Tony:  I think it's our finest work.  I know every band likes to say that their latest release is their best, but I truly believe it in this case.  "Bridges to Burn" is a decent record, but when we finished it, i never claimed it was our best.  I always liked "Zoloft Smile" better than that one.  "Deep Cuts" is definitely my favorite now.

Your record appears be getting a lot of good feedback? What are your thoughts? Are you pleased with it?  Do People get what you’re trying to do?

Tony:  We've always gotten decent press.  Honestly, it doesn't really matter to me.  There's a misconception that good reviews mean that loads of people want to hear your music and see your show because of the favorable words they read in some magazine.  Unfortunately, good press doesn't mean shit.  iI's nice to read that some "critics" think you made a good record, but it doesn't translate to success. 

Do you and your band members contribute songs and arrangement ideas?

Tony:  Yes.  Bobby and I write all the music.  But we don't collaborate with each other in the "writing" process.  What happens is Bobby or I will write a complete song, and bring it to rehearsal.  So there are "Bobby" songs, and "Tony" songs.  Once we bring the song to practice, all 4 of us will debate the arrangement, and try different sequences to see what works best.  Sometimes arguments ensue, but we all respect each other, and no one allows their own feelings to get hurt.  Once the song is satisfactory to all four of us, Cris will write lyrics and do the vocal arrangements.

Cris Jerue is a brilliant frontman, what does he bring to the band?

Tony:  Cris is great!  Not only does he write all the lyrics, but he makes suggestions in the music arrangement that is often times better than my (or Bobby's) original instinct.  Plus, he adds a fair amount of comedy at rehearsal.

How did you hook up with the Relapse label?

Tony:  Relapse approached us about re-issuing our old records.  Then they found out that we were writing new material.  They asked to hear it.  We sent them a 3-song demo, and they basically offered us a record deal after hearing those 3 songs.

What are your ambitions for the band?

Tony:  Just to tour and see some parts of the world that I may not otherwise get to see.  I don't have any illusions about the band ever becoming popular.  If there was any potential for that, we would have seen it by now.

You got any interesting stories from your tours? Where you toured? Who are your favourite bands to tour with?
Tony Baumeister

Tony:  We haven't toured that much, and there aren't any great stories that come to mind at the moment.  Japan was amazing.  Europe was incredible as well - Hellfest being the pinnacle.  We had an absolute blast touring with Grief back in the day, and The Orange Man Theory (from Italy) are a great bunch of guys that we toured with in Europe (twice).

What are your immediate plans and plans for the future, any plans for new material?

Tony:  Right now, we're in the process of putting together a US tour.  We're not even thinking about new material yet.

What do you think about people downloading music for free? Would you consider releasing your album for free to get more people listening to your music?

Tony:  My thoughts are that it sucks in a lot of ways.  However, there's nothing anyone can do about it, so everyone might as well accept it.  As far as releasing an album for free to get more people to hear it?  No, i wouldn't do that.  Relapse allows people to stream it for free already. 

Having been kicking round for 20 years, what are some of your highlight during this time? Any
regrets?

Tony:  Regrets:  not touring more in the early days.  Highlights:  playing 2 shows as main support for Slayer, touring Japan, touring Europe.

Finally, any plans for shows in the UK? 

Tony:  We'd love to come to the UK.  We have a booking agent in Europe.  Hopefully we'll be able hit the UK this time.  Most likely in 2013 and by the way, fuck Heathrow Airport.



So there you have it guys.  A brilliant interview as I'm sure you'll agree.  Just like to say a massive thank you to Bobby Ferry for helping me out and agreeing to the interview when i first contacted the band.  Also thanks to Tony Baumeister, despite drawing the short straw, I thank you so much for talking the time to do it.  Please check the links below for info about the band and where you can buy their stuff.  Thanks for reading

16bandcamp
myspace
relapse/16
relapserecordsbandcamp


Wednesday 25 July 2012

SKY VALLEY


Sky Valley are a Shoegaze/Sludge/Stoner/Alt Rock Band From Texas, USA.

James from the band recently contacted me to check his band out. Well since he is a frequent viewer of the blog I decided to check out his great band.

He sent me the following press bio about Sky Valley's excellent new EP - Sleeves.

"DFW, TX based purveyors of the riff, Sky Valley have released their 8-track debut 'Sleeves' for free here. The EP - split down the middle by it's title track - has its front half made up of four demos the band recorded in 2012, while 3 tracks the band recorded in 2010 round out the second half. The release of "Sleeves" marks the end of a year and a half long hiatus for the band."

Well Sleeves is a great EP to check out for this great band. They have written some truly great songs with great vocals and riffs to match. The vocals might take a while to get use to but once you do your in for a great time.

As this EP is a masterclass of excellent sharp and precise Sludge/Stoner Rock with a great alt vibe. The 33 minutes just flies by. And I loved every song. As this takes me back to my youth especially the 90's Alt Rock Vibe blended with great Stoner/Sludge Rock.

I know some people might not like this but give it time you will find much to enjoy and admire here. Especially the amazing 8:32 minute epic - Pinned.

Other great tracks include Winter Takes and In Orbit.

Sleeves is available for free download right now on BandCamp. I recommend you all check this great band out right now. Highly Recommended.

Check This Great Band Below:

LOSS OF SELF


Loss Of Self is a Black Metal/Crust/Shoe-Gaze/Post-Punk Band from Melbourne, Australia.

The members are: jacob and rohan

Well looks like the Aussie's have done it again by providing this blog and the world with another great band to check out.

Loss Of Self are an excellent Black Metal Band who blend Crust Punk. Shoegaze and Post-Punk to portray a highly original blend of Black Metal.

These guys just fucking rock. End Of. You need to check out this excellent band right now. For a band that have been going since July 2012. Yes that's right just one fucking month. These guys have produced some truly wonderful music.

Their 10 minute S/T Demo is amazing. What a great 10 minutes. Full of awesome Black Metal passionate riffs blended with superb Crust/Post-Punk vibes.

Loss of Self are onto a winner here. I haven't stopped listening to this since I got this email yesterday. You all need to check this great band now. It's available for free download from BandCamp and Mediafire right now.

The following from their BandCamp Page will tell you a bit about them.

Self-recorded Demo, released 23 July 2012.
Written & recorded July 17th - 23rd 2012.
Free physical & online release.

Mediafire link here too for your convenience -
www.mediafire.com?4m2p2x5sc2qklw8

Please contact lossofself666@gmail.com to request a cd for free sent anywhere in the world.

The first 9 demos have a physical package that we hand-made. Gold ink screen-printed on black card. Numbered and also includes a track list along with credits inside.


Brilliant Work Guys. Can't wait to check out your future releases. This is seriously some of the finest Black Metal music I have heard in 2012. Amazing and Highly Recommended.

Check This Great Band Below:

Facebook
BandCamp

BANG OK BANG


Bang OK Bang are a Garage/Stoner/Punk/Sludge Rock Band from Nashville, TN, USA

The members are:

Ben Lowry=Guitars+Vox
Abby Hairston=Drums

Bang OK Bang are an amazing Sludge Rock Duo fusing Garage Rock, Stoner Rock and Punk Rock to truly spellbinding effect.

For a duo this band can rock the fuck out like a band with more members. Their new release - "Chemicals" is simply superb. It's a 4 song and 15 minute blast of top-notch Sludge/Stoner Rock riffs.

Opening track - Above The Surface sets the scene perfectly and showcases what this great band is all about.  Just high voltage top-notch Sludge Rock Riffs.

By the band's logo you would think they are more akin to The White Stripes. But Thank Fuck Not. These guys are in line with QOTSA, Thin Lizzy and Motorhead but with a great Sludge Rock vibe.

Abby is a phenomenal drummer and she proves it time and time again. Her drumming nothing short of brilliance.

Match this up with the great guitar work of Ben and you have a truly great band to keep an eye out for. His vocals has a slight Grunge feel to them blended in with their Southern Rock roots to stand out from the crowd.

Chemicals is expertly produced and and played by all involved. This is a release you will be checking out time and time again. Brilliant Stuff and Highly Recommended.

You can download this excellent release on BandCamp Pay Anything You Want Type Deal. So get checking this great band right now. You won't regret it.

Check This Great Band Below:

Facebook
BandCamp

MUDBATH


Mudbath are a Sludge/Stoner/Doom Metal Band From Avignon, South Of France.

The members are:

Félix — vocals, percussion
Micka — guitars
Flo — guitars
Marco — bass
Luke — drums

Mudbath are an excellent Sludge/Stoner/Doom Metal band who have shared the stages with Birds In Row, Verdun or Morse and who will be touring Europe in Autumn 2012.

Well Mudbath have just released their brilliant new release - Red Desert Orgy. A 3 song collection and 22 minute blast of top-notch Sludge/Doom/Stoner Metal riffs with excellent bleak vocals to match.]

The release can be very raw at times but shows what a great band Mudbath actually are. Especially on the brilliant 8 minute epic- Smells Like Teen C*nt,

The guitars are played down to a stripped back down-tempo almost fuzzed feel which you don't hear too much of these days. But they give this release and band an extra layer of brilliance to rock out. Awesome Stuff.

You can download their excellent new release - Red Desert Orgy - from BandCamp Pay Anything You Want Type Deal. So headover there now and get checking out now. Brilliant!!!

Highly Recommended.

Check This Great Band Below:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mudbath/329983097015555
http://mudbath.bandcamp.com/
http://www.myspace.com/mudbath.sludge

DIRE - Band To Check Out


DIRE are a Black Metal/Sludge/Punk Crossover Band from Dallas, Texas, USA.

The members are:

Matt Owen - Vocals
Justin Camarillo - Guitar
Jared Ramsey - Guitar
John Loviscek - Drums
Garry Brents - Bass

DIRE are an excellent Black Metal/Sludge/Punk Metal Band who feature members (Matt, Justin and Jared) of another band - Black Smoke Sermon who have been on this blog before.

Well it looks Black Smoke Sermon are no more and have morphed into something better, louder and more powerful than ever - DIRE

They have a couple of songs streaming on their BandCamp Page. Believe me these guys are fucking great. Especially Grey Matter which features great bleak dwon-tempo with killer vocals to match.

DIRE are anything but. These guys have the makings of a top-notch Sludge/Black Metal Band to check out when they finally release their debut release. One that I will be really looking forward to.

Highly Recommended.

Check This Great Band Below:

Facebook
BandCamp

NATIONAL SUNDAY LAW


National Sunday Law are an Ambient/Sludge/Post-Metal Band from Los Angeles, USA.

The members are:

Derek Donley (drums, vocals, synth)
Darin Tambascio (guitars, keys, vocals)

National Sunday Law a very original Ambient Post-Metal band blending Doom, Stoner, Sludge and Hardcore Metal to great effect.

They have released two amazing EP's so far. Both available for free download from BandCamp.

2009 - La Storia di Cannibali
2010 - The Fifth Ape

National Sunday Law received a whole load of praise back in 2009 when they released their acclaimed debut album. It's full of excellent songs you need to check out right now. Especially the awesome "Seconds Left".

The guys involved with this band are involved with some truly great other bands such as.

Derek is involved with The Cruelest Animal, Graviton with Darin and Sacha (from ace Sludge/Post-Metal band - Intronaut)

Derek has just became involved with this brilliant new supergroup - Bereft - a doom supergroup with Sacha, Charles (Abysmal Dawn) and Derek R. (formerly of The Faceless)

Darin is involved with NSL and Graviton.

So these guys are hugely talented and are involved with some pretty cool groups. So check out National Sunday Law. They will blow your fragile little world apart. Epic Stuff from a truly great band.

Highly Recommended.

Check This Great Band Below:

Check My Fave Track - Seconds Left.


In From The Cold - More Great Free Stuff


In From The Cold are a Sludge/Stoner/Doom Metal Band from Belgrade

The members are:

Jimi Triple-B : Guitars, Vocals
Mr. Shomer: Guitars, Vocals
Sleepy: Bass, Vocals
Adimiron: Drums

In From The Cold are a brutal and brilliant Sludge/Stoner/Doom Metal Band who we featured recently. Well the guys have contacted me again and provided me a link for their new excellent release - Four Skulls And The Beast

Jimi 3B says about the new release - "We did a new promo CD. Actually it's a kind of a compilation CD, where we gathered songs previously available only on some worldwide V.A. releases, some new previously unrealised live shots and couple of good oldies from our early releases...."

So here is the link to download this excellent release kindly provided by the band themselves. Highly Recommended by my self. These guys are becoming a personal fave of mine. Great guys and a great band.

Check The Band On The Links Below:

Facebook
MySpace
Reverbnation

Tuesday 24 July 2012

Colossus Of Destiny - 'Eden' EP (Review)

By: Aaron Pickford

Album Type: EP
Date Released: 20/06/2011
Label: Self Released





‘The muscianship is impressive and they come across as schooled veterans. What is on offer is  a mutitude of good quality riffs from a sludge based metal band and judging by this there is better things to come from them in the future’

Eden’ CD//DD track Listing

1) Under the Cosmic Clue 5:45
2) Eden 4:53
3) As the Universe Runs Black 6:01
4) Whirlwind of Life 4:58
Total running time: 22:01

Colossus of Destiny is

Guillaume Taliericio | Bass
Jeremie Le Formal | Drums
Julien Laville | Guitar/Voice


The Review:

Mastodon, Baroness and Kylesa are heavyweights in the higher echelons of metal, therefore, stating that your sound is influenced by those bands, could be blessing and a curse.  Seemingly people who like those bands may well check you out; however given the stature of such bands, you can be setting yourself up for an almighty fall.

Colossus of Destiny is an interesting proposition, because the influences of those bands can be heard on ‘Eden, however at the same time, there is a trace of classic rock too.  ‘Uncover The Cosmic Clue’ takes inspiration from Mastodon and at times the guitar work is intricate, it also has that old school Mastodon crunch to the riffs.  Julien's vocal are filled with passion and conviction, with his lead breaks sounding fresh and inventive.   ‘Eden starts off with an absolute blinder of a riff; the alternate picking is super tight and also has a heavy sludge crunch to it.  This is by far the best track on the record and incorporates a lot of the influences from the bands mention above, but it is a strong and exciting track. 

The reference to classic rock is what I felt toward track 3, ‘As The Universe Runs Black’, I felt that the riffs throughout sounded kinda old school, with a Van Halen type vibe to it, which is not to say that it is a bad thing, but mainly highlights the depth to their sound.  Again the song is tight and aggressive, with the hardcore screamed vocals being at the forefront. The muscianship is impressive and they come across as schooled veterans.  At around the 6:00 mark it kinda outstays it welcome a little and that could be said for all of the four tracks on the album, however what is on offer is  a mutitude of good quality riffs from a sludge based metal band and judging by this there is better things to come from them in the future.



Band info: Facebook

Saturday 21 July 2012

Interview with Sardonis


II cover art

Today's Guests on Sludgelord is ace Belgian Instrumental Sludge/Doom/Stoner Metal overlords - Sardonis

They have just released their outstanding new album “II” on CD, Digital Download and Vinyl. I recently reviewed their brilliant new album recently. And I thought it was an amazing album to check out.

Well the guys have kindly agreed to an interview with me.

Q1 – For People not in the know – Can you tell them how the band came about, When you formed etc...

We formed in the summer of 2006. Initiately, we started jamming as a two piece and wanted to add a bassplayer and a vocalist, but quickly it felt that this was enough. We don’t do any tricks or hyperintensive technical stuff, because we can’t and we’re not interested in doing so. We play AC/DC-doom I guess. Precise, no bullshit and straight forward.

Q2 – How would yourselves describe your sound.

A thick heavy storm.

Q3 – Which bands influence you on your music.

Listening to SardoniS, you can’t deny that fact that we’re influenced by Black Sabbath, but also bands like High on Fire and 5IVE leave their mark on the SardoniS’ sound. We listen to a wide variety of music, but we don’t have to bullshit that one can hear Cash or Young, because these fine men simply aren’t represented in our sound.

Q4 – Your new album “II” is a brilliant album full of hard-hitting action packed riffs. Was this album a harder one to write than the last one.

The first album were a bunch of songs that we had at that time, it just happened to be enough for a record. We wrote the second album as one piece. The album was there, we just had to fill in the story. The songs are more coherent and each one tells something about the other one. We both can pick 1 or 2 songs from the debut that we aren’t really satisfied off, but we’re both very enthousiastic of all the songs on the new album.


Q5 – Both of your albums have received a whole load of praise. Are you surprised by the reaction.

The reactions are beyond our expectations to be honest. We had a lot of good reviews after the first album, so for us it felt that the expectations were bigger now. But the reviews and reactions on the new album are absolutely amazing.

Q6 – What has been the overall reception like for your music at home and abroad.

People like the wall we produce, the vibe and groove that we spread. We don’t have a vocalist that is claiming all the attention and just telling our story without words, is something that appeals to a lot of people out there. We really love to tour and bring the brotherhood on the road, although we’re quite selective on where and when we play.

Q7 – Though your albums are simply named “Sardonis” and “II”, all of your songs have a more precise title: “Burial Of Men”, “The Drowning”, “The Torch And The Bearer”, … . How do you think of these titles, how do you create them, since there are obviously no lyrical topics they could relate to?

We always use the same recipe when we create a song. We jam, pick the riffs and create a song. Then we start deleting all the riffs and drums that are unnecesary for the song and we try to make the song as simple as possible. We record it in the rehearsel space and we start brainstorming on a song title. What atmosphere has the song? What emotion? What feeling and visions? We’re extreme critics when it comes down to picking a song title. Sometime picking the song title takes months.

Q8 – Do you want to tell a “story” with your songs despite the fact, that they are instrumental?

With the new album, each song tells something about the other to our ears. It’s more coherent then the debut album. We don’t want to express a certain story, but the songs breath a kind of bleak, desolate and heavy atmosphere. I don’t think people think of beaches and cocktails when they listen to our music.

Q9 – Is Sardonis a Full Time Project or do you have normal jobs to do as well to support the band.

We both have dayjobs and the band is purely a hobby. We’re happy that we have come to a point that we don’t have to pull out our own hard earned cash to keep this band going. We now can cover all the costs and the money that we make goes to the band to invest in new merch, recordings,…


Q10 – Are you families supportive of your band and music.

Yes, totally! My wife supports me and seeing my son Thor walking around in the house with a SardoniS shirt and beating on everything with his drumsticks makes this guy a happy father. We’ve now come to a point that our families are interested in the band and are proud of us instead of thinking we have a strange hobby.

Q11 – What is the song-writing process like in the band. Is it a whole band collective or individuals that write the music.

Every song is composed as a duo in the rehearsel room. We always work together on the songs and pick the song titles together. One of us starts with either a riff or a drumroll and we start building up the song from there. We also play live as a duo, we never had any session musicians, because we don’t need them. We’re loud and heavy on stage, so why bother taking more people on stage.

Q12 – Do you gig a lot in your home country or is it always touring abroad to get your music the most recognition.

We support touring bands when they play in Belgium. For example, we play with Electric Wizard on August 1st in Bruges. We did so for Voivod, Grand Magus, Torche, COC, Kylesa,… We don’t tour a lot, but we rather choose minitours, we did a 3 day tour in Greece last year and that was fucking great!


Q13 – You have recently toured with Saint Vitus/Acid King. How was that. Was it daunting to be on a tour like that with those two legendary bands.

You play in the Champions League for 1 week, it’s amazing. We’ve learned a lot and we were respected by the bands that were above us on the bill. We were the unknown band so we could only surprise the people that came out. The reactions were great, we’ve met a lot of nice people and sold a big batch of merch.

Q14 – Finally what are the future plans for the band. Probably promoting your amazing new album

In October we fly over to Japan to get loud in the land of the rising sun. We’ll tour with the amazing Eternal Elysium with whom we’ll do a split 10” that will be released by Hydro-Phonic Records. We have some other awesome gigs lined up and when the year is over, we’ll get around the table to see what we’ll do in the future. There’s nothing planned for the future yet, we just go with the flow in 2012 and we’ll see what happens.

Well guys thanks for answering my questions. I hope to hear more great tunes from you guys in the future. Best Luck with everything you do. Thanks.

Thanks for the interview and interest in our band. We have a new website online, so be sure to check that one out at www.sardonis666.be We’re on facebook too, so feel free to join the brotherhood of SardoniS. Inhale heavy riffing and praise the Behemoth666!

Check This Great Band Below:

Official
Facebook
BandCamp