Moon Curse - "Spirit Remains" (Album Review)

By: Victor Van Ommen

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 30/11/2015

Label: Bilocation Records |

Kozmik Artifactz

At 18 minutes into the record, many bands would use the next cut as a moment to experiment a little with dynamics. Moon Curse, however, opts to use their centerpiece song, “Lord of Memories,” as a vehicle that continues to bludgeon with tectonic riffing, crashing hard like the waves of the sea during a heavy storm.

“Spirit Remains” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1). Beneath the Waves

2). Electric Veins

3). Lord of Memories/Spirit Remains

4). Vicious Sky

5). Witches Handbook

Moon Curse is:

Matt Leece | guitar & vocals
Matt Presutti | guitar
Rochelle Nason | bass
Keith Stendler | drums

The Review:

Fine slabs of doomy, heavy psychedelia are on offer with Moon Curse’s sophomore album “Spirit Remains.” A step in the right direction for this Wisconsin four-piece, putting on display the development they have made as song writers since their 2012 debut. Moon Curse is more confident in tone this time around, too. Albeit familiar, a thick, murky mix of heavy guitars, throaty vocals, and abrasive drums is always welcome at any hard rock hide-out, which is what Moon Curse has in tow.

Album opener “Beneath the Waves” is a slow head-banger. The gritty melodies in this song grab hold of the listener by both ears, bracing him for the invigorating vocal delivery.  Steady vocals get traded in for military guitars in “Electric Veins” before one of the two guitarists – both named Matt - breaks free into an unexpected solo during the closing moments of this sprawling jam. At 18 minutes in, many bands would use the next cut as a moment to experiment a little with dynamics. Moon Curse, however, opts to use their centerpiece song, “Lord of Memories,” as a vehicle that continues to bludgeon with tectonic riffing, crashing hard like the waves of the sea during a heavy storm. Aside from a brief, eerie acoustic trip that dissipates as quickly as it appears, Moon Curse deliver two shorter cuts, bringing the album to a fitting close. With “Vicious Sky” briefly exploring a decidedly rhythmic tangent and “Witches Handbook” making a grab for all the elements that make Moon Curse who they are, “Spirit Remains” finishes as familiar and as enjoyable as it began. 

“Spirit Remains” is available here

Band info: bandcamp | facebook

Ruby The Hatchet - 'Aurum' (Album Review)

‘Ruby the Hatchet really hits the mark on “Black Tongue,” a song with a hook that’s so monstrous it immediately takes the crown as the album’s highlight.’

Album Type: Full-Length

Date Released: 09/04/2015

Label: Kozmik-Artifactz/Bilocation Records

‘Aurum’ CD//LP track listing:

A1. Paralyzed 4:19
A2. Taking Sides 4:15
A3. Black Tongue 4:13
A4. Can't Get Him Away 5:17
A5. Holy Father 3:07
B1. The Lean 4:34
B2. Wicked Ones 3:45
B3. Good God Damn 5:39
B4. Eliminator 9:02

Review:

Hot on the heels of Ruby the Hatchet’s sophomore release comes “Aurum,” a limited, vinyl-only release. At first I thought that “Aurum” was the new album, but when the production value of the album’s bookends stuck out, I began to do some research. What I found out was that this album is one part “Ouroboros,” their debut, and one part “The Eliminator,” their 2014 EP. It being a limited release pushed by Kozmik Artifactz makes this a collector’s item, one which is most likely reserved for the fans. 

“Aurum” is the Latin word for gold as well as the name of an irregular geyser in Yellowstone Park. Keeping these two things in mind helps explain this album. Side A is gold, chock full of 70’s occult riff worship which, considering the band’s image, is surprisingly accessible. “Taking Sides” and “Holy Father” are pulled forward by tasty riffs and an impressive vocal performance. Ruby the Hatchet really hits the mark on “Black Tongue,” a song with a hook that’s so monstrous it immediately takes the crown as the album’s highlight. Side B, however, has a couple of moments that don’t always demand full attention from the listener. This side leans more towards the hypnotic side of the kaleidoscope, focusing on a repetitive groove. For the most part, these grooves are pretty good but with all of the psychedelic music flying around nowadays, Ruby the Hatchet doesn't deliver the status quo. There are moments on Side B that ask the listener to hold on tight, but they are irregular, rendering this side to the realm of background music. 

Considering the source material for “Aurum,” the unevenness of the album makes sense. After all, debut albums from beginning bands tend to be front loaded. This isn’t a critique as such, because in the grand scope of things, “Aurum” is an album that displays a band with potential. They just need to dig into it. What is a critique, however, is the timing of the release, which was more or less simultaneous with “Valley of Snakes,” their critically acclaimed sophomore outing. Speaking of, give “Valley of the Snakes” a spin, that’s an album made by a matured Ruby the Hatchet.

Words by: Victor van Ommen

‘Aurum’ is available here

For more information:

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

Listen: https://thehatchet.bandcamp.com/

Follow: https://twitter.com/rubythehatchet

Demonauta - Caminando en la Luna LP (Album Review)

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 21/11/2014

Label: Bilocation Records/Kozmik-Artifactz

‘Caminando en la Luna’ LP track listing:

A1. Hotel (5:57)

A2. Hacia el 6to Sol (04:48)

A3. Caminando en la Luna (05:40)

A4. Mr. Magnet (03:20)

B1. Al Viento Entender (03:51)

B2. Camaleón (03:02(

B3. El Refugio (04:18(

B4. Kom-v (04:10(

B5. Seamos Libres (04:47)

Total: 39:53 Min.

Bio:

Demonauta were founded back in 2008 in Santiago de Chile with David on guitar and vocals, Giovanni on guitar, Ronnie on bass and Rodrigo at the drums. In 2009 the first 6-track Demo was recorded and released on several blogs in the net.

After several line-up changes (now with David/v&g, Miguel Angel/b and Ale/d) the band went to studio again in 2011 to record their first full length called "Vol. 1", which received great reviews all over the planet. In 2012 the next full length followed, called "Caminando en la luna". The second full length is a big step forward: Demonauta never sounded more intense, sharp and to the point. The riffs are simply amazing mixing the intensity of stoner metal with the sun-drenched sounds of desert rock and fuzz rock superbly. One minute absolutely heavy and the next some superb fuzz riffs. Demonauta cultivate stoner fuzz rock in the best South-American tradition.

The Band:

David | Vocals, guitars

Miguel Angel | Bass

Ale | Drums

Review:

Chile seems to be oozing out the sludgiest heavy rock from its borders of late. Standing far to the front of this pack roars Demonauta with their second album “Caminando en la Luna” now availiable on vinyl, which without looking at a translation program I believe means ‘walking on (or in) the moon’ roughly. Looking it up it does (I still got it Ms. Duckworth and Mr. Fallico!); the album name is an apt description of the tripped out fury that awaits you.

Boasting a slurry of explosive riffs and blistering leads, their sound is the closest comparison to Palm Desert scene, without actually sounding derivative. Indeed Demonauta sound fresh, with their laid out chilled grooves and the deep rhythm section interplay, it is unmistakeable throughout the record.

Some of the nuggets separating Demonauta from their peers, is their heavy, HEAVY 80s metal groove, balls to the wall on the second track “Hacia el 6to Sol” and the amazing solo on the title track. Turn up the solo on the title track and watch it echo through your brain, it is an EXCEPTIONAL solo and one of the best I've heard in years.  This track alone is worth purchasing “Caminando en la Luna.”

Moving deeper into the review, I would like to begin with stating that the fourth song is named “Mr. Magnet,” which clearly is an amazing name marking an amazing song. The riffing on “Camaleon” reminds me quite a bit of “Whitewater” era Kyuss with those big sliding power chords riffs. The most unusual track on the album is “El Refugio” which crosses into a lot of different sonic territory, with a very interesting clean almost funk chord verse riff which seques into a heavy chorus.  The outro of the chorus section is pretty unusual sonically and sounds quite unlike anything I've heard. Then it gets even weirder with a minimalist solo over what sounds like a very jazzy walking bassline in waltz time.

Oddball stuff but great, a bit reminiscent of the song writing on Captain Beyond's S/T; it's always a pleasure to see when these kind of unusual experiments turn out great.

I feel like mentioning the mix now. This is a perfect example of how to mix heavy music, everything is clearly audible and the vocals are a touch recessed back in volume, but still clear giving the instrumentation room to rock you. In addition, the tones present are ‘godly’, particularly the fuzzed bass tone in the title track which crushes like a tanker hitting a bridge.  Not to belittle the guitars thought, because the ‘wah’ work here is outstanding and the maturity displayed on the leads throughout is breathtaking. The drumming is outstanding with busy fills in the right places and some fantastic propulsive grooves, this guy swings a 4 on the floor harder then almost anyone I've ever heard and his drumming reminds me of Nick Lucero and Gene Trautmann, who mostly played on QOTSA's “Rated R.”

In closing then, all I have to say about “Caminando en la Luna” is the grooves are infectious, the beards are luxurious, and the tones are sublime. Treat yourself to what is one of the better albums you will hear from recent years and certainly check out the new vinyl. Check it out below.

Words by: Chris Tedor

You can pick up a copy here

VINYL FACTZ

- 150x transparent red with white

- 150x black

- all high-quality heavy 180g vinyl

- pressed in Germany

- matt laquered 300gsm gatefold cover

- handnumbered

- especially mastered for vinyl by Tony Reed

For more information:

https://demonauta.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/DEMONAUTA

 

Moon Curse - S/T Vinyl Release (Album Review)

Album Type: LP

Date Released: Out Now

Label: Bilocation Records / Kozmik-Artifactz

‘Moon Curse’ LP track listing:  

A1. Medicinecoma (5:42)

A2. Northern High (7:11)

A3. Seminary Woods (9:10) (BONUS TRACK!)

B1. Brontis (5:43)

B2. Chandra (2:05)

B3. Black Elk (8:45)

Bio:

Beneath the faded light of Milwaukee's infamous "polish moon" clock tower (a structure built for the sole intent of dominating the night sky and the view of it's immigrant residents), three bleary eyed mystics brew stoner hymns dedicated to baphomet bongsmoke, Pontiac muscle and 70's rock n' rollers. following a DOOMED path, tred by true HEAVY fanatics before them, a path that will always remain for those dedicated to the riff; MOON CURSE walk with intent to play loud and proud! Keith bangs the drums, Rochelle strums the Squier P bass, and Matt breaks Orange amplifiers and howls. One could cite Sabbath (duh!), Zeppelin, or a handful of other protometal-fuzz-stoner-whatever-rock as influnces, but you get the idea! You know it! You love it! So ... GET CURSED!

The Band:

Matt Leece | Guitar, Vocals

Rochelle Nason | Bass

Keith Stendler | Drums

Review:

This review is for the European only vinyl edition of Moon Curse’s self titled album, a Milwaukee based stoner/doom band, released via Kozmik-Artifactz records.  As the press kit states this is kind of tried and true stoner-doom band with atmospheric/psyche styling’s. That being said there is nothing really new here, nothing groundbreaking or unearthing as it would seem.  What we do have are 6 tracks of adept, well understood stoner-doom that is obvious the band care about making. Let’s go ahead and dig into the record and get more familiar.

‘Medicinecoma’ is first up and immediately we’re right into it, with a sort of Pentagram/Sabbath vibe, a super bouncy bass line (a theme that continues through most of the record) with vocals that are distant and atmospheric, think Red fang or a mellowed out Electric wizard. The guitar is definitely fuzzed out in a good way and combined with the bouncy nature of the bass is a good indication of where the band is takin ya. At the end of the track, we get a marching drum bridge with swelling guitar into the second track.

‘Northern High’ is reminiscent of sitting in the back of a bar having delved into the various effects of barbiturates and bourbon. Kicking off with an intro that sounds like a campfire, into a psych part that reminds me of ‘The Cure’ for some reason, effects laden vocals kick in leading to another bouncy riff ala Pentagram, I certainly dig it and most fans of this genre definitely will not be disappointed. The main riff of the song is definitely catchy but the distorted vocals take me away from the overall feel. The attack at about the 4 minutes mark is awesome and a nice change in the guitar work, followed by the odd ‘The Cure’ sounding guitar effect, but it definitely works.

‘Seminary woods’, is a European only vinyl Bonus track and one of the best songs on the record. We get another psyche-ish intro followed by some super rad heavy blues, flowing into a more straightforward doom sound, not a lot of vocal effects on this one, which is a definite plus point because the singer actually has a really good voice. The outro on this track is a cool end to the first side of the vinyl.

‘Brontis’ kicks off Side B and is my second favorite track on this album. Riff heavy, clean singing that will bring to mind Baroness and cool drum work.  Nothing more to really know about this song, except Moon Curse should definitely use this as their single or to open their live sets. 3:25 into the track is an awesome guitar vs. drum trade off leading into a classic doom bridge.

‘Chandra’ is short organ heavy intro leading into the final track of the record Black Elk.

Strangely I feel like ‘Black Elk’ is what the whole album was trying to reach. By far the best track I’ve heard from this band thus far. Doomy, Heavy and dark with just enough atmosphere. Let’s hope this is the direction Moon Curse continue in! Heavy, no intro and just straight into the song, with stomping riffs. Nice stuff and it slows down just enough with a heavy bluesy guitar. There is a stand out vocal performance on this track too and more of that ‘The Cure’ sounding guitar and the final solo is awesome. If the band would focus on making a record full of songs of this caliber, they could definitely make a bigger impact and reach a larger audience.

Overall I did like this album, I just feel like the band could do more. If you are a fan of the heavy blues/stoner doom section of the universe, (and who the hell isn’t?) you will dig this album, just don’t expect something earth shattering. There is nothing new here but that’s what I think the band is going for, tried and tested. What they do is stoner doom with a touch of psychedelic rock and they are doing it proficiently albeit not very adventurously.  And who am I to complain? This is not a release to bring new subjects into this type of music, more of something to throw on while you’re driving or cutting the lawn.

Words by: David Heaton

Available at: MOON CURSE 180g Vinyl

VINYL FACTZ

- 100x white w/ green (EXCLUSIVE MAILORDER edition)

- 200x clear w/ white

- Plated & pressed on high-performance 180g vinyl

- pressed in Germany

- matt laquered 300gsm gatefold cover

- Artwork by Vincent Zager

- handnumbered

- Especially mastered for vinyl

- incl. bonus track

 

For more information

http://kozmik-artifactz.com/artist/moon-curse/

https://www.facebook.com/Mooncurseband/info

Somali Yacht Club - The Sun (Album Review)

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 16/9/2014

Label: Robustfellow / Transubstans Records

‘The Sun’ CD/DD/LP track Listing

1). The Loom (08:20)

2). Sightwaster (08:02)

3). Up In The Sky (08:12)

4). Signals (10:52)

5). Sun (7:19)

Bio:

Somali Yacht Club is a stoner rock trio from Lviv, Ukraine. The band mixes elements of stoner rock, psychedelic rock, shoegazing and post-metal in their music.

Formed in 2010 as a jam band, they evolved quickly to a main band for its members. In August 2011 they self-released their first four-song EP “Sandsongs”.

In late 2014 Somali Yacht Club are releasing first LP ‘The Sun’ on Bilocation Records. They played numerous shows in Ukraine and shared the stage with Red Fand, The Machine, Stoned Jesus, Belzebong, Bong and many others.

The Band:

Mez | Guitar, vocals
Artur | bass
Lesyk | drums

Review:

Somali Yacht Club definitely were able to make an interesting genre mash-up with their newest full length, ‘The Sun’. Until this point all they had out there was their debut EP, ‘Sandsongs’ from 2011 and a single they put out last year. As a fan of both those releases, this newest one was certainly a surprise. While their earlier albums were very riff laden, fuzzed out, to the point stoner metal, ‘The Sun’ is a much more abstract piece of work. The goal of this clearly is different from their earlier releases- it’s about half as heavy, half the speed, but with twice the amount of thought put into how the album would work as a whole.

After listening to the first track, I thought I had about settled into the album. It seemed like one of those openers that would define the whole album. That nice, atmospheric opening track prepares the listener for a contemplative, almost relaxing experience. The main riff is catchy, but not too in your face. There is a lot of background noise throughout the whole song, a lot of effects, and those great trippy vocals chanting “I can feel it in my bones” over and over.

The fact that Somali Yacht Club started as a jam band becomes very evident by the second and third tracks. This is where they start to go all over- you can tell that a lot of this was written just during a straight up jam session- riffs that came right from the heart without an excessive amount of thought put into them, and even some dub sections. However, it also avoids being incohesive as a lot of jam bands can be- it is still a very well arranged album that flows throughout.

They definitely took a risk with this album- there are so many points in the album that they could have easily just taken the easy route (which they may have done on their first EP) and just gone from one to another, keeping the same attitude the whole song, but ‘The Sun’ has a multitude of attitudes and emotions going on.  ‘The Sun' manages to find the perfect middle ground of psychedelic rock. Just the right amount of riffs, right amount of abstract atmospheric jamming, the vocals are relaxing, but intense and emotional at the same time. There is so much emotion on this album that I feel like you could listen to it in any mood and relate to it. They manage to be all over the place, but still not sound frantic and unorganized.

All-in-all, a great, well put together album. Go spend the 5 bucks and get it on Bandcamp.

Words by: Alex D.

You can pick up a copy here and here

For more information:

https://somaliyachtclub.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Somaliyachtclub

Syreregn - Skabt Værk Består (Album Review)

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 01/10/2014

Label: Bilocation / Kozmik-Artifactz

‘Skabt Værk Består’ LP track listing:

A1). Skabt Vaerk Bestaar (7:20) 

A2). Hypnokongen (5:19)

A3). Going under (6:48)

B1). Marana tha (12:28)

B2). Psychedelic baby (5:42)

B3). Skabt Vaerk Bestaar Reprise (2:36)

Bio:

Syreregn is a psychedelic blues rock band from Denmark, existing since 2006. The band went through several line-up changes and delivered some great outputs in the past. With Skabt Vaerk Bestaar they offer a new musical experience, presenting heavy psychedelic masterpieces with huge influences of heroes from the late 60ies like Cream, Pink Floyd or Hendrix Experience.

Skabt Vaerk Bestaar is their heaviest output so far and should find its place in every serious psychedelic-rock collection! Hopefully they will tour through europe soon and deliver their goods live! 

Review:

Skabt Værk Består (which apparently means Created Work Consists in Danish, blame online translators if wrong) is the new album from Danish psychedelic blues band Syreregn (which apparent is Danish for Acid Rain, again blame the translator).

Regardless of names and my poor ability to speak or translate Danish correctly, Skabt Værk Består is if nothing a fine blues album. The riffs, tempos and melodies all call back to the time of acid, Eric Clapton and of course, the Hammond organ which makes its presence well and truly felt on this release within in the first three minutes or so.  The guitar is tuned almost precisely to the tone of that of Cream and couldn’t be more welcome alongside the randomly placed but lovely “You Maniacs!!!!” clips from the original Planet of the Apes.

This is certainly an album that isn’t afraid to experiment, with a sitar and eastern flavour to the albums fourth track “Marana Tha”. Whilst the second track “Hypnokongen” is a tribute again to Cream, with the vocalist wailing out his best Jack Bruce vocals, in Danish though of course.

The album slips directly into the world of the psychedelic with lots of electronic bleeps and strange noises that whilst being rather trippy could easily be found at home on an early Pink Floyd album like “The Piper at the Gates of Dawn”.  This is topped with the obligatory bit of 60s/70s indulgence, with more than one time there being an unneeded bass solo and a little bit of Hendrix guitar pyrotechnics on the odd occasion.

For all its momentarily indulgences and detours, Skabt Værk Består is certainly a fine inclusion to any blues rock or even fan of the 60s rock scene. Despite knowing absolutely nothing about Syreregn on the way into this review I think I’ll check out their back catalogue.  I’ve been reliably informed that this album is a bit heavier than the bands standard output and if that’s the case, that maybe needs to be taken into account for established fans of the band who approach this album. 

Words by: Dan O’Brien

You can pick up a copy on vinyl here

VINYL FACTZ

- 100x marbled (EXCLUSIVE MAILORDER edition) 

- 200x solid white

- 100x black

- all high-quality heavy 180g vinyl 

- pressed in Germany

- matt laquered 300gsm gatefold cover 

- handnumbered 

For more information:

https://da-dk.facebook.com/Syreregn

At Devil Dirt - Plan B: Sin Revolución no hay Evolución (Vinyl Release)

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: Out Now

Label: Bilocation Records/Kozmik-Artifactz

Plan B: Sin Revolución no hay Evolución" track Listing

A1. Don't see you Around 5:31

A2. Conscience 4:16

A3. People Raise Again 4:32

A4. Mommy 4:54

A5. Sin Revolución no hay Evolución 3:20

B1. There's not a God or a Devil 4:52

B2. The Caravan of Death 3:26

B3. The Marching Crowd 3:57

B4. I lost my Guide 5:40

B5. Time to flee 3:12

Total: 43:40

Bio:

This dynamic duo (just guitar and drums) hails from Chile and delivers ultimate heaviness excellently combined with great melodies. Some call it Beatles doom, some call it a mixture of Kyuss and Pink Floyd, some say fans of bands like Torche will love their music ... well, to get a real idea you'll have no other choice than browsing their full album below and listen for yourself. And always remember this sounds even more awesome on high quality 180g vinyl!
 

The Band:

Néstor "Gato" Ayala | Guitar/Vocals

Francisco "Hongo" Alvarado | Drums

Review:

Available now on vinyl the 3rd album by At Devil Dirt explodes out of your speakers with a fully realized and unique sound. A difficult band to describe in words, At Devil Dirt can sorta be summed as John Lennon fronting a self titled era Queens of the Stone age but with a significantly heavier guitar tone. Speaking of tone, WHAT TONE! Néstor "Gato" Ayala's guitar is absolutely raging all over the place and is one of the best recorded fuzz tones I've ever heard. The distortion level is much heavier then the bands they list as their influences and reminds me of some of Boris' and Floor's stuff but a bit cleaner and you can still pick out all the notes nicely. In some parts he's bringing almost Electric Wizard level distortion without the JNCO jeans and greasy hair.

The coolest thing about "Plan B: Sin Revolución no hay Evolución" is how well they've integrated everything into a cohesive and coherent sound. Running the gamut from some stomping doom to tripped out Beatles-esque psych nothing ever feels forced as At Devil Dirt's trip moves smoothly over the decades of rock n roll history. The production is also extremely well done and maintains a retro vibe without having any of the irritating parts of a retro production (namely the mix sounding off at parts and using little compression making some elements of the kit fall out at times).

My favourite tracks are “Mommy” and “I lost my Guide” both of which are the trippiest songs on the album. “I lost my Guide” begins with a nice trippy deep groove under dreamscape vocals and takes me back to the time in my life where me and my friends used to hang out in someone's garage drinking and just shooting the shit. “Mommy” opens with some nice Floor style riffing until the psych vocals hit and weirds out the track in the best way possible. Shuffling between a solid verse/chorus into a nice building bridge the song writing on “Mommy” is pretty damn solid and keeps a very simply laid out song very interesting.

At Devil Dirt has given us a very entertaining and well written album for fans of simple powerful groove-rock. I was not familiar with these guys before being sent this for review, but definitely a hugely impressive effort. I suggest everyone check out their back catalog too some really great stuff.

Words by: Chris Tedor

Available digitally or on CD here and on vinyl here

VINYL FACTZ

- 100x clear with purple haze (EXCLUSIVE MAILORDER version) 

- 200x solid purple
- all high-quality heavy 180g vinyl pressed in Germany

- matt laquered 300gsm gatefold cover 

- handnumbered

For more information:

https://www.facebook.com/atdevildirt

http://atdevildirt.bandcamp.com/

http://kozmik-artifactz.com/

Interview with Bilocation Records

Aaron recently caught up with the cool folks behind ace record label – Bilocation Records – who have a stunning reputation within the Sludge/Stoner/Doom Metal Community.

We are huge fans of them here at Sludgelord HQ. So lets see what Aaron discussed with this great record label.

(SL) What can fans look forward to from your label in 2014? How is your schedule shaping up? Any exclusives you can tell us about?

We had a huge delay at the pressing plant due to the RSD 2014 – so we are a bit behind…next up will be Mexicoma with their second full length. An amazing record, more accessible than their debut, which I think was really outstanding also!

Then we will have the exclusive premiere of the Daily Thompson debut – a German fuzzrock band which everyone should check out. They create a unique fuzzrock style which is hard to describe: fuzzy with catchy refrains and great mid-tempo riffing – and a fantastic sound!

Followed by the ‘Tibetan monk’ double vinyl from french impro-rockers Domadora – they are huge! You have to check out their live footage, simply amazing! Expect long guitar soloing and a heavy fundament made of bass and drums!

We have two handful of further releases you should keep your eye on including Demonauta, Moon Curse, At Devil Dirt, Kayros, Valley of the sun, Space god ritual, Sonora ritual & La chinga.

(SL) For those people who are not familiar with your label, could you tell us a little about yourself, your label and why you decided to start …..Records ?

After running the mailorder for a couple of years we had several band inquiries from time to time. With Lonely Kamel we decided it would be a great idea to try releasing their first two albums on our own as we really loved their music. Well – it worked out fine and we simply continued!

(SL) You’re a music fan first and foremost, right?   Given that music seems to be so disposal at times, do you place more importance on offering a great package to your customers, given the emergence of digital age.  What is the ethos behind what you’re trying to do with the label? 

Yes, I am a vinyl collector since the mid 80ies, went through the vinyl depression in the 90ies and never gave up. I was always angry about those labels who offer cheap made vinyl, especially in the 90ies you could have the impression that the companies tried to destroy the vinyl scene with cheap shit.

So from beginning our aim was to offer the collectors and vinyl-fans high quality products only. All our releases are released on 180g vinyl, manufactured at the in our opinion best pressing plant in Germany. All our releases get a special vinyl mastering for best sound. Our focus is on the quality that you get as a vinyl-collector. All the cash-in we get from a release goes to the next one.

(SL) What, if any bands may have inspired you to start the label or was their a specific reason you felt you wanted to support the bands you have?

We always love the music of the bands that we work with, it has to match with our taste – we never released an album that we would not listen to at home. And of course we wanted to give bands a chance to bring out their music on valuable, well done vinyl.

(SL) Is there a specific person (s) that you looked up to in terms of modelling your label upon?

There have been great labels around when we started, only think of Rise Above and the bands on it or TeePee Records in the US. But we tried to find our own way/style with our label philosophy.

(SL) In your experience, how easy/difficult has it been to get coverage for your releases?

It needs daily and continuous work. Social media gets it easier in some ways but it is always hard with the bigger zines, because most of them want physical copies for reviews – and you cannot send out dozens of vinyl copies from a 300 limited edition. But we try our very best – and everything helps, like this interview for example!

(SL) What do you look for in band, in order for you to get involved in releasing their music?

It is simple: we have to love their music…you cannot really describe it, what makes it magic for us…everything has to fit together…and every one of us has to love the stuff, if not we do not release it.

(SL) Based on your own experience, what do you think is the most important thing for a new label to do in order to promote themselves and their artist (s)?

You have to do it with passion and not with the $ sign in your eyes to make a fast cash-in due to the vinyl-hype that is around at the moment.

(SL) What has been some of your favourite releases so far?

I love everyone, really! Of course the actual releases are more in the focus but in retrospective I do not regret any of our releases! It was a pleasure to work with the artists an every release, everyone was really nice and helpful! Thanks to the bands!

(SL) What are some of the difficulties/frustrations of running a label, because there are many other commitments such as family, work etc that perhaps restrict the amount of time you can dedicate to your label?  Not to mention the financial pressure? 

We can share the work, have really helping relationships and we do not have children who would steal our time, haha! Of course it needs a lot of time to run the label but we love what we do so it is a good investment of time!

(SL) How valuable are blogs and social media? What are your thoughts on changes in the industry over recent years in terms digital versus CD/Vinyl? Some label perhaps do not advocate including DD codes for example?

Blogs and social media help a lot to spread the word in the community/scene. It is great work which is done there by all the bloggers and supporters, thanks for that!

CD seems to lose weight more and more but vinyl is stronger than ever since the revival. But it has turned into overkill since all the big names also bring out tons of unnecessary but expensive reissues. Who shall buy all this? We will see where the vinyl- journey will end in the next year or two…

DD codes are a fine idea, it is an extra bonus for those who love the vinyl and want to hear the album also on their smartphone or in the car. Maybe we will try that also in the future…

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

Most of our releases went well, so we cannot complain. Of course we are reliant on the cash-flow to bring out the next one. But as I said, we love the bands and their music that we bring release on vinyl so we do not only see the monetary aspect of a release.

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

We also do an exclusive limited version with every release, which is only available through our mailorder so our customers will get a collector’s piece.

Those die-hard or exclusive editions are a nice gratification for the true collectors who keep track with the label’s outputs. It gets a bit too much at the moment, special versions everywhere, but for me as a collector myself it is a lovely thing!

It should not be overdone, because that would kill this idea.

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

Haha, good question! For me personally: I would have loved to release the first Motörhead album because it changed my live forever. So raw and heavy for its time, amazing.

(SL) Has there been any bands you wanted to work with but for whatever reason it did not happen?

Yes there have been some, but maybe someday it will happen?

(SL) What would be your survival tips for longevity?

Stick to your guts! And be attentive, there are many mistakes hidden in every detail!

(SL) Indiegogo or creative no no?

The crowd funding idea is nice for innovative and new ideas. It could help bands to finance a tour or studio but still I would be careful how to spend my money – there are surely many liars on the platforms.

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

It is the music that matters!

And thanks for the interview, Aaron!

Thanks to Bilocation Records for taking the time out to talk to Aaron.

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Written by Aaron Pickford