Naught - MMXIV Demo (Review)

Album Type: Demo

Date Released: 7/8/2014

Label: Self-Released

  
 “MMXIV” CD/DD track Listing:

1). Fade 18:37
2). Eyes of a Waning Sun 08:07


The Band:

A.R.
C.L.
B.W.
J.E.
B.G.
  
Review:


Naught's “MMXIV” is completely uncompromising in its vision and execution. A haunting triumph of mood, Naught begins with the great track “Fade” beginning with a slow delay-washed dirge over an ambient wash moving into a simple, powerful verse. The black metal vocalizations over the verses conjure up a desolate wasteland of ruin and perfectly complement the sparse and moving guitar work. There's some really sweet simple guitar playing over the second verse that almost reminds me of some slowed down darker folk music. The dissonant verbed out, almost Hawaiian guitar over the first part of the bridge is a really cool unexpected aesthetic choice and adds a nice tripped out vibe to the start of the second half of the track. The heavy part of the bridge pulls some serious Old Man Gloom styling out as well.

The second track “Eyes of a Waning Sun” begins very differently than the opener, moving right into a slow rhythm section groove with some well done lead guitar work over black metal screams. Moving into a feedback ambient wash which reminds me of the band Horseback. Actually Horseback is the only band I can think of to directly compare Naught's sound to; however, only on their more spacey ambient sections. In addition, Naught sticks to a more military groove throughout and doesn't sit in blues/sludge territory very much which gives the music a very different feel. This is the stronger of the two tracks on the EP.

One of the more interesting short offerings this year, Naught does a fantastic job realizing a soundtrack to the ruin of society. With some cool cover artwork by Alex C. F. from Lightbearer and a must listen.  I strongly suggest listening to “MMXIV” in a complete sitting to get the full effect. I sincerely hope that a full length is soon to follow.
  
Words by: Chris Tedor

You can pick up a copy here

For more information: 


http://naughtaz.bandcamp.com/releases
https://www.facebook.com/Naughtaz

Black Spring - Demo - Review

DEMO by Black Spring

Album type; demo

Release: 23rd of June 2014.

Demo track listing:

1. Love is…

2. Hospital Bed

3. Reptiles

Band Members:

Fog – Bass

Col – Guitar

Mark – Vox

Steo – Drums

Review

It was my 23rd birthday three weeks ago. Following a night of guzzling sticky craft beers and staring longingly at a bottle of Kraken rum, I slithered my way into the front seat of the taxi that would be taking me home. Now, while my recollection of these events are blurred and distorted, I do remember the elderly taxi driver and I entered into a conversation about music. Tommy, we’ll call him, loves his Trad music. He’s also been known to crank out the Thin Lizzy when the wife isn’t home, so he told me, the cheeky bastard. Anyway, our journey is brief, but we seem to cover quite a bit of ground in our musical discussion, a discussion that came to an abrupt end when he glanced at my t-shirt and guessed that I enjoy listening to “bad lad music”.

Bad lad music.

Dublin’s four-piece Sludge Hydra, Black Spring, are bad lad music. Though only forming this year, you could easily mistake them for veteran sewer dwellers and amplifier pagans. We are currently living in an age where bands are starting to actually refer to themselves as Sludge, the term itself has become a fashion accessory for some of those bands. For Black Spring, from where I’m standing, the term Sludge is either being used as an L-plate for the moment, or the band are dead set on reopening the sarcophagus of “bad lad music” and letting the poisonous fumes released from it kill the entire crew.

Like a Saturday morning hangover, Black Spring come at you suddenly. There’s no kissing, no foreplay, and certainly no breakfast in bed. Often compared to Nottingham’s Moloch, Black Spring deliver the kind of music that wipes its snots (boogers, for my American friends) on its sleeves, wears its hoodie up, and is constantly looking to score a drug that will turn it into a giant tumor within the space of ten minutes.

With this first demo, Black Spring allows us to peek inside of their world. Their sound is like that of a wall stripped of its paper, back to basics! And because we are the generation that refers incessantly to Sludge, it’s very hard to find new bands that truly encapsulate the sound that comes to mind when it is mentioned. Black Spring have no such problem with regards to definition; they are simply Sludge, they are simply ugly, and they are simple. The music of Black Spring is certainly not an attempt to reinvent the wheel, dare I say it; Black Spring are probably more concerned with breaking the wheel . There may not be anything new on this record, but why should that be a problem? There are far too many ‘Sludge’ bands fiddling around with synthesizers and tambourines, it’s always good to hear something young with the attitude of the old.

Guitars that cough wildly through a rough Southern drawl, drums that send sinister vibrations through the floor. and distressing vocals to wake you up from your Sabbath induced slumber. Black Spring might not be a revelation, but they most certainly are one of the most poisonous, knuckle-dragging bands in Ireland right now.

I fell out of the taxi that night, holding up a fiver to the driver as if I were about to give him his communion wafer, I stumbled around the garden for half an hour and ended up falling asleep in a car.

Bad lad music. Yeah, that’s about right.

http://blackspringsludge.bandcamp.com/releases

Written by Liam Doyle 

DOWAGER - S/T Demo Review

Album Type:EP

Date Released: April 4^th 2014

Label: Self Released

Demo - track listing:

1.From The Jaws of Cerberus 09:15

2.Slave Ship 08:42

3.Lycanthropic Jihad (final version) 07:51

Bio:

DOWAGER started in 2010 as a one man blackened thrash doom punk outfit, releasing an extremely limited 7" through LEATHER DOOMSDAY RECORDS in 2012. In 2013, after adding Austrian Guitarist - Hannes-(ex-NAUTILUS) and Drummer- JK Fortyseven- (ex-MANIAK COP), Bassist/Vocalist- Joe and the guys slowed the sound down to a sludgy crawl, while still retaining the overall attack of the bands sound. DOWAGER's first 12" vinyl release is due out in May / June 2014.

The Band Members

HANNES-GUITARS

JOE-BASS/VOX

JK FORTYSEVEN-DRUMS/SAMPLES

Review:

Dowager is a band who you should be very afraid of!!!

Dowager's style of music is very hard to describe. Parts Doom, Sludge, Crust and hints of violent Blackened Rock and Roll. They feel like a more twisted version of Church Of Misery though with a more Rock and Roll edge.

Their demo release is simply intense from the word go. First track – From The Jaws Of Cerberus – perfectly paints the mood black with slabs of dirty violent Sludge/Doom Metal riffs that feels like it has been crafted in HELL itself. Though there is a slight grunge like vibe that reminds me of early Alice In Chains especially with the vocals. But take my word for it when I say this track is dark, disturbing, brutal, horrific and full of dark delicious twisted riffs you won't be able to get enough of.

Yeah I fucking love this EP alright as you don't hear something dark and mesmerizing as this on a début release.

Dowager keep up their intense style of dark riffage on the excellent 2^nd track – Slave Ship – that sees the band once again take you on another dangerous journey into the darkness fuelled by heavy slabs of Crust based Sludge/Doom Metal riffs. Now this is what I call true Occult Rock as Dowager amp up the tension with creepy Doom-like atmospherics with sublime grunge based vocals to match.

And finally, we have possibly the most twisted track on the demo release. Lycanthropic Jihad which sees the band at their terrifying best. Dowager unleash hell on earth with this track. The bass feels like a drill going into your skull and sucking the life out of you. Blackened Rock and Roll at it's finest.

This demo release is fucking brilliant. There is no question about that. Dowager have something special about them that will see them go along way in the Doom/Sludge Metal world. I urge you to check them out now as I have a feeling we will be hearing a lot more from these dark overlords over the next 12 months or so.

Brilliant. End Of.

Dowager S/T Demo Release is available to buy on BandCamp now.

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Written by Steve Howe

Ennoea - Listening To Silence - Review

Album Type:Demo

Date Released: Feb 14^th 2014

Label: Self Released

Listening To Silence - Tracklisting:

1.Listening to Silence 08:00

2." " 06:13

3.Ennoea 05:21

The Band Members

Samantha Michelle Smith - Vocals and Instruments

Review:

Ennoea are a self-proclaimed Stoner, Doom and Psychedelic Death Metal Band. Influenced by bands such as YOB, Dark Castle, Sleep and High On Fire. They have a very violent, loud and epic sound that will them many admirers. Lead Vocalist – Samantha – has such a unique voice and her Death Metal vocals are very powerful indeed. I originally though I was listening to male lead singer. No offence – Samantha – but your voice fucking rules on this release.

What makes this band such a great one to check out is their style of Doom, Stoner Metal and Death Metal riffs that gives them such a different vibe compared to other bands.

Listening To Silence will blow you entire world apart as it's a stunning 20 minute blast of hard-hitting riffs to crush your soul to. The opening title track is an atmospheric and violent ride you won't easily forget. Who says that Stoner Metal and Death Metal cannot exist in the same context. Listening To Silence remind me of early YOB in so many ways but still with their own great sound.

Samantha wrote, played and recorded everything on this brilliant album. She is one highly talented lady and I think she has a very bright future indeed as she has written some incredible riffs that will have you hooked in no time at all.

I dare you not to rock with the untitled second track. It's a nightmarish world with some powerful riffs ruling with an iron fist. This is one track you will be listening to over and over again. Definitely the Demo's stand out track. Though not too far behind for that accolade is the final track – Ennoea. A slow-paced drone influenced track with heavy slabs of Psych Stoner Metal/Doom Metal riffs running through it's veins.

The Demo is slightly under-produced but you can't deny the talent involved. As this is excellent release that I hope to see popping up on all of the other great Doom/Stoner Metal blogs. Ennoea definitely have my attention. I can't wait to see what they release next. I am expecting great things from Ennoea in the next few years or so. My advice – Watch this space.

You can download Listening To Slience on BandCamp now.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

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Written by Steve Howe

MIST - Demo 2013

 

Mist is a Doom Metal Band from Ljubljana, Slovenia

The members are:

- Lead vocals : Nina Spruk
- Rhythm guitar & backing vocals: Ema Babošek
- Lead guitar : Nina Grizonič
- Bass : Neža Pečan
- Drums : Mihaela Žitko

Mist is a Doom Metal Band starting to receive a whole truckload of praise from the Doom Metal Scene for their excellent Demo release. So it's my turn to fall under their magical doom based spell.

Influenced by bands such as Black Sabbath, Pentagram, Candlemass, Coven, Saint Vitus - Mist have a style all of their own. Dark, brooding and creepy based riffs will make you a fan from the start. Even though the Demo is two tracks and 8 minutes long, it's more than enough time to become a fan of this excellent band.

Mist have already supported Uncle Acid and The Deadbeats and this demo release proves that they have a very bright future indeed. They have written some superb riffs and lyrics to rock out to. Lead Vocalist - Nina - definitely has something about her. She is on fine form through out. It helps that Nina is backed up by a great band of musicians who know how to play a great Doom based riff.

This is Occult/Doom Metal of the highest order. Mist have the potential to be something special in the years to come. I can't wait to see what they do next.

Demo 2013 is available to buy on BandCamp Buy Now Download. So get downloading now. You won't regret it. There is also a Physical CD being sold as well.

The New High Priestesses of Doom Metal have truly arrived. Awesome Stuff.

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Check Mist live in action from their recent support slot with Uncle Acid And The Deadbeats

Legion Of Andromeda - Demo 2013

Legion Of Andromeda is a Drone/Doom/Death Metal Band from Tokyo, Japan

The members are:

-M- axe, machinery
-R- vokills

What we have here folks is one of the loudest and scariest releases I have heard this year. Legion of Andromeda are a band not for the faint of heart. This is a band with power to give you nightmares for the rest of your natural born life.

Here is the band's own description of their music.

"Conceived, constructed and assembled in the anno domini of MMXII by the demented minds of -M- (axe/machinery) and -R- (vokills), Legion Of Andromeda is blessed by the will of total war. Sculpted in reiteration, repetition and cyclical rotation, Legion Of Andromeda impenetrable cacophony outbursts the breath of cosmic frost.

Cosmo Hammer Master of the Universe."

The band's demo release is an unflinching 32 minute ride into the more heavier and darker elements of Death and Doom Metal. Indescribable vocals matched against drone based Death/Doom Metal carnage may severely test some of you, but if you stick with it you will find some brilliant brutal riffs to chew on.

Legion Of Andromeda describe this release as "4 tracks, 32 min. of total aural disintegration. Brutal, minimal, primitive. Listen to maximum volume and fuck off."

I always love venturing into the darker side of Metal now and again. And this demo didn't disappoint me at all. Sure it's brutal as fuck but that is the whole point. This is a release for people who like their Death/Doom Metal raw, loud and violent as hell. The drone part of the demo gives this album a more nightmarish feel as it's played very dangerously in the background.

This band must have some talent as it has been recorded, mixed and mastered by Shigenori Kobayashi of Coffins fame. And he knows a thing or two about demonic based heavy nightmarish music.

The albums best tracks are Overlord Of Thunder and Fist Of The Galaxy. Both brutal heavy slabs of music showing what Legion Of Andromeda is all about. Mainly to destroy everything in sight. This is an excellent release to check out if your into extreme metal.

It's available to download on Buy Now Deal on BandCamp. If you're up to the challenge of course. Don't say I didn't warn you!!!!

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

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Barbarian Fist - Demo

 

Barbarian Fist is a Stoner/Doom Metal Band from Oslo, Norway.

The members are:

Alexander Mora - Guitars & Vocals
Per Georg Krokstad - Bass
Petter Haukaas - Drums

Any band that starts their EP with a speech from classic Arnie film - Conan The Barbarian - deserves a spin in my book. And Barbarian Fist start off with a classic speech on excellent first epic track - The Whorelord Cometh - from their superb Demo Release.

Yeah it's a bit under-produced and the vocals could do with a bit more work but it's still an excellent demo to check out. Two 9 minute tracks full of superb Doom/Stoner Metal riffs to rock out to. Things get loud very quickly indeed.

OK - there is nothing original here. Just good old fashioned riffs amped up to Volume 11. What more do you want from an excellent Doom/Stoner Metal band. These guys have a great sense of humour about them and it shows through out. Though they are great musicians as well and they have the talent for pulling off a groovy riff from time to time.

Read their own bio to get a better understanding of the band.

"Hailing from the glorious cesspit known as Oslo, Norway, Barbarian Fist is here to make the world a little less civilized and a bit more foul smelling. Consisting of equal parts downtuned fuzz guitar, used up riffs, and sexual innuendo, this power trio strives to make music that will make you less inclined to take a bath, more likely to ingest large amounts of beer, as well as instantly grow a magnificent beard(regardless of gender)."

Look this is a great demo to show off the bands talents for writing kick-ass riffs. The demo does what it needs to do. It rocks like a mother-fucker for an action-packed 18 mins or so and you can't get better than that.

The band are recording their debut album in December 2013. From this demo release I expect a great release from them in the future. Headover to BandCamp and download this now. You won't be sorry.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

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