ALBUM REVIEW: Wormwood - "Mooncurse"

By: Ernesto Aguilar


Album Type: Full length
Date Released: 20/10/2017

Label: Translation Loss Records

Wormwood's performance on "Mooncurse" is doom in the purest sense. Purposeful pacing and incredibly weighty riffs aplenty.  As you make your way to "Passage of Fire," Wormwood's greatest traits are on full display: an impeccable grasp of timing, dark musical sequences and undefeatable heaviness

 

"Mooncurse" CD//DD//LP track listing

1. Infinite Darkness

2. The Undesirables

3. Forlorn

4. Mooncurse

5. Parasitic Twin

6. Burn the Psychic Vision

7. Passage of Fire

The Review:

Terms like 'supergroup' are so overused that it is near impossible to truly quantify it with anything real. Shouldn't bands from which players come from reach a particular echelon, sales threshold or, well, something? So when a fantastic band like Boston's Wormwood gets the term hung on it, one has to resist the meaninglessness of the phrase, and instead focus on its gifts.

In the case of Wormwood, those gifts come from both intense chemistry and superlative musicianship. Drummer Chris Bevilacqua and guitarist Chris Pupecki, previously known from local act Doomriders, offered up Wormwood's self-titled debut EP in 2014. The heaviness of that premiere was so warmly received that hopes rose for Wormwood's return. Three years and two new members – Mike Gowell, previously of Phantom Glue, on guitar and Greg Weeks, previously of Red Chord, on bass – later, and Wormwood strikes back, with the 's' word bandied about, and an impressive new album, "Mooncurse," to show for it.

When it was a duo, the band was particularly effective at setting a claustrophobic mood through distortion, rhythm and harrowing effects. Now as a quartet, Wormwood redoubles this commitment by making even richer sounds in this regard. Wormwood touches down with "Infinite Darkness," whose haunting strings set up what becomes quickly a throttling opening cut. Into "The Undesirables," previewed for this album, you hear a prime example of how much larger Wormwood sound with its extra hands and more much more penetrating approach. The pacing of this song and lyrics make it a standout. Meanwhile, "Forlorn," which follows it, a striking instance of a change up that does not sound out of place or confusing; cresting slowly, the song's guitar assault comes in fits and starts, at first with an almost folk-style chord progression into a much more rapacious attack.

Wormwood's performance on "Mooncurse" is doom in the purest sense. Even its fastest playing is in the spirit of some of the best offerings this year. Purposeful pacing and incredibly weighty riffs aplenty. A song like "Burn the Psychic Vision" is such a great listen because it is well arranged, with drums and bass that luxuriously creep through your mind's eye. The new double guitar lineup adds depth to this cut, as well as to entries such as "Parasitic Twin" and the title track. As you make your way to "Passage of Fire," Wormwood's greatest traits are on full display: an impeccable grasp of timing, dark musical sequences and undefeatable heaviness. Whether you subscribe to the supergroup tag or not, Wormwood lives up to the road it cut in its debut, and then some, with a full-length to be appreciated.

"Mooncurse" is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

TRACK PREMIERE: Forfeit life to Wormwood and yield to their bludgeoning new track "The Undesirables"

Rewind almost 3 years and a couple of old friends got together to make a heavy depressing/empowering racket. Formed by Chris Pupecki perhaps better known as guitarist in Doomriders and their original drummer Chris Bevilacqua, these Boston natives debuted their self titled EP, via PATAC Records/ Magic Bullet Records, 5 tracks that were driven by a bestial, hard-hitting mid-tempo grind and a distinctly unpolished, ugly, and bottomless bass rumble, the discordant ooze of guitars with effect-laden sludge atmospherics that consistently unsettled you with brutally effective tritonal dissonance before spacing you out with smooth doomed slow jam riffs.  

WORMWOOD's debut was a  sonic nightmare from, a dark, psychedelic journey of fuzzed out doom metal and stoner-dirge riffs that shattered all pre-conceptions… WORMWOOD pours out of your stereo like a plague of carrion insects and  make no mistake the pedigree of this band is mouth watering, with members of Phantom Glue and The Red Chord rounding off this quartet.  Now following 3 years in the wilderness,  on October 20^th 2017, WORMWOOD will issue their debut full length “Mooncurse” on Translation Loss Records, arguably the best underground label on the scene today and we recently caught up with the band to get the low down on new record. 

"It's less standard "doom" this time around and now has elements of sludge, some psychedelic moments, guitar harmonies, quieter pretty parts and even a couple noise rock moments. All in all though I feel it blends together nicely without sounding like a patchwork of genres and it still retains the darkness, anger and bite of our original release, just maybe more interesting ear candy happening now."

"It does have an apocalyptic feel or a feel of isolation/rejection/depression that tends to come up lyrically as well as sonically. I truly believe playing heavy music is the greatest therapy in the world, and so for me, all the darkest stuff in the recesses of my mind seems to come up and kind of release while I play and I always feel better afterwards...for a little while at least."

With a release date set for 20/10/2017, a new label and preorders for the record already open (here), you can get your first taste of the new record with an exclusive stream of the track “The Undesirables” below, which is unapologetically crushing. We hope you dig it. Forfeit life to WORMWOOD

Live Rituals

Direct support for ALL PIGS MUST DIE
10/19 - Saint Vitus, NY
10/20 - Great Scott, Allston, MA

Band info: facebook

'Might I suggest 'Keeping Your Opinion to Yourself': Official Video Premiere of 'Carcer' by KYOTY

By: Aaron Pickford

Formed in 2010, KYOTY (short for Keep Your Opinion To Yourself) a post metal band from Dover, New Hampshire are set to unleash their latest record "Geomancy I" on September 5.   Having plied their trade playing dozens of shows throughout the New England area with bands like Rosetta, Howl, Today is the Day and Doomriders, KYOTY released their debut full-length album the imaginatively titled ‘Undiscovered Country Of Old Death And Strange Years In The Frightful Past’ through Tokyo Jupiter Records (Japan) in 2012 and a subsequent split 7" with Host through Hydrogen Man Records (Philadelphia) the same year. After a 3 year hiatus, KYOTY are back and have forged their own brand with the inception of their Deafening Assembly Label imprint for the sole purpose of facilitating their newest material, which will form the basis of the first chapter in a three-record series entitled "Geomancy".

Today at The Sludgelord it gives us great pleasure to present the debut video for their track ‘Carcer’ taken from their ‘Geomancy I’ EP.  Physical copies of the record and download will be available on September 5, so in the meantime show your support to the band, check out this killer track and visit their bandcamp page to familiarise yourself with their discography.  This is a record that fans of Pelican, Russian Circles, Disappearer will not want to miss.  Track listing and preorder links below

KYOTY is:

Guitar | Nick Filth

Bass | Nathaniel Parker Raymond

Drums | Rob Brown

‘Geomancy I’ DD//LP track list:

1). VIA

2).  CARCER

3). CONJUNCTIO

You can preorder ‘Geomancy I’ here

Band info: Official | Bandcamp | Facebook

Gaff Interviews Chris Pupecki of Doomriders

Jason Zucco (c)

Chris, first off, let me politely say that this album sonically is immense.

You and your mate’s sir, have handed in a creative and sonic masterpiece that will surely be in many album of the year polls.

The thing that jumps out at the listener is how each instrument really has its own vibe on the album, melding themselves into one wonderful piece of art.

 

SL). Where was the album recorded and how was the recording process?

CP)  We recorded the album with Kurt Ballou at his God City studio. We've recorded everything we've released with him because A. He's really good at what he does and B. Nates' been in a band with him for years so we knew communication would flow easily when it came to what we were going for.

 

SL). What gear was used and why (guitars, amps, bass rig, drums)?

 

CP)  Not really sure exactly what everybody else used as far as gear goes this time around but we tend to use multiple amps and guitars to get different tones. For amps, we use two or three at a time and mix the end result together to fine tune the tone. I've used a combo of Marshall jmp, Bad Cat, Verellen, Marshall Jubilee, and a few other random ones over the years to get the tone I want. At this point though, we can just say to Kurt, "I want it more raw than the last record" or try to describe what we want and he'll go and set up a bunch of amps together based on what we said, then we just tweak it a bit from there. For guitars I used my '78 Les Paul custom, my First Act custom, and a couple of Kurt's guitars that he built

SL).There is such a comfortable feel to the album, would you equate this to the relationship the band has together and also the relationship you have with the engineer?

CP) Definitely! We've been a band for almost 10 years now, so that's going to happen, and as I said we've been recording exclusively with Kurt the whole time so it's definitely a relaxed atmosphere for sure. We enjoy comfort when we can get it. Which we rarely do.

Grand Blood 2013

SL). In terms of writing for this album, would you please take us inside the process?

CP)  Like any of our records, we tend to book studio time a few months down the road and then buckle down and start writing. We talked a little about how we wanted to make it different sounding from the last record and went from there. We all have riffs, ideas and opinions so the songs usually come pretty fast. Sometimes one of us will come in with a near completed song, and other times it'll be just a couple riffs that we build onto in the rehearsal space. We always end up writing a song or two in the studio as well, last minute.

SL) . How long did the album take in its entirety and who was at the realm of recording, mixing and mastering?

CP) I think we were in God City for two weeks with Kurt who did the recording and mixing. Nick Zampiello at New Alliance East has mastered all of our releases and has been very patient with our constant tweaking.

SL). Do you sire, have a favorite track on the album, or do you look at the album more as a working piece?

CP) I really like all the songs a lot, but as far as playing them, New Pyramids, Grand Blood and We Live in The Shadows are particularly fun to play.

Jason Zucco (c)

SL). So now that the album is out, please share with us where you will be touring and with whom?

CP) I leave tomorrow (09/11/2013) to do a couple weeks with High on Fire and Kverletak, then next spring we're heading to Europe with the great new band Beastmilk. We've also been talking about an Aus/Japan run for sometime next year as well.

SL). After the tour is finished, do you plan on taking a break and maybe becoming an expert in frozen yogurt, or chicken wing basting?

CP) Frozen chicken yogurt is my jam, but I'll probably stick with my regular gig of chasing two maniac toddlers around my house.

SL). The label Doomriders is on, why is such a spectacular label for artists?

CP) Deathwish has been great to us; they really care about their artists and have high standards when it comes to the quality of music they release. I've known Tre and Jake for 20+ years.

 

SL) .Last question, vans or Cons, please give this extra special thought?

CP) British Knights forever. FTW.


Thank you so much for taking the time and answering the questions the music public has wanted to know. 

Doomriders is one of my favorite bands and guitar wise, your tandem is a force to be reckoned with, along with a bass player that carves out a wonderful chugging pattern and truly a drummer I feel can do no wrong.

Eat a peach,

Gaff

Words and interview by : Marc Gaffney

You can buy their latest record here and read Fitton’s review here

Doomriders are currently  finisihing up their run of dates with High On Fire and Kvelertak on the road now. Check the dates below for more information.

November 10 Atlanta, GA Masquerade
November 11 Asheville, NC Orange Peel
November 12 Washington, DC Rock & Roll Hotel
November 13 Philadelphia, PA Underground Arts
November 15 New York, NY Webster Hall
November 16 Boston, MA The Middle East
November 17 Montreal, QC Corona Theatre
November 18 Toronto, ON Opera House
November 19 Detroit, MI Crofoot Ballroom
November 20 Columbus, OH A&R Music Bar
November 22 Chicago, IL Metro
November 23 Sauget, IL Pop's

For more information :

https://www.facebook.com/pages/DOOMRIDERS/53771008100

http://www.deathwishinc.com/

Doomriders - Grand Blood (Album Review)

 

Album Type : Full Length

Date Released : 15/10/2013

Label : Deathwish Inc

GRAND BLOOD, album track listing :

1). Intro

2). New Pyramids

3). Mankind

4). Grand Blood

5). Dead Friends

6). We Live In Shadows

7). Death In Heat

8). Back Taxes

9). Gone To Hell

10). Father Midnight

Bio :

Grand Blood from Doomriders is the follow-up to their highly regarded 2010 album Darkness Comes Alive. Grand Blood was engineered by Kurt Ballou at God City Studios, and features artwork from Thomas Hooper as well as packaging from Ryan Patterson (Coliseum) and J. Bannon.

 

Where Darkness Comes Alive was smooth and heavy in tone, Grand Blood is jagged and hard in its heart. Grand Blood is Doomriders pushing themselves into wilder sonic territory previously unexplored by the band. In songs like "Back Taxes" and "Bad Vibes", an angular noise rock influence takes the lead, creating a harsh and charged environment. Not to fret, the hooks Doomriders are known for are as sharp as ever though, sinking into songs like the personal "Dead Friends" and melodious and emotional "Gone to Hell" - two songs that impressively showcase Nate Newton's evolving vocal ability. Meanwhile, monsters "Father Midnight", "New Pyramids", and "Death In Heat" are Doomriders at their heaviest and most discordant to date, all complimented by new drummer Q (Magic Circle, Clouds, etc), whose frantic style powers this genre crossing masterpiece

The Band :

Nate | Guitar, Vocals
Jebb | Bass, Vocals
Chris | Guitar
Q | Drums

Review :

I loves me some Doomriders. As a Converge nut, I remember being really excited when I heard that Nate Newton (he of the bass) had a little summat goin’ on the side. When 'Black Thunder' came out many moons ago I fell completely in love with its skate punk n' roll feel. So I was mighty chuffed when Aaron dropped their latest effort into my lap, the highly promising 'Grand Blood'. And as it turns out, they make good on all that promise.

 

'New Pyramids' is some hot shit, with its rolling concussive drum blasts and its hedonistic opening six-string screech. Said screech does reappear at various interludes, but it's bolstered either side by some tasty low-end meat. Riffs like a great steak, grilled to perfection. Newton's vocals are as good as they ever were, considering that they aren't really even a factor in his day job too. Impressive stuff right here.

 

The self titled track is savage rock and roll beast, champing at the bit. More stellar drum work (the new guy is really earning that paycheque); all smooth at one point, and then knocking the shit out of life itself the next. Special mention for Newton's more clean vocals on this particular track; he sounds almost reminiscent of Hot Water Music's Chuck Ragan here. Which is obvious high praise, considering how fucking ace Ragan is on the old pipes.

 

'Death in Heat' is pretty damn dirty. Slow and monolithic, a depth charge wrapped in bad intentions and then deep fried in freshly squeezed hate oil. Like Danzig meets Melvins (how good would THAT be?), evil and sludgy and delicious. When it does begin to up the rhythm it only hammers home even more how truly weighty this track is. Absolutely filthy, and absolutely brilliant. I think I need a cold shower.

 

'Back Taxes' sounds like the bastard offspring of the Stones and Entombed. They say that birth, taxes and death are the only sure things in life. They should add the word 'back' before the tax part in that expression. This is a sure thing too - sure to make you wanna move, sure to bring a smile to your face, and definitely sure to please.

 

Doomriders have returned with a bang, and 'Grand Blood' will continue to cement Newton as 'not just that Converge guy'. Add to the fact that it's produced by co-conspirator Kurt Ballou (always a guarantee to success) and we have another hot record for 2013. Equal parts Rock and Roll, equal parts Hardcore, but always quintessentially Doomriders.

Hooray for having 'other' bands, eh?

 

Words by : Matt Fitton

 

You can buy it here

For more information :

https://www.facebook.com/pages/DOOMRIDERS/53771008100

http://www.deathwishinc.com/