ALBUM REVIEW: LLNN, "Deads"

By: Mark Ambrose


Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 27/04/2018

Label: Pelagic Records

 

Whatever discomfort mounts when you listen to “Deads” there’s always a filthy, churning riff or shouted chorus to tug you back towards the joy of top notch music that will probably be blasting through your speakers for the next decade

 

“Deads” CD//DD//LP track listing

1. Despots

2. Parallels

3. Armada

4. Civilizations

5. Appeaser

6. Deplete

7. Structures

8. Deads

 

The Review:

            

It was over a decade ago that I first listened to Deadguy’s “Fixation on a Coworker” – one of the most apt distillations of workday despair I’d ever encountered.  Nihilistic, acidic, indignant at the situation everyone grinding their lives away in corporate America, the sole full-length was already a decade old.  Yet with the 2008 financial crisis on the horizon, my time at college done, and my life consumed by a middling, frustrating job, it felt like it could have been created mere weeks before for an audience of one.   Listening now is both a nostalgic, infuriating experience, because it seems just as prescient over two decades from its inauspicious debut.  If anything, the only marker of “Fixation on a Coworker” that makes it the odd product of the pre-impeachment Clinton 90s is the personal, rather than global, politics of its running obsessions.  Yet no band had as succinctly captured capitalism-gone-haywire nightmares as Deadguy… at least until LLNN’s “Deads”.

A cinematic, ambient introduction sets up an auditory sucker punch from track 1, “Despots”.  Vocalist/guitarist Christian Bonnensen snarls invective like a bedraggled street prophet: “Walk through life with a single purpose. Shirt collar tightens like a fucking noose.  True purpose lies in never punching out.”  For those who have checked work e-mail during a midnight piss, or a vacation, or major life crisis, the words feel equally sympathetic and accusatory.  The rhythm combo of Rasmus Furbo’s monolithic bass and Rasmus G. Serjensen’s drum work convey hardcore ferocity and metal technicality.  On tracks like “Parallels”, there’s a really interesting dynamic between Bonnensen’s guitar and Ketel G. Sejersen’s synth work – it’s hard to tell where one begins and the other ends.  It’s obvious when Sejersen goes off on an interlude (“Civilizations”) or incorporates sampling into “Armada,” but the heavily processed tones of Bonnensen’s guitar make it sound like a dual synth line, while the distortions on the synth push the instrument to its heavy extremes.

On perhaps my favorite track, “Appeaser”, LLNN wrests free of my Deadguy comparison by imbuing their personal politics with global dread.  The apocalyptic scream of “Skies fall and the fire cleanses in its wake / Run amok / The world is yours to take,” is chilling in ways both sublime and terrifying.  The slow ramping up of dread, the tightening of musical tension, makes “Appeaser” a truly devastating masterpiece.  And for all the cinematic, intellectual, or political subtlety on display, the closer “Deads” reiterates the simple power this four-piece can wield with a quiet/loud dynamic and pummeling guitar riffs.  Whatever discomfort mounts when I listen to “Deads” – capitalist existential dread, political despair, the fear that humanity is teasing out its final days destroying the planet – there’s always a filthy, churning riff or shouted chorus to tug me back towards the joy of top notch music that, like “Fixation on a Coworker”, will probably be blasting through my speakers in a decade… barring any catastrophes to match LLNN’s lyrical horrors.

“Deads” is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

VIDEO PREMIERE: LLNN deliver "Appeaser", a monolith of monstrous dimensions

Copenhagen's LLNN burst onto the international scene with 2016's critically acclaimed debut album “Loss”.  After a split EP with LA's WOVOKA in the summer of 2017, LLNN now return with their sophomore album, “Deads”, an erosive, abrasive, dystopian, apocalyptic monolith of monstrous dimensions: more compact, yet more complex and organic all at the same time.  Released on the 27^th April 2018 via the celebrated Pelagic Records, today you can check out a brand new video for the track “Appeaser” and the band offer the following insight below. You can preorder here

"We are fascinated by how the human mind tends to interpret random images, or patterns of light and shadows, as creatures and structures.  A psychological phenomenon called “Pareidolia”. And how music and visuals can evoke certain emotions in us and let our imagination unfold into abstract storytelling.

These are the thoughts behind the music video and the album artwork of “Deads” (with photographs by drummer Rasmus G. Sejersen).  The overall album theme of “Deads” is about births and downfalls of civilizations in other worlds throughout the universe.From creation to final decay, the depletion of the host - scenes which inspired the music video. All the footage is filmed mostly with macro lenses to create the extreme close-ups in combination with a few wide shots.  Created in a minimalistic setup in our parents home. (Combined with some heavy Halo Reach 2v2 gaming. Come get some!

LLNN + BISON Live Rituals

22.04.18 NL ROADBURN
23.04.18 DK Copenhagen
25.04.18 NO Oslo
26.04.18 SWE Stockholm
28.04.18 DE Hamburg
29.04.18 NL Utrecht
30.04.18 DE Karlsruhe
01.05.18 DE Wiesbaden
02.05.18 BE Brussels
03.05.18 CH Bulle
04.05.18 CH Porrentruy
05.05.18 F Paris
06.05.18 UK DESERTFEST (London)
08.05.18 CZ Prague
09.05.18 AT Vienna
10.05.18 CR Zagreb
11.05.18 RO Cluj
12.05.18 RO Craiova
13.05.18 RO Bucharest
14.05.18 HU Budapest
15.05.18 PL Krakow
16.05.18 PL Warsaw
18.05.18 DE Kiel
19.05.18 DE Berlin (PELAGIC FEST)

Band info: facebook || bandcamp

11 IS ONE LOUDER: LLNN debut Live Studio Session of "Eye of the Covenant" and choose their Top 5 album picks

Self styled post apocalyptic hardcore maniacs LLNN seem to be entwined with THE SLUDGELORD, such is the regularity of their appearances here at headquarters, indeed their bludgeoning and mesmerising mix of sludge, hardcore and sci-fi Bladerunner driven madness is something to behold, and for that reason, when the opportunity presents itself to promote this band, then we’re absolutely gonna be on board. 

Following up their album “Loss” which was released last year via Pelagic Records was never going to be an easy task and yet, less than a year later, they came roaring back with new material “Marks” which formed their part of an split album with Wovoka released on June 16^th again via Pelagic Records.  Much like on “Loss”, the wavering drone synths that are effortlessly merged with a raw hardcore-driven darkness define the subtle idiosycratic nuances of LLNN's very unsubtle, painfully overwhelming sound. 

"Eye of the Covenant" taken from "Marks / Traces" Split was recorded by Marius Costache at Studio148 as part of Live Studio Session and today we’re giving you the opportunity to stream it in full and if that wasn’t enough we have invited vocalist/ guitarist Christian Bonnesen to choose five records that are on heavy rotation on his playlist including one absolute pivotal record.  All of which you can check out below.  

5: Abandon – “In Reality We Suffer”

I don’t know how to describe this record other than by the following sentence: Complete and utter despair. Devastating despair! This is a really overlooked record and it’s sad, because Abandon were one of the best at cultivating an absolute hopeless vibe in their music.

Check out: “Piles of Pigs”.

4: Bohren & Der Club of Gore – “Black Earth”

Evil sounding stuff doesn’t have to be metal. 

Check Out: “Maximum Black”.

3: Shora/Merzbow - “Switching Rhethorics.

The Shora side of this split pretty much started the Copenhagen hardcore scene.

Check Out: “Discussing Watercolor Techniques”.

2: Elliott – “Song In The Air”

Beautiful record that’s dreamy, huge sounding and somewhat a forgotten

gem. 

Check out: “Bleed In Breathe Out”.

1: Breach –“Kollapse”

I just fucking love this record. The way Breach build their melodies has always been inspiring to me, they always seem to do what I least expect. The guitar playing and the way they space their parts out and give each other room is genius to me.

Check out: “Mr. Marshall!"

Band info: facebook || bandcamp

VIDEO PREMIERE: Copenhagen's LLNN return with wavering drone synths and raw hardcore driven darkness on "The Guardian"

Copenhagen's LLNN draw comparisons to Converge and Love Sex Machine but filtered through the visionary mind of cult sci fi movies, LLNN’s attitude to their compositions is one of devotion to embracing a variety of genres but melding them into their own unique and outstanding personality. Their album “Loss” which was released last year via Pelagic Records attained the band critical acclaim throughout the Europe and now they're back with new material “The Marks” which forms their part of an upcoming split album  with Wovoka.  Written before “Loss” the first crunching riff of opening track “The Guardian” debuted below, trudges along the simple and relentless drums until Christian Bonnesen's truculent vocals take the song to the next level of blackened intensity, making it 100% clear that this material is in no way any less mature than the debut'. Much like on “Loss”, the wavering drone synths that are effortlessly merged with a raw hardcore-driven darkness define the subtle idiosycratic nuances of LLNN's very unsubtle, painfully overwhelming sound.

Belgian artist Ammo was commissioned to create the stunning artwork, which perfectly reflects the music on this release. The vinyl version comes with a hand-numbered 5-colour screen-print. Limited edition on brass & black wax, which looks like an impact crater.  With the release scheduled for the 16/06/2017, today you can check out the breathtaking new track “The Guardian”, which further reinforces our belief that LLNN are one of most promising bands on the scene.  Check it out below and you can Pre-order CD:  here and the VINYL:  here

Band info: facebook || bandcamp

The Sludgelord Song Premiere - "Monolith" by LLNN

By: Aaron Pickford

 

 

It is but a few months since we last covered today’s featured artist LLNN, but they are currently riding the crest of a wave, with the announcement that their latest album “Loss” has been picked up for a worldwide release via the renowned label Pelagic Records. 

 

The integrity of the label is unquestionable; indeed the label philosophy is to release a few records a year, and to maintain high standards of quality and aesthetics, with the onus releasing genuine and challenging art, that is inspiring and moving.  So having delivered a plethora of releases featuring  The Ocean, Mono, Cult of Luna and most recently Silver Snakes, LLNN are unsurprising euphoric that a label dedicated to releasing quality products, will release “Loss” as superior CD and vinyl package.  What bigger compliment can a band be given, in an age where the album format is increasingly getting discarded in light of the digital era.    

 

Following on from this announcement, we are delighted at The Sludgelord to follow up our original article with another exclusive premiere from “Loss”.  Today, we deliver what the band describe as  the most brutally straight forward song and one of the heaviest they’ve ever written.

 

Christian Bonnesen, vocals & guitar remarked about the track “It’s also a song that sees us move a bit away from the more 80’s John Carpenter/Vangelis inspired synths of our record “Marks” and into a more organic sound inspired by Brad Fiedels work on the Terminator movies. We hope that you will enjoy the song."

 

Drawing comparisons to Converge and Love Sex Machine but filtered through the visionary mind of cult sci fi movies, LLNN’s attitude to their compositions is one of devotion to embracing a variety of genres but melding them into their own unique and outstanding personality. Please bear witness to the quite awesome track “Monolith”



 

 

The record is called “Loss” it is available to preorder here and you can find the track listing below:

 

 

“Loss” CD//DD//LP track listing

1). Rapture
2). Monolith
3). Calamity
4). Loss
5). Depths
6). Voyager

 

Band info: bandcamp| facebook

The Sludgelord News: Third I Rex to release the crushing "Loss" album by sludge, hardcore maniacs LLNN

By:  Aaron Pickford

Self styled post apocalyptic hardcore maniacs, LLNN from Copenhagen fresh from decimating ear drums with their caustic and punishing debut album “Loss” last year, have teamed up with DIY label Third I Rex to release it on CD for the first time. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the band, get set for a bludgeoning  and mesmerising mix of sludge, hardcore and sci-fi Bladerunner driven madness.  

Drawing comparisons to Converge and Love Sex Machine but filtered through the visionary mind of cult sci fi movies, LLNN’s attitude to their compositions is one of devotion to embracing a variety of genres but melding them into their own unique and outstanding personality.

Ultimately their debut album is visionary but more importantly monumentally crushing, "Loss" is a journey through lands unknown.  Equally aggressive and comfortable on stage, LLNN have performed live in support of Redwood Hill, Église, Czar, Smertegrænsens Toldere, Pyramido, Grim Van Doom, Year Of No Light, Arakk  and will soon share the stage with Cult Of Luna, Pelican, Russian Circle. 

So ask yourself the question, “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep”? And immerse yourself in this fantastic debut video “Rapture” from this neck wrecking genre bending Danish quartet. Don’t forget to pull the trigger and order to the CD whilst you’re at it.  The preorder begins today.  

The record is called “Loss” it is available to preorder here and you can find the track listing below:

“Loss” CD track listing

1). Rapture
2). Monolith
3). Calamity
4). Loss
5). Depths
6). Voyager

Band info: bandcamp | facebook

Grim Van Doom / LLNN – Split Album - Sludgelord Exclusive Stream

Album Type: Album

Date Released: December 2014

Label: Self Released

Grim Van Doom / LLNN – Split Album – Track Listing

• Grim Van Doom – Child Of Light
• Grim Van Doom – Ropes
• Grim Van Doom – The Ripper
• LLNN – The Guardian
• LLNN – Swarms
• LLNN – Engineers Of Ire
• LLNN – Nostromo Falls
• LLNN – Eye Of The Covenant

Grim Van Doom - Bio

Grim Van Doom, founded during 2011's winter, manage to step into the tiny spot between common Doom and dirty Sludge, creating a musical monster in the process.

Dark sound-sculptures, gooey downtempo-beats and neck-breaking groove define the drop-tuned sound of the band, while nihilistic lyrics are shot at the audience through massive shouting. Their passion for the raw and dark, for the twisted and tainted is undeniable.

It's this intensity, that allowed GVD to gather a loyal fanbase throughout North Rhine-Westphalia, who immediately stripped the band of their first demo, which was recorded in D.I.Y.-manner and mastered at the well-respected HeyDay studio.

In fall 2014 GvD released a split LP with the danish band LLNN, followed by a short, but intense tour. Also, the band hit the studio (the sludge-wise well known Tonmeisterei in Oldenburg, Germany) to record their forthcoming album, planned for early 2015.

Grim Van Doom - Heavy and slow since 2011!

Grim Van Doom - Members

Lansky - Vocals

Dennis - Guitar

Nils - Bass

Leo – Drums

LLNN - Bio

LLNN is a new four piece outfit from Copenhagen.

LLNN – Members

Christian | Ketil | Rasmus | Jakob

Review:

We have an exclusive Sludgelord Exclusive of a split album between German Sludge Metallers – Grim Van Doom and Danish Sludge Metallers – LLNN – which they have kindly provided an advanced copy for you all to listen. The split album offers almost 30 minutes of ferocious action packed down right ugly Sludge Metal for you to contend with.

  

Both bands offer almost 15 minutes of insane and intense head-banging material for you to survive from. It's a great split album from two awesome bands to check out. The split album will be released on Vinyl very soon and be available for free download from BandCamp as well in the near future.

Until then you can witness the full power and fury of Grim Van Doom and LLNN bringing destruction wherever they go.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Grim Van Doom and LLNN for the exclusive stream. The Split Vinyl will be available to buy soon.

For more information

Grim Van Doom

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LLNN

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