Year of the Goat - 'The Unspeakable' (Album Review)

‘This is an unstoppable offering, a collection of songs that makes you relieved you listen to the music that you do. A real contender for anyone's end of year list’

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 31/07/2015

Label: Napalm Records

‘The Unspeakable’ CD//DD//LP track listing:

1.  All He Has Read
2.  Pillars of the South
3.  The Emma
4.  Vermin
5.  World Of Wonders
6.  The Wind
7.  Black Sunlight
8.  The Sermon
9.  The Key And The Gate (Alternative Version - Bonus Track)
10  Riders Of Vultures

Review:

It all begins with the near 13 minute epic 'All He Has Read'. Tribal drumming and disembodied whispers are all that can be heard, as though some grim ceremony is about to take place with you at the centre of it (remember that soul claiming business...).  It continues to build with a gothic tolling bell and some unnerving lead work before the hammer gets put down. The song opens up with some epic guitar work which veers from a soaring melody line right down to a doom drenched chug. This is where Thomas Sabbathi's breathtaking vocals enter. The guy can sing and I mean really sing. The vocal harmonies are just stunning and it seems hard to believe you're hearing this in 2015. It's a mesmerising start to proceedings that takes a few interesting turns.

Continuing with 'Pillars of The South', the band apply all of the tricks displayed earlier but instead condense the result down into a 5 minute rocker (as is the case for the remainder of the record).  A catchy, classic riff is underpinned by a haunting organ, the accompaniment of those soaring vocals, is then met with exquisite lead guitar work. It's not all pace however, with 'The Emma', the band reduce the tempo, make astonishing use of the vocals and organ and connect it all together with a melancholic bluesy guitar and bass, that results in something pretty spectacular. 'The Wind' and 'Black Sunlight' both romp along with all the trademarks you'll know and love at this point. It's always epic, it's always haunting and it's always authentic.

The records closer 'Riders of Vultures', utilises a smirk inducing doom riff and a hypnotic harmony guitar part that just feels classic, as though you've heard it somewhere before but are so glad you're hearing it right now. All this before the lead guitar appears alongside some vintage backing vocals; once again, you'll be somewhere familiar. It's at this point we’re told were going to meet the master and the albums heaviest moment thunders forth. It's massive. It's spine tingling. Get ready.

If this record indicates anything at all, it is that ‘this is the Year of the Goat’. This is an unstoppable offering, a collection of songs that makes you relieved you listen to the music that you do. A real contender for anyone's end of year list and as the great Bart Simpson once said "all the best bands are affiliated with Satan". That's more true now than ever.

Words by: Rhys Miles

‘The Unspeakable’ is available here

For more information:

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

Sativa Root - 'Dark Days' EP (Review)

Album Type: EP

Date Released: 13/03/2015

Label: Self Released

‘Dark Days’ DD track listing:

1). Dark Days

2). La Bestia

Sativa Root is:

Stonerhead | Guitar
Isaak | Drums
Fant | Bass 

Review:

Sativa Root, purveyors of finely crafted doom instrumentals are back with another short trip, entitled 'Dark Days'. The Austrian trio (who's guitar player goes by the fantastic monicker of 'Stonerhead') know their way around a riff and this two track EP offers a taste of where they're heading.

The title track kicks things off with a murkey, low-fi bass riff, one that inspires a slow doom headbang. The only flicker of melody on offer is a haunting lead guitar that drifts in and out of the track. It's all led by simple yet entirely effective Electric Wizard-esque drumming.

The pace is quickened with second track 'La Bestia'. A barrage of crunchy, fuzzy riffs ebb and flow under some impressive lead guitar work. The riffing opens up and the space the band create (aided by the lack of vocals) makes the whole thing sound suitably huge.

This EP did exactly what all great EP's do. It was all over far too quickly and it left you wanting so much more. It's a very strong indication of what this band is capable of producing which is trippy, heavy, melodic doom music that remains interesting even without vocals, something few bands can pull off. If you're new to heavy instrumental music, this a fine place to start. If this is your thing, prepare to be left hungry for more.

Words by: Rhys Miles

‘Dark Days’ is available here

For more information:

Listen: https://sativaroot.bandcamp.com/album/dark-days-ep

Like: https://www.facebook.com/Sativa.Root

Norilsk - 'The Idea of North' (Album Review)

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 10/3/2015

Label: Hypnotic Dirge, Dwyer Records,

Alerta Antifascista

‘The Idea of North’ CS/CD//DD//LP track lisitng:

1). Japetus
2). Planète heurt
3). Throa
4). La liberté aux ailes brisées
5). Nature morte
6). Potsdam Glo
7). La Grande Noirceur
8). The Idea of North
9). Coeur de Loup (*exclusive to the CD)

Norilsk is:

Nicolas Miquelon | All instruments, vocals

Nick Richer | Drums, Vocals (backing)

Review

Taking their name from a remote Siberian city, home to a renowned heavy metal smelting complex, Canada's Norilsk have a name to live up to and with their latest offering, 'The Idea Of North', they offer up a chilling slice of doom that does the job with gusto.

Things get off to an ominous start with 'Japetus', a crunching riff interlaced with a piercing melodic line and vocals that reach a depth and grimness I've rarely heard. It's all set at a punishingly slow pace that intensifies the malice and creates that very special sinking feeling that doom fans have become addicted to. Moving on with 'Planète Heurt' the band ensure we sink ever further, as the pace is reduced to an agonising crawl and the vocals shift to a more melodic feel that's more disconcerting than pleasant and with a rousing guitar solo midway through, you get the feeling that there's beauty among the bleakness.

It's not all in slow motion however, as with 'La Liberté aux ailes brisées' the catchy mid pace riff snarls under a surprisingly catchy lead guitar line with those grim vocals sitting comfortably atop it all, showcasing that the band aren't just a one trick pony. The albums penultimate track, 'La grande noirceur' is a short, haunting instrumental and one that sets up the albums closer, the title track, quite spectacularly. A heroic lead guitar line accompanied by a hypnotic black metal style riff that's led by a simple, sparse drum track. It's a suitably devastating way to end, as by the time it's over, you'll have sank to the very bottom.

'The Idea of North' is absolutely everything you need or want from a doom album. Norilsk are a rare band in that they manage to punish you with pace but add enough melody and style to keep you captivated. This album is the soundtrack to a grim fate, layered with atmosphere and a truly ferocious vocal performance, it may be slow but it makes for an exhilarating listen.

Words by: Rhys Miles

‘The Idea of North’ is available on CD here, DD here, CS here and LP soon via Alerta Antifascista

For more information:

www.norilskdoom.bandcamp.com/ | www.facebook.com/norilskdoom  | www.reverbnation.com/Norilsk  | www.soundcloud.com/norilskdoom

www.hypnoticdirgerecords.com/norilsk.php



Black Sheep Wall - I'm Going to Kill Myself (Album Review)

Albym Type: Full-Length

Date Released: 26/1/2015

Label: Season of Mist

‘I’m Going to Kill Myself’ CD/DD track listing:

1.    The Wailing and the Gnashing and the Teeth
2.    Tetsuo: The Dead Man
3.    White Pig
4.    Metallica

Black Sheep Wall is

Brandon Gillichbauer | vocals, bass
Scott Turner | guitar, bass
Andrew Hulle | guitar
Jackson Thompson | drums

Review:

Sometimes a band comes along that challenges everything you know or thought you knew about heavy music, Californian doom merchants Black Sheep Wall are one such band and the fantastically titled "I'm Going To Kill Myself", the bands third offering, is an entirely rare and unique listening experience.

Things get off to an intense start with "The Wailing and The Gnashing and The Teeth". A grim marching snare drum underpinned by an unsettling clean guitar all of which are accompanied by a vocal filled with agony and rage. It's a 9 minute opener that's as bleak as it is beautiful. "Tetsuo The Dead Man" charges open with a crushing riff and an ear bashing screech that just adds to the discomfort you'll already be experiencing. It's a twisting, formless monster that's impossible to keep track of. The band is taking you further and further down the rabbit hole and it's exhilarating. The decent into the abyss rumbles on with "White Pig". Another rhythmically challenging piece of doom artistry, it's remarkable how the band are able to create such a sense of confusion and madness, it's as though you're trapped in a nightmare state and they'll lead you out when they're good and ready. It delves into sheer brutal dissonance before regaining control with some otherworldly chanting. If you've made it this far, you're about to experience the albums finest moment. A true test even for the most hardened doom fan, the 33 minute closer "Metallica". A sprawling, disjointed, terrifying challenge. It's a track that you the listener have to earn and I can assure you, it's worth it. It begins with a riff that's so relentless it's almost hypnotic. The only thing that keeps you from falling into trance is the nails-on-a-chalkboard vocals. It's difficult to put into words how you'll feel when it's all over but you'll need a rest.

"I'm Going To Kill Myself" is an avant-garde doom masterpiece. It's a truly uncomfortable and unnerving experience (thanks in part to the artwork) that will leave a permanent mark on your psyche. In an era when doom and sludge is on the rise and the 20 minute plus song structures are as popular as ever, it's refreshing to see a current band utilise the formula to truly devastating effect. If you're up to the task, put this on and prepare to be consumed.

Words by: Rhys Miles

You can pick up a copy here

For more information:

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Lavagoat - Ageless Nonsense (Album Review)

Album Type: Full-Length

Date Released: 2/12/2014

Label: Bandcamp

‘Ageless Nonsense’ DD track listing:

1). Ageless Nonsense

2). Triton's Doom

3). Worms of the Earth

4). Satanico Pandemonium

5). Ice Giants

6). Cauldron

7). Black Lotus

8). Cimmerian Fury

9). Trans Arctic Gulfs

Lavagoat is:

Sean Skidmore | Bass, vocals

Graham Tempelman | Drums, Hammond, vocals

Graeme Burke | Guitars, vocals

Jimi Diederichs| Guitars, Noise,  vocals

Review:

Hailing from the far off land of Saskatchewan, Lavagoat bring with them their second full length offering, the curiously titled "Ageless Nonsense." Whilst this is my first foray into their world, I'm already excited after seeing the album artwork. I have a feeling I'm going to enjoy what comes next......

It's immediately clear that these guys mean business. They're slowly coming for you like a 10 foot zombie and although you're trying to outrun them, they're going to catch you and they're going to lay waste. An opener like the title track "Ageless Nonsense" tells you everything you need to know. It's slow. It's mean. It's heavy and with vocals akin to a cave dwelling creature of mythical proportions, the band displays an almighty groove with a real malevolence to boot..... And it just keeps coming.

"Triton's Doom" manages to be both catchy and entirely devastating with a closing riff that'll make you wonder where this band has been all your life. "Worms of the Earth" kicks off with a sinister Sabbath-esque vibe before delving into another monolithic assault on the listener. The formula is becoming clear, these guys are having a 70's riff party but they're doing it in a staggeringly heavy style. This is none more apparent than on the irresistibly captivating "Black Lotus". A song so instant and so memorable you'll be scratching your head wondering where you've heard it. Things take a turn for the epic with album closer "Trans Arctic Gulfs" layered with menace and that feeling of familiarity, it's an 11 minute opus that's as mesmerising as it is rewarding.

"Ageless Nonsense" makes for a supremely entertaining listen. It's an undeniable groove bomb powered by a truly ferocious vocal that'll have you nodding your head in seconds. A snarling love letter to the Gods of old while remaining vital at all times. It's bands like Lavagoat, making this great music for no other reason than the sheer thrill of it, that truly deserve a beer in the air, a tip of the cap and a swift purchase of their wares. You won't regret it.

Words by: Rhys Miles

You can pick up a copy here.

For more information:

Facebook | Bandcamp | Twitter

Lord Dying - Poisoned Altars (Album Review)

Album Type: Full-Length

Date Released: 27/1/2015

Label: Relapse Records

‘Poisoned Altars’ CD//LP//DD track listing:

1). "Poisoned Altars"
2). "The Clearing At The End Of The Path"
3). "A Wound Outside Of Time"
4). "An Open Sore"
5). "Offering Pain (And An Open Minded Center)"
6). "Suckling At The Teat Of A Shebeast"
7). "(All Hopes Of A New Day)...Extinguished"
8. "Darkness Remains"

Lord Dying:

Erik Olson | Guitar/Vocals
Don Capuano | Bass
Rob Shaffer | Drums
Chris Evans | Guitar

Review:

Let's start with the basics. A band called Lord Dying were always going to be good, right? Of course. 2013's rumbling debut 'Summon the Faithless' quickly launched the Portland quartet to the forefront of the ever growing sludge/doom scene. We come now to the potentially awkward second album phase of the bands career. A time that comes to define most bands, so have they come out the other end stronger? The answer to that is an infallible yes.

The opening title track sets the tone for the entire album. A relentless assault you're quite happy to endure. The message is clear, these guys aren't out of riffs and the next 40 minutes are going to leave you out of breath but desperate for more. "The Clearing at the End of The Path" Hammers along before slipping into a twisting, shifting, progressive sidetrack. This detour is short lived however as the band turn the gravity back on with considerable force. Things move forward in an almost unstoppable fashion with a seemingly endless barrage of riffs, breakdowns and vocals Scott Kelly would be proud of. "Offering Pain (And an Open Minded Crater)" exudes a sense of sinister despair with a guitar solo filled with menace and drums played with a deadly intent. If all this isn't enough, if you're not already on your hands and knees searching for your teeth, the band get serious with the utterly crushing "(All Hopes of a New Day)....Extinguished" the albums heaviest track and one that seals your fate. Album closer "Darkness Remains" marches along before ending in a sea of pure noise. It leaves you feeling dizzy, slightly confused and ready to return to the beginning.

"Poisoned Altars" is everything you want from a bands second album. Heavier, braver, angrier and above all else, a clear evolution without losing what made them great to begin with. I'm reminded of other great bands in this field and it makes me all the more excited for this bands future. However, for now, this album will be absolutely essential listening. Expect to be crushed.

Words by: Rhys Miles

You can pick up a CD/LP copy here.

For more information:

Facebook | Twitter | Bandcamp