"11 is one Louder": Tides of Sulfur choose their Top 5 blackened sludge releases

Tides of Sulfur

Cardiff, South Wales' heaviest band Tides Of Sulfur are a band who smirk in the face of genre restrictions, so when they were approached to do a Top 5 of their respective genre, we let them decide. They chose Blackened Sludge. Like sludge infected with a black metal virus. As heavy as sludge but with an extra helping of nihilistic bleakness. Throw in some blasting aggression or shrieking vocals for good measure and that about sums it up, because It’s time to turn the volume up to 11, because after all “11 is one louder”

'We're honoured to present to you our top 5 Blackened Sludge albums. While we could have chosen several other genres and sub-genres, we feel that this is the pool we've dipped into the most and a sub-genre which encompasses everything we love about heavy music”

1. Lord Mantis - 'Pervertor' (2012)

In our mind, not only the seminal blackened sludge album, but our favourite extreme metal album of any genre. LM straddle the black metal and sludge sound perfectly, constantly twisting and turning in different directions, changing tempos and vocal delivery but also not afraid to stay on a riff and bore it into your skull. This is the album that really turned our drummer on to the more extreme side of metal when stoner and southern rock just wasn't cutting it anymore. It's drenched in sweat and punk spit, caked in dried blood and vomit and has a black heart at its core. Sadly, drummer Bill Bumgardner took his own life recently so we've plagiarised one of his beats in a tribute to his brilliance. RIP sir. 

2. Unearthly Trance - 'The Trident' (2006)

While UT treaded in doomier territory with their first two albums, they cranked up the Eyehategod and Black Flag influence on this but retained the icy, black atmosphere they were known for and continued down the left hand path. Offensively underrated as a milestone in extreme music.

3. Dragged Into Sunlight - 'Hatred for Mankind' (2011)

If we had to explain the genre to someone using no words, we would play them this album. It’s bleak, disgustingly heavy and a complete assault to the senses. The first time our guitarist heard this, it completely changed his view on music. Absolutely essential.

4. Indian - 'Guiltless' (2011)

The second album on our list to feature the incomparable Bill Bumgardner on drums and Dylan O'Toole on vocals (O'Toole makes contributions on the Lord Mantis album). The undiluted misanthropy prevalent throughout, as well as the use of harsh noise as an added element was highly influential in creating the sound of Tides Of Sulfur.

5. Coffinworm - 'When All Became None' (2010)

The musical equivalent of a bad acid trip and cheap cider binge in a dingy punk squat during a power cut, this album took the bleak, cavernous atmosphere of black metal and filtered it through the grimy filth of sludge and refined it to create something truly unique.

 

Tide of Sulfur’s lastest record “Extinction Curse” is a bold and compelling statement and the shockwaves from its seismic detonation continue to be felt throughout the UK underground, so be sure to pick up a copy here

Band info: Facebook

The Sludgelord "Sour 16" for June 2016

By: Aaron Pickford



Travis Shinn (c)

 

Back to the usually chart then, following our recent list of Top 16 records of year so far (Jan - June).  You should know the drill by now, each month; you the reader are unwittingly compiling a list of the top 16 records of the month, covering all genres of metal.  Is it not a chart, in which reviewers or contributors extol their opinion about their favourite music.  To put it simply, the ‘Sour 16’ are the records that have been trending the most at Sludgelord Headquarters.

 

The results are compiled based on page views alone and calibrated into the list below.  All reviews can be viewed by clicking the artwork and we have included album streams wherever possible. (Total views since their publication are highlighted in red)

16). Merchant – “Suzerain” (409)

 

A potent mix of the epic vision of Yob and the no-nonsense sludge aggression of Weedeater, these tracks are more than capable of holding their own against the heavyweights of modern doom. Pulverising riffs worthy of Bongripper beat the listener into submission, repeated until breaking point, before moving onto a higher plateau of heaviness. “Suzerain” is an awe-inspiring release from Merchant and all the more impressive for being a debut

 

15). Dark Funeral - “Where Shadows Forever Reign” (414)

 

I’m sure a lot of Dark Funeral’s fans saw the album cover and assumed that this would simply be“Secrets of the Black Arts II”. And while this isn’t that, the typically fantastic Necrolord album art did signify a return to that same level of quality. This Dark Funeral is every bit as good as the Dark Funeral of 1996.

 

14). Rotten Sound – “Abuse to Suffer” (418)

 

“Abuse to Suffer” is an absolute banger of an album, that flat out runs you down like a T-1000, it is an album for the wild soul looking to get ripped apart, and Rotten Sound have their abuse sharpened to a rusty point, just for you.

 

13). Anion – “Fractures of Failure (421)

 

Huge riffs rain down on the listener from all angles, channelling the finest moments of the Hydra Head back catalogue and delivered with the venom of Gaza. The band occasionally pause for breath to allow their spacier side to dominate but these interludes provide brief respite before they lurch back into high gear, a perfect balance of crushing groove and mathematical complexity.

 

 

12). Raging Speedhorn – “Lost Ritual” (446)

 

The ‘Speedhorn, these days, are a more measured beast- gone are the almost out of control frenetic changes and overall delivery, and what we have instead is a band still capable of viciousness and aural violence, but approaching their craft in a more measured manner. As Comebacks go this is a great one- the band has lost none of their power and the ten tracks here are of uniformly good quality. A fine effort, well worthy of your time and a perfect antidote for these troubling times.

 

11). Monoliths – “Monoliths" (472)

 

This self-titled debut respects the crushing pedigree of the band’s constituent members while heading into uncharted territory. Over the course of two 16 minute behemoths, Monoliths create an absorbing world of bludgeoning repetition and psychedelic heaviness, fusing a more exploratory approach with the filth and weight of the heaviest doom

 

 

10). Haasts Eagled – “II: For Mankind” (483)

 

 

The majestic, sweeping 'Zoltar' begins with piano and a warm, all encompassing riff. If this song was the sea, I would happily drown in its crystal waters and when we get the heavy stuff... boy is it heavy! Fans of musical journeys take note; THIS is the album you need to hear this year. Its epic, it's majestic, it's fucking brilliant.

 

09). Spiritual Beggars – “Sunrise to Sundown” (495)

 

Business as usual for Spiritual Beggars, then; another album of good songs, strong playing and wrapped up in an impressive production. If you long for the days when Blackmore still played rock and jeans were flared, this album is certainly for you. It should be noted that there are two things about this record which really stand out: the sound and the performance. The sound is fantastic, live and raw but crystal clear... the performance? Even more remarkable, as this was tracked live, yes live, off the studio floor!

 

08). Merlin - “Electric Children” (543)

 

While Merlin may sound a little too much like their influences for some people's taste, “Electric Children” has a lot to offer listeners, and it shouldn't be cast off after just one listen. With a sound reminiscent of Om and Sleep and striking just the right balance between Hawkwind and Saint Vitus, Merlin accomplish what they set out to do which is obliterate your mind with a witches' brew of epic towering riffs and '70's era doom jams

 

07). Tides of Sulfur – “Extinction Curse” (648)

 

This is an astonishingly confident and assured record for a debut LP, helped by excellent production by Chris Fielding. He has managed to capture the filth of the band’s undeniable heaviness, whilst retaining the clarity of their epic song writing. “Extinction Curse” is a bold and compelling statement from Tides of Sulfur. The shockwaves from this seismic detonation are sure to be felt throughout the UKunderground and far beyond.

 

06). Nails – “You Will Never Be One of Us” (652)

 

“You Will Never Be One of Us” is as grim and dark a record as they come, and whilst they offer only one shade of black, they happen to do this shade incredibly well. For the brief instances they choose to experiment, they do so in a very meaningful and effective way; however it seems they would rather just flat out punish every living thing in existence. This record’s power can physically obliterate the weak while exhausting all mental reserves of strength. Such exhaustion at the end of a record is now their certified trademark.

 

05). Melvins  - “Basses Loaded” (690)

 

“Basses Loaded”is yet another stellar release from the Melvins. They may never release another record as influential as their 80’s and 90’s classics but the fact they are still unleashing vital shots of oddball heavy rock, 33 years into their career is testament to their immortal power.

 

04). Churchburn & Opium Lord – “Churchburn/Opium Lord” (932)

 

Like a swift punch to the throat, this split by Pawtucket,Rhode Island crushers Churchburn and Midlandsfilth mongers Opium Lord is both unexpected and completely disabling. Released in Europe through the fantastic F H E D and on the other side of the Atlantic by DG Records, this release packs enough of a wallop to take down a herd of elephants.

 

03). It’s Not Night: Its Space – “Revival” (1304)

 

No vocals, just a lot of stoned, smoky repetition that is equally spiritual as it is absolutely mind blowing.

 

02). Budgie - "The MCA Albums "1973-1975" (1500)

 

These reissues should be picked up by anyone with an interest in the era, the growth of the“heavy” genre and by anyone looking for some quality hard rock, played well, by great musicians. Lars Ulrich is no Pete Boot or Steve Williams (who play solidly and professionally on the albums re-packaged here), but he knew a tune when he heard one, all those years ago

 

 

01). Gojira – “Magma” (2029)

 

 

Magma’ is a record that envelopes you with its overtly dark drama, but within its haze, its crushing catharcism makes it one of the most special metal records to be released in some time. It may not be the relentless assault many fans wanted from the album – and that’s not to say it is barren of those moments – yet, as a vehicle for emotional cleansing, as a eulogy and an obituary for a woman who shaped the personalities that drive this act, it is staggering.

 

 

A big thank you as always to our amazing writers, your dedication knows no boundaries and for that I am truly grateful. June’s“Sour 16”features reviews by, Chris Bull, Philip Weller, Richard Maw, Daniel Jackson, Victor Van Ommen, Charlie Butler, TJ Kliebhan, Steve Wilson and Hunter Young

Tides of Sulfur - "Extinction Curse" (Album Review)

By: Charlie Butler

 

Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 15/07/2016
Label: Black Bow Records

 

 

This is an astonishingly confident and assured record for a debut LP, helped by excellent production by Chris Fielding. He has managed to capture the filth of the band’s undeniable heaviness, whilst retaining the clarity of their epic song writing.  “Extinction Curse” is a bold and compelling statement from Tides of Sulfur. The shockwaves from this seismic detonation are sure to be felt throughout the UK underground and far beyond.

 

 

“Extinction Curse” CD//DD track listing:

 

1. Eternal Bleeding

2. ...Of Suffering and Grief

3. Woe To You O Destroyer

4. Malthiest

5. Extinction Curse

6. Iron Fists Shall Rust

7. Year of Pigs

 

The Review:

 

Cardiff trio, Tides of Sulfur, have been building quite a buzz over the past year or so. Following releases on either side of the Atlantic on Against All Odds Productions and F H E D records, there is a palpable air of anticipation for their full-length debut “Extinction Curse”.  Thankfully the album delivers on this promise and then some.

 

The band’s heady blend of aggressive sludge, epic doom and furious crust has been honed to perfection here. The likes of “Eternal Bleeding” and “Maltheist” bring to mind the lumbering gloom of Unearthly Trance, bolstered by the relentless riff engine of High on Fire. “Woe To You O Destroyer" comes out of the blocks like vintage Mastodon then settles into some gut-churning chugging interrupted by bursts of dirty death metal. Hints of black metal come to the fore at the climax of “Iron Fists Shall Rust” to add yet another facet to the band’s onslaught.

 

The calmer moments of the album demonstrate that Tides of Sulfur can be just as effective when they dial back the distortion. The bleak introduction of “…Of Suffering and Grief” creates an unsettling atmosphere. A menacing monotone speaks over a bare arpeggio and eerie background noise that sounds like the playing of a broken violin drifting up from the bottom of a well. All this makes the sledgehammer impact of the band at full tilt all the more crushing. The mammoth 13-minute title track benefits from passages of ominous clean guitar that add dynamic weight to the song’s labyrinthine journey. “Year of Pigs” brings the album to a close in almost understated fashion but is all the heavier and more effective for its relative restraint.

 

This is an astonishingly confident and assured record for a debut LP, helped by excellent production by Chris Fielding. He has managed to capture the filth of the band’s undeniable heaviness, whilst retaining the clarity of their epic songwriting.

 

“Extinction Curse” is a bold and compelling statement from Tides of Sulfur. The shockwaves from this seismic detonation are sure to be felt throughout the UK underground and far beyond.

 

“Extinction Curse” is available here

 

Band info: Facebook

The Sludgelord Exclusive Song Premiere - "Maltheist" by Tides of Sulfur

By:  Aaron Pickford



You can’t fail to admire the ascendency of the UK doom scene over the last 5 years, indeed if we extent that scene to incorporate the whole of the British Isles, the scene is perhaps in a better state now than it has ever been,  (Slomatics, I can never leave you out).   

More knowledgeable folks on the scene may scoff at their John Smiths Bitter (Or Brains if your from Wales), over this remark; and perhaps it is longer than that in terms of bands coming through and imprinting themselves upon the underground.  I merely speak from a subjective standpoint given my tenure at The Sludgelord has been roughly that period of time, but what is clear, is that the doom scene is not just some fly by night Nu-Metal fad, there is and has been a veritable smorgasboard of bands that have emerged from the scene, producing superior albums and thus in turn giving our neighbours across the pond and in Europe a run for their money, making their asses clench in the process.  To coin The Sludgelord mission statement, the UK doom scene truly is, attempting liberation through amplification!!

Few could argue that the quality and quantity of bands to emerge have been superior, but the question is, in the words of John Bush is there “Room for One More”. Well if the answer on your lips is  Tides of Sulfur, then it is a resounding “hell fucking yes”.

Emerging from South Wales in 2012, Tides of Sulfur drew upon their influences to create their 'epic death sludge' sound with original drummer Jamie Burston, but was soon replaced by powerhouse Tom Lee (no not that one) and his approach to his craft instantly gave the band freedom to expand on their range of sounds, incorporating aspects of more extreme forms of heavy music such as black metal, grindcore, crust and primitive doom, moulding Tides Of Sulfur into the filth noise merchants they are today.

Since their inception and a variety of short form releases later, most notably a recent split with The Air Turned to Acid, this death-sludge power trio are pleased to announce that they will unleash their full-length debut album “Extinction Curse” on July 15th 2016 via Black Bow Records and whilst I don’t wish to blow steam outta the ass of one band or one individual in particular, Conan, and leader and driving force, Jon Davis are a fine testimony to what the scene is about, dedication to their art, determination to succeed and a willingness to support the scene that supported them.  Certainly the signing of Tides of Sulfur to his own label, further exemplifies Jon Davis’ dedication to champion the best bands the UK has to offer, and make no mistake people, the 7 tracks on offer on Tides of Sulfur’s debut are misanthropic, nihilistic and filthy as fuck, fueled by a disdain of the greedy and morally corrupt, 21st-century human condition.

Today we are absolutely fucking ecstatic to present the first blackened hymn entitled “Malthiest” from an absolute beast of an album “Extinction Curse”. Now “Can you dig it?”

Here is what Tides… had this to say about the track they hand picked for today’s premiere.   

We fancied writing an utterly misanthropic and aggressively negative tune. Started of as an anti religious affair but we'd decided that's been done a fair bit. "What if God is real?" We thought, " What if the religions of the world are partly right but it turned out he was just a sadistic vicious bastard?".It turns out that there's a word for someone who believes that. A Malthiest. 

Pre-orders for the album are available here. “Extinction Curse” was recorded and mixed by master craftsman Chris Fielding at Skyhammer Studio and mastered by Today is the Day's Steve Austin.

“Extinction Curse” CD//DD track Listing:

1. Eternal Bleeding

2. ...Of Suffering and Grief

3. Woe To You O Destroyer

4. Malthiest

5. Extinction Curse

6. Iron Fists Shall Rust

7. Year of Pigs

Band info: Facebook

The Sludgelord Song Premiere - "Dungeoness" by Pensevor

By: Aaron Pickford

The constant and blossoming UK doom scene shows little if no sign of slowing down, indeed Hibernacula Records have been at the forefront, releasing some incredible releases from likes of Greenhorn, Tides of Sulfur and more recently with the magnificent debut by Garganjua. It is no surprise then, that another sludge infused colossus is but a few months away from causing your lugholes irreparable aural damage.

Hibernacula Records will release “Klothod”; the full-length debut by Pensevor.  Hailing from Farnborough, UK, their new album is described as eight tracks of doom-infused sludge that combines insane vocals with a back-end straight out of hell. “Klothod” is due to be released on May 6 2016 and is available for pre order here

In anticipation, the band has teamed up with The Sludgelord to premiere their new song, “Dungeoness.” Check it out below and let us know what you think in the comments!

Band info: facebook || bandcamp

Tides of Sulfur / The Air Turned To Acid - “The Last Words of a Dying Planet" Split (Review)

By: Eric Crowe

Album Type: Split

Date Released: 26/08/2015

Label: Hibernacula & FHED

Both bands absolutely kill it on this split, and I’m sure a live setting with these guys would be a truly punishing experience. Can not wait to see what the future holds for these bastards!

“The Last Words of a Dying Planet” CD//DD//CS tracklisting:

1. Lord of Flies (Tides of Sulfur)

2. Crawling Through a Pit of Ash and Bone (Tides of Sulfur)

3. Disinherited (Tides of Sulfur / The Air Turned To Acid)

4. Sisyphus (The Air Turned To Acid)

5. Glandroid (The Air Turned To Acid)

Review:

Strap in and hold on for this short but amazingly filthy split! So much sludge and crust elements throughout, its downright killer! “Lord of Flies” starts out with some meaty ass guitar tone and drum-fills, but then rips right into some crusty sludge with great drive and higher range throaty vocals. Gears shift with “Crawling Through a Pit of Ash and Bone” to a slower and darker edge, but one that hits you right in the feels. Vocally this one doubles up with the Cattlepress type vocals and a heavy reverberated Crowbar vocal offering. Riding on this darkened wave for a bit, things drop off to a bass segment then smashing into a complete D-beat explosion! It ends up in half time then fading out, bringing you perfectly into a taste of the next track. “Disinherited” is a collaborative track between Tides and Acid that makes a perfect transition between the bands. It’s a dark noise ambient piece that churns so grimly with samples of Charles Bukowski’s poem “Dinosauria, We”

Continuing down this path of grime and nastiness we have The Air Turned to Acid with “Sisyphus.” A mid paced dirge that really keeps the filth alive! Throaty vocals we have all come to love from the genre, Grief-like and mixed with stomach cramping screams, so perfectly fitting. The riff turns into a heavy scale and the tone reminds me of old Dystopia, ALWAYS a good thing! “Glandroid” finishes this out with more of a frenzied feel in the sound. Heavy chunks, palm muting, despairing vocals with a lot of diversity! This ending riff just keeps getting heavier and slower with every pass and even some noise and knob tweaking at the end, which makes for a damn great end to the album.

Both bands absolutely kill it on this split, and I’m sure a live setting with these guys would be a truly punishing experience. Can not wait to see what the future holds for these bastards!

“The Last Words of a Dying Planet” is available here

Band info: Tides Of Sulfur | The Air Turned To Acid



Interview with Tides Of Sulfur

Tides Of Sulfur are a three piece progressive death-sludge band from South Wales, they are about to release a three track EP based on WW1. They are heavy, dark and nasty sounding...but above all, really top guys. We interviewed these geezers to find out what they've been up to, what they plan for the future and for a bit of a heads up on the forthcoming EP 'Ypres'.

Oh yeah, and check out the review of the EP...by me.

So, who the hell are you? (Introduce yourselves to our readers).

We’re Tides Of Sulfur. Chris Bull- Bass and vocals, Anthony ‘Snake’ O’Shea- Guitar and backing vocals, Tom Lee-Drums

Give us a bit of background. How and when did you guys form/meet? Have you had any line up changes?

We (Chris and Snake) have been making music together in various bands for 12 years, all those bands got to the point of having a set to play before dissolving. This band came to fruition in 2012.
After months without a drummer, we settled for the only guy we knew who could play drums and recorded a demo before playing a few gigs. After outgrowing him we contacted Tom as we knew how awesome he was from playing gigs with his other band. He joined in time for last year’s Winter Weekender with Slabdragger, Monolithian et al.

Has there been any notable change in your sound or the way you get the music across since you took on a new drummer?

Yes, we’re good now! The fast bits are faster, the slow bits are slower, the heavy bits are heavier.
Songs are both longer and shorter. We feel we don’t have to limit ourselves to what we play and have been allowed to challenge ourselves more.

Where did the band name come from? Was it one of those random ones or does it have a deeper meaning?

We wanted something that sounded heavy and epic and sounded like the music we played.
And it was misspelled because of a book Chris read that had the archaic spelling and used an ‘f’ instead of a ‘ph’.

When playing slow music in front of an audience, you can feel pretty exposed and mistakes can be easily spotted, you don't have a maelstrom of speed to hide behind. How do you deal with this? Do you even think about it?

We don’t think about it! We practice a lot but one of us is bound to fuck up at some point and it’s easy to hide behind a wall of distortion. We do have some fast songs so we can hide.

What made you decide that Doom was the way to go? Was it decided when the band was formed, or did it become what it is naturally?

It came naturally to us considering all of our influences. I would hesitate to call us doom,
it’s just one of the genre’s we dip into to construct our songs. We’re progressive death-sludge!

Do any of you play in other bands, or played in other bands in the past? Give us a bit of a resume of the members.

Tom is the most recognisable as he plays in H O M O H. Chris is involved in a harsh noise project called Wraiths and Omens.

Ypres, as far as I can tell, was a city with dark links to WW1. Why did you decide on this as a title? Is there a common theme throughout the EP?

We wrote ‘Trench Foot’ a while ago and, thematically, it didn’t fit with our other songs so we decided to write 2 more songs and put out an EP based on the theme of WW1. Then it was just a case of using the ideas that felt right in conveying the horrors of war. The E.P could have been named after any of the songs on the EP but we felt ‘Ypres’ was all encompassing.

How do you go about writing and recording your music? Is there a certain process you follow or is it more of a “Let's jam it out” approach?

We all bring ideas. Snake comes up with 80-90% of the riffs and Chris does most of the arranging and lyrics. We’ll chop and change parts as we jam them out. 

I noticed you put up a live video of a recent show in Cardiff, at Baa Bar. What do you think of the live music scene in Cardiff at the moment? And where are the places to play?

There are some awesome bands in and around Cardiff; Thorun, Hogslayer, Spider Kitten, Bloodlung, Culver, Dimensions, Zinc Bukowski are just a few. The Moon is the main place to catch great bands as well as Fuel, Undertone, Baa Bar and Clwb Ifor Bach. There is an abundance of talent waiting to be heard, so if any promoters are reading from the UK and beyond; book us!

Do you have any solid future plans for the band?

Play music! We want to play gigs outside of Cardiff, the more the merrier. Releasing the EP is next on our agenda as well as recording and releasing a full length next year.

Now time for a shameless plug...when is the EP out and what formats are you planning on releasing?

We’re coinciding the release of the EP with the 100 year anniversary of the first Battle of Ypres on October 18th although we will have a few CDs available at Doomfest. We’re releasing it on Vinyl style CD, limited edition green or grey cassette and digital download.

When and where are you playing next?

Next up is Doomfest on 13th of September at Scorpios in High Wycombe with Diesel King, Torpor, Greenhorn and more.

Thanks for answering all my questions guys, it's been cool. Anything you want to end on or let people know?

Thanks to everyone who continues to support us and big ups to our brothers and sisters in the Cardiff scene. Support your scene, kill your ego.

Check the Band from Links Below

Facebook

BandCamp

Written by Keeran Williams