FALKENBACH - Tiurida CD review

FALKENBACH - Tiurida CD
Napalm Records
Genre: Viking/Folk Metal
Rating: 4/5



After quite a few years of silence FALKENBACH, aka: multi-instrumentalist Markus Tummers better known as Vratyas Vakyas, has returned to form with this newest release Tiurida which means Glory. It's an aptly titled return for the man who helped develop and shape the Viking Folk metal genre over the past twenty years. His last release of new material was 2003's excellent Ok Nefa Tysuar Ty. In 2005 there was Heralding The Fireblade but that was a re-recording of FALKENBACH's unreleased debut. So for fans who heard plenty of other similar styled bands carry the Viking Folk Metal banner honorably, seeing something new by Tummers garners obvious excitement. Now before you get all crazy and run next door to perform a blood eagle on your neighbor for what his Christian ancestors did to your people (as well as fuckin up your chainsaw when you lent it to him) wait a minute. My use of the words "returned to form" should not be mis-characterized. Yes it's still FALKENBACH and this release sounds fantastic but the atmosphere on Tiurida is more laid back, hanging out with a bunch of friends in your backyard type of sound. Sure it's great to drink copious amounts of adult beverages to with friends during a party but not a war party.

The opening intro does have a Viking feel to it with a bass horn blowing as if announcing the coming of a long boat into the harbor. Obviously it's the return of FALKENBACH and from there the first cut kicks into gear. “Where His Ravens Fly" will be familiar to old fans with it's clean vocals and a decent rolling rhythm balanced well between the metal and acoustic instruments which on this one include guitar, flute and mandolin. The song is very welcoming in a Viking folk way. "Time Between Dog and Wolf" goes into a more heavier direction which include Tummers switching over to his black metal vocals. From this point on the release turns to one defining theme which dominates the rest of the release. It's not a complaint but just an understanding that from the instrumental "Tanfana" on, the atmosphere is relaxed. "Tanfana" does give you the feeling of movement whether it's cruising across the waves in a boat or soaring in the sky like an eagle. Where ever your imagination takes you the song is classic FALKENBACH.

"Runes Shall You Know" returns to the clean vocals, melody and mandolin playing while a majestic sound scape rolls on. Anyone who wants to know where the Faroe Island band TYR got a few influences, here ya go. "In Flames" brings back the heaviness and black metal vocals. There's an acoustic guitar break in the middle part of the song with haunting whispered chants which is pretty cool. Sadly the last two songs "Sunnavend" and the bonus cut "Asaland" really don't stand out. I don't look on it as a bad thing especially if you look at this release as a whole piece and not individual songs thrust together. The beauty of FALKENBACH's music is to transcend the listener to another place of consciousness or time. Tiurida does it throughout. For fans this is just another well done addition to the collection. Newcomers might not get into it at first so I'd suggest going back to the beginning and work your way up. All in all I'd still say this is another great FALKENBACH release.

Label: http://www.napalmrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/falkenbachband

PSYKOSIS - Toxic Terror Storm CDEP review

PSYKOSIS - Toxic Terror Storm CDEP
Self Released
Genre: Thrash
Rating: 3/5

Someone call Earache or whoever is involved these days in signing the Thrash Revival's second wave. This Irish band actually are not new since they started out a few years back but this is their first demo. At least they waited long enough to perfect their sound. As far as influences go, draw a few old Thrash band names on a wall then throw a dart. There's only three songs here so from what little to go on I'd give it a thumbs up. Has anyone called Earache yet? PSYKOSIS cover all the bases of what was good about 80's Thrash. You've got your real guy rough vocals as well as background gang shouts. The rhythm section pounds away and fret burning guitar solos. The first cut "Toxic Fugitive" is a catchy fucker. "Terror at 3AM" is a total headbanger and the last one "Psykosis Bonestorm" is a long drawn out melodic affair. All in all I'm expecting to hear more from this band because three songs just don't cut it.

Label: vladpromotion@gmail.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/psykosisirl

ARTAS - Riotology CD review

ARTAS - Riotology CD
Napalm Records
Genre: Metalcore
Rating: 0/5

Welcome to the continuing saga of Napalm Records trying desperately to shake off their epic variety metal pedigree. This one ain't as bad as the STUCK MOJO release they put out (what could?) but it's close. This is the second full length release by Austria's ARTAS. I never heard their debut, The Healing, from 2008 also on Napalm but I'm kinda glad. The promo material for this describes ARTAS as "modern metal" which obviously set off my bullshit detector. Then I took a listen only to find that modern metal means metalcore. I totally feel sorry for the poor soul who regularly buys Napalm stuff (which I once was) only because they knew that the label specialized in releasing black metal, battle metal and epic progressive stuff, and then finds this. The packaging will throw most people off the trail of disgust, it did me.

Label: http://www.napalmrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/artasmetal

TIBERIUS - Born Hope CDEP review

TIBERIUS - Born Hope CDEP
Self Released
Genre: Death Thrash
Rating: 2/5

So I'm listening to the first cut off of this Polish band's EP and I'm thinking yeah this ain't bad death thrash. You know what to expect from this genre. It's basically death metal with thrashy riffs albeit almost groove infused plus growled vocals. All of that was evident within the first two minutes of the song "Enslave the Reason" until the clean sounding melodic vocals kicked in then I started growling. OK I take that back I was really moaning in a sick way. It's like if you go out to get a sandwich then you take the first bite and it tastes good. Then you take another bite and you get that bad tomato. It ruins the whole dining out experience. That's my feeling about this release with its five cuts. They all start out promising but then something rotten pops in to ruin everything. On the second cut "Entity" the vocal styles are reversed and it still finds a way to fuck up. This time they slip into that metalcore groove, ugh. On “Mizantrophe Breed” it's the same pattern as in great beginning then they break it down for those clean vocals. "Tiberius", the song, is probably the best headbanger on here but why add the clean almost power metal vocals? The final cut "At the Gates" sounds like a continuation of the previous cut. Someone call up Century Media and tell em about these guys. The next thing you know they'll be signed to a three CD deal and opening for SUICIDE SILENCE on a Summer tour. Look as far as talent goes yeah TIBERIUS are very good at what they do. It's on the melodic side of the road so when I rate this for fans only I mean it.

Label: vladpromotion@gmail.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/tiberiusofficial

TYPHUS - Grand Molesters of the Holy Trinity CD review

TYPHUS - Grand Molesters of the Holy Trinity CD
Pestilence Records
Genre: Black Metal
Rating: 3/5

This band's claim to fame comes in the form of their 2005 release Profound Blasphemous Proclamation which was a real piece of work as far as pure unadulterated hate goes. That masterpiece in bad taste came out on Lord Typhus' label, Dark Horizons Records and frankly why not? Why let someone else have all the fun? Now if the theme of that release was I Hate God than on this latest it's I Love Satan. Grand Molesters of the Holy Trinity is the kind of release for anyone up for a ride in the Luciferic love boat. For those who think I'm taking them lightly you're wrong. I really believe Lord Typhus is the kinda person who would give a gauntlet back hand slap in the face to a nun. Secondly this one sounds a lot better than their debut. Dare I use the word progressed? I don't think that's offensive to the self proclaimed "most blasphemous band on earth." They did release this on December 25th. TYPHUS are still influenced by their peers from European's second wave. You will not find any more songs about doing nasty things to the virgin mary or excreting bodily fluids upon religious figures. Like I mentioned earlier this is a Satanic lust affair. Also you must remember there's three types of USBM. You have the really brutal and technically proficient stuff. Then there's the crap that hipsters and Hot Topic mall kids like. Finally there's the necro black filth which is what TYPHUS was and shall always be. You have been forewarned.

Label: http://www.pestilence-records.de/

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/typhus666

BUZZKILL - Damned By Faith CDEP review

BUZZKILL - Damned By Faith CDEP
Self Released
Genre: Punk Rock n Roll
Rating: 3/5

Not to be confused with the UK band of the same name, this one hails from Pennsylvania. The band info I received read Philadelphia. For some reason their name sticks out in my mind as if I saw this band once (could have happened, I do drink) or at least a local show notice saying they were playing a local club. Maybe they're familiar because their vocalist Ryan Williams sounds like Michale Graves aka: the MISFITS' second singer. In fact I'd say there's quite a bit of MISFITS' influence going on in these songs but not in a bad way. This three song release by BUZZKILL is far from being a copycat sounding act. The guitar solos by Mike Grasty as well as the song structures are far beyond the MISFITS' three chords and an attitude formula. I'll credit the rhythm section of Brian Yorkus on bass and drummer Kevin Yorkus for the influence check. BUZZKILL sounds like they stepped out of a time tunnel from the late 90's. Back then there was this uprising of cool sounding bands revising Punk Rock n Roll. Of course only the coolest of the cool knew and had written about it. Yeah like yours truly thank you (in the pages of Scumfeast fanzine) as well as Jeff Bale with his zine Hit List and some others who liked the "rock" in Punk and not the silly stuff that sometimes came with it. But anyways the three cuts on here are catchy as fuck and would make a perfect 7"er on colored vinyl.

Label: vladpromotion@gmail.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/buzzkillpa

CROWBAR - Sever the Wicked Hand CD review

CROWBAR - Sever the Wicked Hand CD
E1 Music
Genre: Sludge
Rating: 3/5

Before I even get into the music I'd like to point out a few things in my not so humble opinion. I think E1 Music (Entertainment One) is a label where good bands go to become average. Remember those releases last year by ZOROASTER and HIGH ON FIRE? Yeah so when I saw this was on E1, I literally mumbled "oh no". Secondly since it's been six years since CROWBAR's last release I'm guessing every review from here on out that you read will start out with the words, "it's been six years since CROWBAR's last release". Finally CROWBAR has always been a decent band but unfortunately was overshadowed by others. For years it was EYEHATEGOD, whose drummer Jimmy Bower also played in CROWBAR, and of course DOWN, who Kirk Windstein also plays in. Still they have garnered a dedicated fan base who have latched onto their slow to mid-tempo sludge metal with Windstein's bellowing vocals and joyless lyrics.

With that said Sever the Wicked Hand will be nothing new to the ears of fans. The opener "Isolation" is typical CROWBAR mid-tempo sludge with those chunky riffs that everyone copies nowadays. They just don't sound right unless you've got Windstein's vocals backing em up. "Isolation" bleeds well into the faster paced title cut, so well that it could have been one longer song instead of two. "Sever the Wicked Hand" is a good reminder of their past when flirtations with hardcore were common place. "Liquid Sky and Cold Black Earth" is more familiar territory revisited but this time it's back to the MELVINS influence. Windstein's voice invoking more pain and sorrow in one song than in most people's lifetimes. It's at this point in the release where things start to change and I don't think in a good way. "Let Me Mourn" sounds a little too QUEENS OF THE STONEAGE especially with the multi-tracked vocals early on. Even with the heavy handed riffs it still sounds like "radio friendly" pop groove metal destined for more mainstream than extreme. "The Cemetery Angels" starts off good with another hardcore influenced riff but once again it's those on again off again multi-tracked vocals which turn it into pop crap. The best part is how it ends with solid sledgehammer riffs that slip away.

"As I Become One" brings things back to the green by finally adding some defined and well perfected NOLA sound to this release. DOWN fans will appreciate this cut. "A Farewell to Misery" is a wispy instrumental, except for the choir vocals hanging in the background. It's a throwaway track that could have been done on piano alone and on someone else's release. "Protectors of the Shrine" and "I Only Deal in Truth" are more sludge rock with no real excitement save for a short Iomni inspired solo on the latter track. "Echo of Eternity" is probably the most depressing cut on Sever the Wicked Hand, in a good way of course. It has that crushing slow riffage with Windstein's vocals crying out like a depressed beast. "Cleanse Me Heal Me" is more chunky chuggy modern hardcore, like a leftover from KINGDOM OF SORROW. The last cut on here, "Symbiosis", with it's syrupy SABBATH inspired sludge is another winner of a track. That's one way to keep people listening all the way through in an era when people decide whether they like or dislike a release based on the first three cuts. Since I've touched on the matter Sever the Wicked Hand is a decent release. Long time fans will no doubt agree on that assessment. Everyone else, well they use shovels.


Label: http://www.e1music.us/

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/crowbar

BLOODSHED WALHALLA - The Legends of a Viking CD review

BLOODSHED WALHALLA - The Legends of a Viking CD
Fog Foundation
Genre: Viking Metal
Rating: 2/5

For those of you who didn't get the memo or read it on Blabbermouth, Viking Metal isn't just for Norse people anymore. Last year I reviewed a Viking Metal band from Brazil, from fuckin Brazil! Yep singing songs about long boats traveling down the Amazon River, battling native tribes, fishing for piranha. Yeah well this one comes from Italy and it's a one man project from a guy who goes by the name of Drakhen. I'll just cut to the chase and tell you that Drakhen likes his Viking era BATHORY. In fact I think he's actually possessed by the ghost of Quorthorn or at least thinks he is since this is beyond mere worship. I'm sure his idea was to make the second coming of Hammerheart but it's more like Nordland volumes one and two with only six cuts. Normally I give the benefit of doubt to the artist as far as influences go. In this case of BLOODSHED WALHALLA I'll just say great band name and cover art work but musically I'll stick with the original.

Label: http://we.fogfoundation.com/en/

Myspace: http://myspace.com/bloodshedwalhalla

SANHEDRIN - Salvation Through Sin CD review

SANHEDRIN - Salvation Through Sin CD
Self Released
Genre: Black Metal
Rating: 1/5

Whenever I read the words "English Black Metal" I immediately think of Dani Filth, goth fag of CRADLE OF FILTH. Yes it's sad even though Britain has a wide variety of BM acts (FEN, CAINA, AXIS OF PERDITION) that one horrible example pops out at the mere thought. I don't know if SANHEDRIN will change it either. On this self release, aka: a demo, they don't sound all that black metal. In fact Salvation Through Sin sounds like melodic death metal with some symphonic BM elements tossed in. The closest they come to the black is when keyboardist Reece Holloway plays some over extended synth parts. I say drop the keyboards and just sing which he also does and isn't too bad at. I'm guessing he's an ex-deathcore screamer/growler. John Houghton adds a few clean sharp solos which shine to much light into the darkness. This band has so many things about em in the grey area that I wouldn't be surprised if they're signed next week and this comes out on a big label. Hell seeing that the British Death Metal scene pretty much blows of late why not throw on some corpse paint, add some synths and call yourselves black metal.

Myspace: http://myspace.com/sanhedrin666

Band: http://sanhedrin.bigcartel.com/

CIRCUS OF DEAD SQUIRRELS - Operation Satan CD review

CIRCUS OF DEAD SQUIRRELS - Operation Satan CD
ForaNation Records
Genre: Industrial
Rating: 2/5

Years ago I would have included Industrial music/metal into the category of extreme but that was before it became so fuckin generic. For a while back in the 1990s it seemed that anyone who heard a KMFDM release was starting their own Industrial project. The less snobbish of that sect, who were into post Land of Rape and Honey era MINISTRY, were more into Metal and various political/social themed experimental Hardcore bands. My opinion then was that the only thing worse than a liberal folk singer was an anal retentive into experimental music. One of the more cliche truths was that they all worked in record stores. How many times have you walked up to the counter of a record store and the clerk was some overweight guy wearing a "Save the Whales Kill the Humans" t-shirt while THROBBING GRISTLE was playing over the store's stereo? You place your purchases on the counter top and the guy gives ya some smirk and gives ya that "I used to be into those guys" comment. The fact of the matter is that you never see one of these guys at a show. When the guy hands you back the change you accidentally knock over the stack of small colored handbills of his act's show. When you pick one up to read it the words "rave" "dancing" and "dj" stand out. That's when the guy mentions it's his show and you wouldn't be interested.

After one listen to CIRCUS OF DEAD SQUIRRELS all of those above mentioned memories came back to me. I also envisioned a dozen overweight guys and girls all dressed up in the latest Hot Topic Goth gear smoking cloves while standing around shoegazing while this band was on stage in a Hartford, Connecticut underground club which was on the verge of closing because of a lack of patrons. The band is from Connecticut and as far as this release goes it's Industrial Experimental music in it's most cliche sense. I'll guess that this band's other releases are pretty much anti-everything that you can twist a mechanical dance beat around. On this particular one their anti-theme du jour is food and it's production techniques plus it's glamorization. I'm guessing they hate McDonalds as well but then again that's a given by most people I know, not because of what they stand for but because their food sucks. As far as meat is murder lyrical opinions go they're welcome to them. I like my chicken, beef and pork, thank you. I also understand that you have to kill it in order to eat it, which I've done. The bottom line here for me is that as far as the song subject matter goes they're welcome to their opinion. Musically I was surprised that they're not as hip hop based as a similar styled band I know called SCHMEGAMA but they do add your typical gratuitous vulgarity in order to sound risque'. I'll say that technically if you are a fan of this stuff then you'll be pleased with it. As for me it's nothing more than roadkill.

Myspace: http://myspace.com/circusofdeadsquirrels

The MIGHT COULD - The Might Could CD review

The MIGHT COULD - The Might Could CD
Small Stone Records
Genre: Stoner Rock
Rating: 3/5

It's ironic that just a few weeks ago I was talking to a friend about ALABAMA THUNDERPUSSY, how they were big in the late 90's when Stoner Rock was first in vogue, for lack of a better description, and how their popularity petered out by the mid-2000s. I saw them a few times back in their heyday when I worked at a local club. They would always pack that place. I think the last time they came to town a few years back things were not as good. Maybe that Good O'l Southern Boys playing Metal thing wore off or lack of advertising. To be honest with ya I don't know the correct answer. Anyway The MIGHT COULD contains one ex-ALABAMA THUNDERPUSSY member in Erik Larson on guitar/vocals, a guy who has spent time in a great number of extreme metal bands over the years. There's also Ryan Wolfe on drums, formerly of FACEDOWNINSHIT who is also in another great up and coming Virginia Doom band, WINDHAND. I've got their two song demo and it's pretty good. The MIGHT COULD are finalized with TJ Childers on guitar/vocals and bass player known only as The Rob.

Aside from the homage to BLUE CHEER cover art the MIGHT COULD are not too far removed from what Erik Larson was involved with before. Songs like opener "Stone Colossus" followed by "Wretched Wraith" display the pure Southern swagger which ALABAMA THUNDERPUSSY was known for. "The Night They Shoot Ol' Dixie Down" is an ode to the band's roots albeit sludged out to the max. Some parts of this self titled release goes off into the Stoner blues rock realm but it ends alright with the last two cuts "The Widower" and "The Fall" with are stoner rock to the max. Favorite cut and song title goes to "I Don't Even Like Pantera Anymore". Sound wise I don't know if it's a parody or a serious anecdote. If they wanted to keep it close to home they would've wrote the song about LAMB OF GOD, but that's another story. Either way this debut will win back anyone who was all into that "Southern Sabbath" schtick years ago. For anyone else, the reality is that Richmond is full of local super groups and The MIGHT COULD are just the latest in a long line. In the final analysis it's just damm good music from a really damm good bunch of musicians. They're the kinda band you'd expect to see if you walked into a dive bar on a Friday night. If you spin this dink three or more times you can even taste cheap beer and smell cigarette smoke.

Label: http://www.smallstone.com/

Myspace: http://myspace.com/mightcouldrva

BETRAYER F.T.M. - No Life Till Fury CD review

BETRAYER F.T.M. - No Life Till Fury CD
Violent Records
Genre: Thrash
Rating: 3/5

It's 2011 so in my not so humble opinion if you're gonna play old school sounding thrash and wanna get on my good side you need to incorporate one of these important ingredients. The first is that you have to be so fuckin good that I forget who you're copying while I'm climbing the highest point of my house preparing to dive off. The second is that you have to have some quirk about your music that makes me smile which includes any cheesy elements especially in the vocals. BETRAYER F.T.M., who are not to be confused with every other act with the same name for the past twenty-five years, have a little bit of both so I'm won over. This band hails from Columbia and play straight forward no thrills thrash. As far as an old school band reference forget it because this four piece sound like anyone from the 1980's second tier crowd. That's not a bad thing either since it was those types of bands which traveled to burg after burg here in the states spreading gospel of Thrash.

As far as the quirkiness part well that comes with the vocals on No Life Till Fury. Jimmy Acevedo, this band's vocalist and rhythm guitarist, is great with his "real guy" throaty vocal style and broken English. He also adds the cool cliche cheesiness with the quick "Let's go" on the opener "Machine" or later on with his extended pronunciations as in "dieeeeee". Something else is that his vocals are over the top of the music as far as the mix goes. Hey I like it since it all gives it a Punk Rock feel which I think was lost on a lot of the Thrash Revival bands from a few years ago. Thrash was once that crossover sound which did get punks and metal fans together in one room. Not surprisingly it didn't last too long because of all the bozos showing up at shows to be "caught in the mosh". Be that as it may BETRAYER F.T.M. do have a crossover appeal especially on "One Day Of Fury" and "To Kill or Die". All in all this is pretty decent.

Label: http://www.violentrecs.blogspot.com/

Myspace: http://myspace.com/betrayerftm

GRAUPEL - Am Pranger CD review

GRAUPEL - Am Pranger CD
Van Records
Genre: Black Metal
Rating: 4/5

I believe if a black metal band puts out their release the day before Christmas it has to be good. That's what this German band did and yes it's good. This band's brand of BM is cruel punishment like days of old on most of Am Pranger , which is their second full length. Although I wouldn't call it all brutality since there's a fair amount of slow brooding ambiance throughout and not just on the closer "Entgeistert". This release starts out with violent blackened bursts of war drums and riffs that slay the weak. That's just the opener "Daemonicum" and things just get much more intense as this beast machine rolls along. "Das blutende Mal" follows the same way but by mid-point slows down and adds some mildly nerve calming acoustic guitar. Vocalist Zingultus also gets a break from his pandemonium screaming to just ghastly spoken word haunts. Although it's short lived because the momentum picks up and by the end of it you're covered in filth. GRAUPEL reminds me of their countrymen ENDSTILLE in that they both create ferocious sounding black metal without compromise. The song "Schwarze Feder" definitely reminds me of ENDSTILLE with it's machine like blastbeat and tremolo flourishes.

Simply put this is pure unadulterated German Black Metal at it's best plus with a vocalist who can invoke fear with his screams. It's not until the fourth track "Herkünfte Schatten" where you get a break but that's only for half a minute of it's intro. The song does bring in some variety as GRAUPEL delivers a more melodic assault until the halfway point and then it feels like their attack has just gotten personal. Then again the vocals are in German so they could just as well be reciting their mother's dumpling recipe and I'd still think it's threatening. "Kalte Fessel" follows in the same vein but "Ekel" is a black metal jam session. It's an blistering instrumental, almost, with nothing more than blast beats, tremolo riffs, bass leads and Zingultus gasping twice. This would've been a better closer than the more ambient "Entgeistert". To me "Ekel" represents that the battle, aka: "the battle for black metal supremacy", wages continuously. By tacking on "Entgeistert" it's more like "OK we're done now". I'm taking a point away because of that otherwise this is German BM perfection.

Label: http://www.van-records.de/

Myspace: http://myspace.com/graupel666

ARCHON - The Ruins at Dusk CD review

ARCHON - The Ruins at Dusk CD
Dark Matter Recordings
Genre: Doom
Rating: 4/5

ARCHON hail from Brooklyn, NY, a place that just recently had all of their filth covered in a foot of snow. Let me tell you something there's nothing pretty about snow up in an inner-city of the Northeast and it's worse when it starts to melt. I should know since I grew up in New Jersey right across the river from Manhattan. My childhood memories of New Jersey was that it was filthy, filthy like an asshole. If I were to use those memories of filth to influence me musically I'd be playing miserable music. That's why I find bands like ARCHON credible in their sound because when you live in a city you know sludge, filth and doom. Those heavy riffs represent the oppressiveness of what living in the city can be like. I have a hard time excepting Doom/Sludge bands from college towns. What is so miserable about living in a clean college town which would influence a Doom band? Let me guess the line was too long at the coffee shop so you had to attend morning classes without your double mocha latte. Give me a break.

ARCHON's sound is only one part misery and oppressive. They also add some psychedelic atmosphere to this four song release. Although I'm not thinking it's from hallucinogenics or weed but from lead paint and asbestos. Either way this is too scary sounding to be false hippie doom and ARCHON are not newbies jumping on the Stoner/Sludge bus to hipster town. The band was started by Andrew Jude who previously spent time wrecking eardrums in another New York City Sludge/Doom act, AGNOSIS. That band called it a day some years ago so now he has this new project. I use the term project because by looking at the recording line-up Jude employed different musicians and vocalists on each cut. Musically there's not much change between tracks but vocally there is and to great effect. The use of gruff male vocals and added screams paired with the haunting female vocal chants sound incredible. Like I mentioned earlier there's four cuts coming in at over fifty-five minutes. ARCHON's music is like an oppressive boot on your face while someone with a guitar in the background noodles away on a wah wah peddle.

Label: darkmatterrecordings@gmail.com

Myspace: http://myspace.com/archondoom

Band: http://archondoom.com/

BLACK METAL BEER? op/ed by Mr. Wolf Jan.2011

BLACK METAL BEER?

Obviously whenever something from the "extreme" side of culture finds itself in the mainstream we of that extreme culture have a laugh about it. It's not like we don't have a sense of humor. We've laughed at the commercials, the fake videos and various magazine advertisements. We realize that the mainstream world is two dimensional in it's thinking. Therefore we know it's a joke but more to it, the joke is on them and their lack of knowledge. But every once in a while when something from the extreme side of the tracks gets taken and used for the purposes of hipster snobbery well things change. Not only will it be laughed at but it will be mocked.

Case in point here with Black Metal Beer. Who says black metallers drink beer? I thought blood was the drink of choice as in goat's blood, the blood of a virgin, blood of our enemies,etc. If there was a brewed beverage it would undoubtedly be mead because it's Nordic. There's also wine, red wine. We all know Gaahl loves his wine. Just watch any of those videos brought to you by the hipsters at VICE magazine. Gaahl starts drinking wine from his own stash, gets all loopy and rambles on about Satan or something.

But Beer? Nah except if it's inexpensive stuff that's for drinking and not showing off which is what hipster beer snobs do. Yes we like are beer "troo" and not filled with chocolate and roast coffee. We like our beer tasty and not bitter because sharing our air with losers is bitter enough. Here's a news flash hipsters. Extreme people don't listen to the music to be cool. We listen to it to escape the likes of you. Therefore creating a beer with a cartoon image of Abbath on the label will not get us to drink it. Although we might rip it from someones hands and break it over their heads. Now that's kvlt!

The biggest joke about this is the label with the words "Black Metal Music played to beer during fermentation". Hmmm, let me guess, DIMMU BORGIR? I suggest that these "creators" of alcoholic beverages stick with what they know and to whom they're catering to. Therefore I suggest Hipster Loser Lager. It tastes horrible but you don't care because it's all for show and not taste besides you can't handle more than two beers before you become a drunk groper.

written by Mr. Wolf

Video Funnies: Heavy Metal Penguin

Video Funnies: Heavy Metal Penguin

Not much to say here. It's a fucking penguin. OK yeah it reminds me of some lonesome slampits I've watched. You could also argue that it's a Thrash Penguin. But it's good for a laugh.

INQUISITION - Ominous Doctrines of the Perpetual Mystical Macrocosm CD review

INQUISITION - Ominous Doctrines of the Perpetual Mystical Macrocosm CD
Hells Headbangers
Genre: Black Metal
Rating: 5/5

I've used the term "satanic frog" many times to describe a certain type of black metal vocal style. There's only two people in black metal who do it perfectly, Abbath of IMMORTAL and Dagon, guitarist/vocalist, of INQUISITION. Vocals are not the only thing these two bands share but I'll get to that later. INQUISITION, formerly of Columbia and now living in the Northwestern US, has had a huge cult following as far as the underground USBM scene is concerned since starting out in the early nineties. Fans agree that musically they've simply grown better over the years and one listen to this new one will back up that opinion. In fact long time fans are simply going to be blown away by this. What I find interesting is that this was released late last year, in S. America on Icarus Records and in Europe on the No Colours label, but still found itself on a few widely seen 2010 best of listings. Now with it's official US release there's a "blogger buzz" about it from people who normally don't say nice things about underground USBM. Dagon and his co-conspirator, drummer Incubus, better pull up their coattails before they find a few hipsters standing on em asking for a ride. Then again they could just play em their old records and watch them run away.

Now with all that said this is a far cry from the heathen hate fest which was their second full length, Invoking the Majestic Throne of Satan. On the other hand what their last release, 2007's Nefarious Dismal Orations, only hinted at this one is the full package. INQUISITION has always been know for Dagon's tremendous thrash riffs and recently adding more melody. I've seen them called the new world's version of IMMORTAL in the past and on here it's thoroughly evident the influence that Bergan, Norway band has on them. On the opener "Astral Path to Supreme Majesties" the sound is almost a homage to IMMORTAL and their more recent releases. To me that's not a bad thing since I'm a huge IMMORTAL fan. I just think it's amazing how a band once known as a satanic Columbian black metal death cult is now grim and frostbitten. Even the solo Dagon tosses in three quarters in reminds you of icicles crashing. "Command of the Dark Crown" starts out similar but then slows down to a drone pace with an off kilter riff as if Steve O' Malley walked past the studio. It blast beats it's way to an ending only to bleed into "Desolate Funeral Chant" which has the band continuing the frost covered drone. Dagon suddenly employs a majestic riff that probably caused an avalanche or two. Vocally he progresses from the satanic frog style to ancient mountain troll, either way with the jangly epic riffs it's impressive and scary.

Although all is not simple strumming from frostbitten fingers as heard on "Cosmic Invocation Rites" where Dagon and Incubus bring back the blackened thrash with blasting flourishes and echoing rhythmic passages. After a simple frosty strummed instrumental, "Conjuration", more blistering 90's second wave harshness continues with "Upon the Fire-winged Demon". Dagon brings back the satanic frog vocals and Incubus must be cited as giving a drum performance of a lifetime or at least where Hellhammer would be proud of. Strange part is that the song ends with the same instro which preceded it. The title cut is a return to the earlier style which begot this opus starting with a atmospheric drone of layered guitar sheen and ending with majestic melody. "Crepescular Battle Hymn" is more IMMORTAL worship with some weird voice over sample (?) thrown in stating "this is Asmodeo, Superintendent of Hell". There's more to it and would be great for a voice mail introduction if anyone dared use it. The last two cuts also follow the IMMORTAL path with "Across the Abyss Ancient Horns Gray" invoking the appearance of Abbath's face in a dark clouded sky. I've had this on repeat so it segues perfectly into the opening cut. INQUISITION's use of alternating speeds whether blackened thrash or the crawling mid-pace sequences keeps things on here interesting. It's definitely a great listen with an overwhelming epic sound, an obvious nod to the past and subtle glimpses to their future.

Label: http://www.hellsheadbangers.com

Myspace: http://myspace.com/inquisitionusa

WOLVSERPENT - Blood Seed LP review

WOLVSERPENT - Blood Seed LP
20 Buck Spin
Genre: Doom
Rating: 3/5

When a band puts out a two song release they're either uber experimental drone maniacs onto something intriguing or false doom hippies who just don't no when to stop. This two piece from Boise, Idaho, who previously went under the name PUSSYGUTT fall somewhere in between. Blood Seed came out during the Fall of last year and I don't know how I missed it. There was a glut of other two song Doom releases in 2010. I'm kidding of course. I'm also surprised that I didn't see their name mentioned anywhere in the hipster realm since there's a woman in the band. Yes it's become cliche that if there's a woman either singing or playing bass the hipster crowd takes notice and invokes fascination. To her credit Brittany McConnell is neither and in fact is the drummer/percussionist and violinist in WOLVSERPENT. To be honest with ya it's her violin work on here that pushes this one into the extraordinary file. Blake Green is the other half and adds the tripped out vocals and crushing guitar. You put that all together and it makes a foreboding almost gothic sound quality that grips you. The two compositions on here, “Wolv” and “Serpent”, are like dark storms approaching from the West. Wind spirits riding the gale forces and cranking Iomni inspired riffs. Hearing McConnell's haunting violin playing won me over easily. This might be too scary for coffee house worms to connect with which means it's decent in my book of horrors.

Label: http://www.20buckspin.com

Myspace: http://myspace.com/wolvserpent

HELRUNAR - Sol CD review

HELRUNAR - Sol CD
Lupus Lounge
Genre: Black Metal
Rating: 3/5

After being relatively silent for three years this German black metal band breaks their silence by releasing a two disc effort. I first learned of them back in 2007 with their second full length Baldr ok Iss. They use to have a strong pagan folk influence but obviously things have changed. So now after all this time they have been hold up writing enough material, 90 minutes worth, to fill two dinks, aka: Sol 1 & 2. The first dink, Sol 1, opens with a spoken word intro then the music finally kicks into gear which is cold forceful sounding black metal reminiscent of MAYHEM that eventually slows down to a doom like atmosphere at various points. "Kollapsar" is fairly impressive with it's wall of Norse influenced blasting. Other songs like "Nebelspinne" and "Tiefer Als Der Tag" add to the uneasiness. I'm more impressed with Skald Draugir's vocal delivery this time around since he sounds vicious as well as haunting. He's perfectly matched with the guitars which attack in layers of pounding force. The drum work follows the same route. Unfortunately there's too much repetitiveness with the song structures. The second disc, Sol 2, starts off exactly like the first except that these cuts are longer. “Aschevolk” invokes a haunting atmosphere which sets the tone for that disc. The ending title cut closes the release with a long guitar solo which will leave you spell bound. Yes this is very good but I think two discs is entirely too much even for a conceptual piece which this undoubtedly is. Maybe one disc with an hour's worth would've been better since changing the discs takes away the momentum.

Label: http://www.lupuslounge.com

Myspace: http://myspace.com/helrunarhorde

STRATOVARIUS - Elysium CD review

STRATOVARIUS - Elysium CD
Edel/EarMusic
Genre: Power Metal
Rating: 2/5

I must admit that the only things I knew about STRATOVARIUS before tackling this review were that they're from Finland, play power metal and once had a diva like guitarist Timo Tolkki who left them a few years ago. In the past I've simply written off the lion's share of this genre feeling it was not worth writing about because of my lack of fan appreciation. Although I did say last year that I needed to write about these power metal releases with less denigration. So here I go once more into the breech. After a couple of listens I'm of the opinion that this reminds me of a metal version of STYX. I hate STYX. Secondly their vocalist sounds a little like Bruce Dickenson who I feel needs to go away for an extended period of time. Bruce that is, this guy Timo can stay. Third, there's too many ballad type songs on here. I've read that they're on tour with HELLOWEEN. They would be more at home sharing a bill with the reunited EUROPE. Oh well I'm simply not a fan.

Label: http://www.edel.com/

Myspace: http://myspace.com/officialstratovarius

LAZARUS AD - Black Rivers Flows CD review

LAZARUS AD - Black Rivers Flows CD
Metal Blade Records
Genre: Thrash
Rating: 2/5

This new one by Kenosha, Wisconsin's favorite sons is definitely a step upward from previous release The Onslaught from a few years ago. Remember that was originally a self release which came out in 2007 and was re-released by Metal Blade in 2009. I called it an average sounding debut considering it came out at the height of the Thrash Revival, the first time that is. I thought they were a groove metal version of METALLICA. Now if you've been on YouTube or keep up with metal blogs then you know of the various video episodes of The Making of Black Rivers Flows. I kept hoping a fight would start and then a psychiatrist would be brought in to settle things. They actually do get into an argument over lyrics but it's more akin to two high school girls bitching at each other.

I just had to watch all of the episodes prior to listening to this dink. At one point during the second episode when the one band member talks about his father dying of cancer I was like "oh please". This is the kinda stuff that would be perfect for an MTV show. If a real black metal band did something like this it would be kinda funny. Although they wouldn't be real black metal afterwards, such as irony is. Bands who make videos like that annoy me to the point where I can't wait to trash. Unfortunately I'm not about to talk shit about Black Rivers Flows nor am I gonna praise it. The fact is I find it boring, borrowed and totally worthless for me to play more than need be to get through this review. But, as far as it being good pop metal or what I usually refer to as "cable tv metal" well yeah it's tremendously good at that angle. The band has seriously gone for that "Hetfield treatment" on some cuts although they're no TRIVIUM. I guess we can thank em for that one. Take the template of popular radio friendly metal and drop it upon these nine cuts and you'll see it's a perfect fit.


Label: http://www.metalblade.com

Myspace: http://myspace.com/lazarus1

THE TARDS - Guillotine CD review

THE TARDS - Guillotine CD
Self Released
Genre: Thrash/Punk
Rating: 4/5

Years ago the Punk Rock n Roll record label, headed by Long Gone John, Sympathy For The Record Industry (aka SFTRI) had a release by a band of the same name titled I'm Just Like You. It was an 8 inch release instead of a 7 inch, get it, and the cover had this "tard" looking individual giving the middle finger salute with both hands. When I saw the name of this band the thought that maybe they were the same crossed my mind. According to their discography they're not, but? These TARDS hail from good o'l Kansas City and play hard rockin thrash punk on this their second full length. I've never heard their debut but on Guillotine THE TARDS are far from your typical retro S.F. Thrash wannabes plus their punk style is reminiscent of some other bands I've been into for quite a while.They're like a Confederacy of Scum punk band with a variety of old thrash influences like Master of Puppets era METALLICA, especially on "Makin' It Don't Mean Ya Made It". It almost sounds like an ANTISEEN song with a thrash pedigree. The singer and guitarist Keegan Smith even sounds kinda like Jeff Clayton of ANTISEEN. Other songs like "Suicide am I" add some NWOBHM influence but on "Give Me the Guillotine" it's more hard rockin punk. I need to contact these guys and see if they knew COCKNOOSE, a infamous Midwest act. (I did and they do) "All the Way to the Grave" is total hard rockin thrash punk with metal soloing by Mike Smith. In fact he's all over this release sending you into fits of air guitar fits of excitement. They also win song title of the month with “Tear Out The Seats and Mosh.”

Myspace: http://myspace.com/thetards

ASCENSION - Consolamentum CD review

ASCENSION - Consolamentum CD
WTC Productions
Genre: Black Metal
Rating: 4/5

There's nothing better than hearing a German black metal band actually performing German black metal. Before you think I'm drunk, I'm only drinking a fuckin Yuengling, please let me explain. Of the half dozen black metal releases by German bands I reviewed in 2010 only one sounded German. The lion's share of the bands took their influences from Scandinavia. Now I know it's tough to comprehend but German BM does have a certain unique sound and style. The obvious attributes are barked order style vocals, heavy duty symphonic and an over the top wall of almost orchestra style noise. I always look at it as German opera with corpse paint, blast beats and tremolo picked guitars. Another thing which Germans do well with their black metal is that you can actually hear the bass in the production. All of this is evident on Consolamentum which is this bands debut full length. What we have here is a concept album dealing with the journey and transformation of a human soul towards salvation. It's separated into eight different chapters which is news to me. Obviously I'm not going to delve into each chapter. I'll just say this is a brilliant piece of work by a band who like their identities hidden. Also if you're a DRUDKH fan who thought their last outing was lacking then check out these Germans.


Label: http://www.w-t-c.org/

Myspace: http://myspace.com/gatewaystoascension

GRAVEWURM - Blood of the Pentagram CD review

GRAVEWURM - Blood of the Pentagram CD
Hells Headbangers Records
Genre: Black Metal
Rating: 5/5

File this one under, I wish I had it when it came out in October of last year dammit. Let me tell ya if I did then I would have turned out the lights, put it on continuous play and blasted it for a whole month. After a while someone would've found me in the darkness looking like an ashen-ed wretch with eyes glowing like two solitary candles. Yes this is the infamous GRAVEWURM and if you're into underground black metal but do not know who I speak of then you have a serious problem. I believe you better turn in your pentagram membership card, vile of goat's blood and that autographed by Varg Vikernes book of matches. Do it quickly mind you because ya don't wanna miss out on those DIMMU BORGIR tickets and Hot Topic is having a bargain bin sale. As for the rest of us, this is the seventh and supposedly final release by this cult USBM filth. Destroying the minds of the weak and firing up the blackened souls of the faithful for twenty years unfortunately has an expiration date.

OK all kidding aside, GRAVEWURM are pretty much an underground institution amongst the cravers of low fi and raw sounding black metal. They also blacken their thrash, death's and doom's into a cauldron of sound which would have Quorthon suing from the grave for copyright infringement. Along with BATHORY they also conjure up old SODOM and HELLHAMMER into their diabolical mix. So after twenty years they're calling it a day and leave this as a swan song so to speak. For all of you connoisseurs of grimness, of which I consider myself as, this is a treasure trove of double indemnity evil. If you played this for some post black metal girly men it would have the same effect as shoving a cross in Dracula's face. There's just this offensive nature about minimalist sounding BM which frightens the hipsters but is thirst quenching to fans. On here GRAVEWURM simply excels at it whether it's the venomous vocals, guitar riffs which sound like some razorblade fitted torture device or the overall menacing atmosphere which the music undertakes. I'm not going to delve into a track by track analysis. There's twelve of them but this is a release which you simply play straight through and continuously even after the post mortem.

Label: http://www.hellsheadbangers.com/

Myspace: http://myspace.com/gravewurm

BLOOD OF MARTYRS - Even the Dead Long for Spring CDEP review

BLOOD OF MARTYRS - Even the Dead Long for Spring CDEP
Self Released
Genre: Black Metal
Rating: 0/5

With just a four track EP to go on I'd call this kitchen sink black metal in that the four cuts on here represent all facets of the genre's post experimental style. The first cut "Blood for the Moon" is their best with it's borrowed from DARKTHRONE tremolo picked opening but adds some prog guitar noodling then ends in a doomish outro all in under six minutes. The vocals are maniacal and provided by guitarist Markus Launsburry who also performs with NACHTMYSTIUM in some live capacity. The drummer is Chris Wozniak from LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR and as this thing progresses I can hear Chicago avant garde eccentricities more and more. The production varies from track to track which means it was recorded at various times and places. The second cut "Praise Thee" sounds like an old Touch & Go Records noise punk band trying to go black metal. The song also includes some over-indulgent hippie guitar soloing, even one like Launsburry thinks he's SANTANA. The thing finally drones out but bleeds into a PINK FLOYD influenced space jam with a David Yow vocal imitation for thirteen minutes. The final track "Immortality" just isn't. In fact it's someones drug induced notion that they came up with after playing Saucerful of Secrets on a broken turntable. This four track "thing" really sucks but I'm guessing it will all resurface in the near future on a hipster metal delight of a release. I'm just saying.

Myspace: http://myspace.com/bloodofmartyrs

ULCERATE - The Destroyers of All CD review

ULCERATE - The Destroyers of All CD
Willowtip Records
Genre: Death Metal
Rating: 4/5

Find that open spot in what's left of your Tech Death overdosed on ADD medication mind. New Zealand's ULCERATE play the type of death metal which will have you seeing trails, worshipping inhumanity and they don't do it at hyper speeds. I got hooked onto this band with their 2009 sophomore release Everything is Fire. It took months for me to finally get into it. Since then my attitude with newer DM bands (tech death or brootal) is that speed and power are nice but I'd rather be blown, away that is. What makes ULCERATE interesting, which is putting it lightly especially on this new one, is that the guitars and bass are held down in a death doom mode. It's their drummer, Jaimie Saint Merat, who adds in various blastbeats, fills and jazz technique which produces an unorthodox style. I've always considered them GORGUTS meets GODFLESH in a dark alley. Their sound will not have you dancing or banging your head. ULCERATE are of a quality sound which is more of a listening pleasure. OK you might do some "air drumming" but that's it.

The Destroyers of All is haunting and heavy as represented with opener "Burning Skies". While Merat impresses behind the kit, Paul Kelland's vocals are animal like as he slowly picks away at his bass strings. Guitarist Michael Hoggard provides layers of melodic dissonance to the point where you'd think this was, dare I say, shoegazer. "Dead Oceans" picks up some momentum but is really an exercise in drummer overindulgence as frenzied guitar ambiance cascades over like glass crashing. Hoggard also provides some lower chord funeral doom. In fact most of this has an almost drone melody to it . I'm sure someone will drag out the NEUR-ISIS reference especially on a song like "Omens" with it's early ass dragging dirge which then turns into spaced out noodling. If you can make it all the way to the final cut then I'd say your seat in some post apocalyptic nightmare is assured. Just like on their previous release, ULCERATE end things with a climatic title song that seconds itself as all encompassing death doom shovel to bury you.

Label: http://www.willowtip.com/

Myspace: http://myspace.com/ulcerate

BATTLELORE - Doombound CD review

BATTLELORE - Doombound CD
Napalm Records
Genre: Fantasy/Power Metal
Rating: 2/5

I can't say I'm a big fan of the whole fantasy Lord of the Rings type of thing put to music. As far as the books are concerned yeah I read them in high school and saw the movies which came out a few back. All of it was very well done except I thought the portrayal of the Frodo character was kind of "weak". But anyway I'm not here to discuss the reasons why I think an inhabitant of the Shire could have easily led a parade in San Francisco. I'm here to discuss the music. This Finnish band has been around for a decade and have released five full lengths total, this being their sixth. I thought their 2008 release, The Last Alliance, was pretty cool then again stuff like this runs parallel with the folky, viking, battle metal, gothic progressive schtick. There's two woman in BATTLELORE but they don't wear prom dresses. I guess you can call it medieval maiden-wear. For more on the wardrobe you'll have to go read Revolver's hottest chicks in Metal. The bottom line is that BATTLELORE are really epic sounding metal with harsh male and airy female vocals.

Doombound differs from their previous works in that it's an ambitious attempt at turning part of Tolkien's work, The Silmarillion or at least some of it, into a concept album. In my past I tried to read The Silmarillion but failed after a dozen pages. Good luck making that one a full length movie or trilogy. As far as this is concerned it's simply a fantasy metal release which touches onto various areas. The male vocals by Tomi Mykkänen sound as if he's been spending his free time singing in a deathcore act. As far as the female equation of Kaisa Jouhki goes well if you're into bands like WITHIN TEMPTATION or, even worse, EVANESCENCE then you get the idea. Kaisa also takes more lead vocal time which leads the release onto more clean sounding passages as opposed to the metal. As far as the quality of the performances, Doombound cannot be surpassed and there are some decent melodic death type cuts on here. But as a whole this is for fans, true fans that is. You can play it while reading the book.

Label: http://www.napalmrecords.com

Myspace: http://myspace.com/battleloremusic

CLANDESTINE BLAZE - Falling Monuments CD review

CLANDESTINE BLAZE - Falling Monuments CD
Northern Heritage Records
Genre: Black Metal
Rating: 4/5

This thing came out in late December 2010 but it would've been better for listening in October around Halloween. Yes black metal to me at least is seasonal in it's listening qualities. Some bands are perfect for the Winter's cold and harsh cruelty while others are better in the Fall when the light slowly turns to darkness. I must be honest here and that's as much as I have written about the greatness of Finnish Black Metal bands. I only have one CLANDESTINE BLAZE full length and that's the essential Night of the Unholy Flames from 2000. I call it an essential although more accolades have been poured onto the split releases which paired em with the likes of DEATHSPELL OMEGA and SATANIC WARMASTER. Obviously that's more to do with the notoriety of those bands then the material by CLANDESTINE BLAZE and that Mikko Aspa also sings for DEATHSPELL OMEGA. I too have the splits and compilations and of course they are quite good. Be that as it may CLANDESTINE BLAZE is his personal project which he performs all instruments and vocals and has done so for over a decade now along with running Northern Heritage Records.

What will not be so strange to regular readers of Scumfeast Metal 666, as I'm sure most of you are, is how I would like this far more than that last DEATHSPELL OMEGA release. For me it's the pure stripped down simplicity of it all. It's classic sounding black metal with only it's core elements for you to dive into. I for one will never shy away from speaking about the greatness of what was Black Metal's second wave. Falling Monuments is simple riffs, foreboding melodies and subtle blasts that spiral the listener down instead of overwhelm. It's perfect for the quieter times when it's just you and the music. While many under the spell of modern day "progressive" style BM would call this too primitive for their "tastes" there is a rationale behind it. To me it's the difference from a simple phone and one with all the bells & whistles. Basically a phone has just one function and that's to communicate with someone else far away. Nowadays a phone has become an entertainment device which can also give personal gratification and oh yeah you can communicate by talking on it if you still do that. Progressive BM is all the outside trappings for show where as this music here is full of pure individual incite. Some people simply cannot stand the sight of seeing themselves naked so they clothe themselves in finery in order to hide their ugliness. This type of black metal is for those who don't have to hide and accept the hairless beast.

Like I mentioned earlier this is not for being overwhelmed but for investigating. You listen to a song like "Melancholy for the Falling Monument" and it's an invitation to enter into a realm that's dark and unknown. It's like descending a dark staircase which each step taking you further away from safety. The song "Bloodsoil" continues along a similar path but then you let go of the hand rail and tumble into the darkness as the blastbeats act as pain inducing falls. Three quarters of the way through Mikko lets out an agonizing scream to represent you hit bottom and it's not very pretty. Of course those are my personal interpretations when listening to certain songs. CLANDESTINE BLAZE has always dealt in subject matter with misanthropic themes. It's more of a less treble and tremolo overwhelmed BURZUM, deeply set with pure black atmosphere. The dark sensibility of this is what makes for it's greatness. While really a short release at just over forty minutes it's just enough time for one to spend in a shroud with the music and their imagination. It's unfortunate that I got this now instead of before the end of 2010 because I would consider Falling Monuments a favorite release.

Label: http://www.cfprod.com/nh/

THE MEADS OF ASPHODEL - The Murder of Jesus the Jew CD review

THE MEADS OF ASPHODEL - The Murder of Jesus the Jew CD
Candlelight Records
Genre: Post Black Metal
Rating: 0/5

It's my first time listening to a release by this UK black metal act although I have read a few things about em. Coming from the perspective with the title alone and that Hoest from TAAKE makes a guest vocal appearance on a song called "Jew Killer" I had to wonder if this was something I'd even want to tackle for a review. Then I listened to it and realized it was far from what I expected and you can guess what that was. I think calling this a black metal release is a stretch unless you're one of those people who only likes BM when it doesn't sound like BM. In that case here you go. I personally would like to re-title this dink The Murder of Music by THE MEADS OF ASPHODEL. This thing opens with some sad sounding symphonic black metal-ness but stops short and go into some radio rock bullshit. It's as if a drunk came into the creative process somewhere. This band does lean into the more prog oriented aspect of the metal genre but that's also an area where the flakes reside. For some people genius and insanity run parallel and although that might be true it's always the end result which defines the final answer.

As this release continued I had to turn down the volume when certain atrociousness emanated from the speakers. If you bring show tunes into the mix, "Addicted to God", as if this were Black Metal Broadway than you're not innovative you're just plain stupid. I can say the same for most of this hodge podge of musical genre excess where even Punk gets treated to their buffoonery on "Man From Kerioth", which only shows that they own a KILLING JOKE record. I'm reminded that this band also gets their photos taken wearing medieval armor for no reason at all. It also took me two excruciating listens to realize that this release was supposedly a Jesus story rock opera. Call me thick if you like but all I could hear was over an hour's worth of nonsense performed by schizos off of their medication. Even the track with Hoest from TAAKE sucked. I'm sure he just wanted to say the words "jew killer" on record for a thrill. The only thing I'd acknowledge to have any intelligence is their apt at original song title ideas. Otherwise this is for spastic imbeciles who can't get it up unless they're looking at a dude's ass.

Label: http://www.candlelightrecords.co.uk

Myspace: http://myspace.com/theofficialthemeadsofasphodel

Video: METAL VIDEOS THAT DON'T SUCK Jan. 2011 edition

Video: METAL VIDEOS THAT DON'T SUCK Jan. 2011 edition

MILKING THE GOATMACHINE "Surf Goatarauga" is a twisted cover of the SACRED REICH song "Surf Nicaragua". I saw this a few years back and of course loved it. Since I just reviewed their latest release Seven, a Dinner for One, I figured why not add this one. MILKING THE GOATMACHINE are a goatgrind band with a serious sense of humor.
Enjoy!

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/milkingthegoatmachine

Maryland Deathfest 2011 news

It's time for everyone to get ready for the 2011 Maryland Deathfest or MDF for short. The MDF brings some of the most extreme metal acts, old and new, from around the world to the states. One of the best things about MDF is that it's not beholden to trendy bullshit. No Hipster Crap! No Mainstream Crap! No Cable Metal! All genres are welcome as long as they are Extreme. MDF brings forth the best in death metal, grindcore, thrash, hardcore, black metal, and experimental bands from all around the world. Not only will you bump into US Extreme Metal fans but also fans from from around the world. Since starting out in 2003 the MDF has become THE only Metal Fest in the states worthy of being called a Metal Fest. Here's this years schedule:

Thursday, May 26th
Main room only

CATHEDRAL
TRAGEDY
BUZZOV*EN
EXTORTION
LACK OF INTEREST
FLESH PARADE
MIASMAL
WITCHAVEN
NOISEAR
SHITSTORM

Friday, May 27th

NEUROSIS
CORROSION OF CONFORMITY
EXHUMED
AURA NOIR
MARDUK
GOATSNAKE
KYLESA
MACHETAZO
FUNEBRARUM
NOCTURNAL
HATRED SURGE
NAILS
PULLING TEETH

Saturday, May 28th

VOIVOD
EXHORDER
DOOM
IMPALED NAZARENE
DESTROYER 666
HAIL OF BULLETS
INQUISITION
HOODED MENACE
DROPDEAD
CIANIDE
ACID WITCH
AVULSED
BLOOD FREAK
DEVOURMENT
THE KILL
CRETIN
DEFEATED SANITY
MAMMOTH GRINDER
CREATIVE WASTE
INNUMERABLE FORMS
MASAKARI

Sunday, May 29th

CORONER
NUCLEAR ASSAULT
DEATH BREATH
LOCK UP
ORANGE GOBLIN
REPUGNANT
CITIZENS ARREST
DEAD CONGREGATION
REGURGITATE
LAST DAYS OF HUMANITY
WORMED
CRIPPLE BASTARDS
MALIGNANT TUMOUR
NOKTURNEL
GRAVEHILL
NIGHTBRINGER
BAD ACID TRIP
OAK
VISCERAL DISGORGE

RAZORWYRE - Coming Out CDEP review

RAZORWYRE - Coming Out CDEP
Self Released
Genre: NWOBHM/Thrash
Rating: 4/5

Holy crap it's the 1980s again but that's not a bad thing, just look at the popularity of Sweden's ENFORCER. This band here hails from New Zealand but they make enough of a damm good racket that they need to be heard everywhere else. I believe if you played this loud enough the sound would reach the other continents. On this five song EP the band hands us a good time release from the days of keg parties, thrashing wildly around the fire pit and incredibly painful next day hangovers. I use to have a roomate who would blast this type of stuff early on Sunday mornings. The heavy metal screams plus chugging guitar sound coming through the wall got me up and out of bed. It also got me banging on his door to turn the fuckin shit down. Now for some strange reason I'm getting a headache, deju vu? Anyway Coming Out is definitely a visit back to the past as if you were living with METAL CHURCH. They even have the production down right as in raw.

This band doesn't need more than five songs to grab hold of old time metal heads, like myself who remembers when this stuff was new and the fans of today smart enough to check this out. The opener "Party of Five" jumps out of the starting gate with blistering riffs and a heavy metal scream. Along with the speed there's this excellent soloing reminiscent of MAIDEN along with the galloping rhythm section and band chorus. Right there you would think this was an unknown gem from the past. "Fuck You Tonight" is pure thrash gold with evil sounding riffage which sounds much better than your typical Bay Area copycats here in the states. Once again phenomenal soloing which is pitch perfect for this style. These can't be kids doing this because it just sounds so veteran. As far as vocalist Z Chylde goes, the guy really tries to hit some of those glass shattering screams but he's no Rob Halford or even David Wayne. I do give him credit especially on "Operation Market Garden" and "Suspiria". Last song on here, "Battleshark", is battle metal thrash with some dirty sounding riffs chugging along. I think this is damm good and look forward to hearing more from them, hopefully. You can download this from their official site.

Myspace: http://myspace.com/razorwyreband

Official: http://www.razorwyreband.com

MILKING THE GOATMACHINE - Seven, a Dinner for One CD review

MILKING THE GOATMACHINE - Seven, a Dinner for One CD
NoiseArt Records
Genre: Goatgrind
Rating: 3/4

They're Back! Germany's MILKING THE GOATMACHINE who I considered pretty cool a few years ago. This is the follow up to their 2008 debut Back From the Goats release. I know some people who thought the first one was just a novelty one off. OK it's goat themed goregrind, well actually it's grindcore, death metal and thrash aka: Goatgrind, performed by guys wearing goat masks. For some that may be a novelty but for me any band who can at least add something new to this tired genre is a winner in my book. Plus they've got three "wolf" songs on here so hey I ain't complaining. For anyone who will not take this serious then you're in for a real loss. Seven, a Dinner for One is actually a German fairytale for kids put to music. Basically the first ten cuts are devoted to The Wolf and the Seven Young Kids. I'm not gonna spoil it for ya but with songs like "Crunchy & Tasty", "Here Comes Uncle Wolf" and "The Wolf Is Dead" you get the idea. I think the concept is brilliant which should have this band's naysayers sucking slop. The last six cuts on here are a mix of covers and the band goating around. "Goat on the Water" had me laughing at the title but it was not what I was expecting. The same can be said for "Black Horn Sun" but we all know that "Milk Me Up Before I Go Go" has become their new anthem. Either way I think this sophomore release proves without a doubt that these goats are not to be taken lightly.

Label: http://myspace.com/noiseart

Myspace: http://myspace.com/milkingthegoatmachine