Vacation Extended

Due to circumstances dealing with work and home I am unable to continue Scumfeast Metal 666 for a while. Sorry but I've gotta take care of other things.

DISMEMBERMENT - Denied Salvation EP review

DISMEMBERMENT - Denied Salvation EP
Self Released
Genre: Blackened Thrash

Ohio's DISMEMBERMENT follow that rare American metal tradition of not being so easily defined. In the same vein as SKELETONWITCH and DECEASED, this four piece act refuse to round off their edges in order to be properly placed in the correct genre peg hole. Sure they go by the moniker blackened thrash which is strongly evident but there's a whole lot more going on with this band's overall sound as represented by their five song EP. Denied Salvation is DISMEMBERMENT's second EP. Their first, The Condemned, came out last year. When I first took a listen to this one my initial reaction was are you sure these guys are American? They sound quite European, let me see your papers? I detect an accent. Actually it's more of a DESTRUCTION and AURA NOIR influence which I think is cool as fuck, then again I'm a long time fan of those two bands. You have these intense filthy sounding thrash riffs paired up with fast paced drum pounding and topped off by sulfuric vocals. They even kick in some searing solo work and that's just part of the package although it's a perfect description of songs like "Gateways To The Past" or the opener "Last Rites".

To find the rest of the band's surprises as far as genre combinations you really need to pay attention. Bands who fail at cross genre pollinating are those who make things too obvious. DISMEMBERMENT allows things to be subtle and mysterious whether it's the guitar solo on "Perpetual Malice", the death like minor song structures at the mid-point in "Reap What You Sow" along with the classic sounding riff, the fuckin bass soloing in the opener "Last Rites". Hell I could continue but I'll just say that this band's song craft is damm good as well as being a breath of fresh extreme. After a few years of hearing new jacks channeling 80's Bay Area bands or Crossover Hardcore retro acts it's sort of a relief to hear something not following blindly down the same path especially here in the U.S. Along the lines that I started this review, DISMEMBERMENT are a rare one who have taken the darker devious approach to their craft and you'll be wearing a neck brace but sporting a sinister grin after listening to this to prove it. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that they've been signed to a decent label who appreciates what they're doing and gives em a chance to prove it with a full length later this year.

Rating: 5/5

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/DISMEMBERMENTohio

Bandcamp: http://dismemberment.bandcamp.com/

AGNOSIS - A Painful Pattern EP review

AGNOSIS - A Painful Pattern EP
Self Released
Genre: Sludge / Doom

This is AGNOSIS's first release since their Hecate EP from 2005 at least that's what the promo info stated. In all honesty this is the first time I've heard of this New York act (sorry guys). Although after a quick info search (I emailed a friend  for an expert opinion) I learned that AGNOSIS started out around a decade ago, has a slew of releases out including various demos, EPs and a full length from 2005 titled Zero which my respected doom scribe friend stated is an unheralded doom sludge classic. He also wrote "oh yeah they're fuckin good". I might as well just leave the room but I've gotta write something other than "oh yeah they're fuckin good" but in all honesty this is pretty fuckin good at least three out of the four cuts on here.

The opener, "The Weight of Distrust", is a four and a half minute instrumental which is a decent enough sludgey psych piece. It's just something which would sit better at the end of a forty minute pummeling then as an intro. That last sentence is important because what comes next is a pummeling. Remember these guys are from New York City so they know full well how to beat the living crap outta ya then leave you bleeding in the gutter. "The Path of Repeated Failures" with it's thunderous plodding bass line and acid burned throat vocals is a beat down even with the SABBATH meets NOLA psych riffs jumping out at it's end. The next cut, the thirteen and a half minute long "Writing by Candlelight", is like 40 WATT SUN with an caustic acid casualty on vocals. Harsh vocals screamed and spited out over a doom gloom precession to the graveyard.

The final cut was a big time surprise as well as being eclectic. The band covers "All Your Sins" from PENTAGRAM's Relentless album and has Dave Sherman, the former bassist from SPIRIT CARAVAN, helping out on vocals. I figured AGNOSIS would slow this down to the point where it would sound like playing the original with a quarter on top of the needle. Instead it sounds like they put a boot on it. It still has that rough reverbed edginess to it. Kinda reminds me of what KILLDOZER did with their cover of "Hush" which is always good to throw on for a few laughs especially at the expense of a classic rock fan. I think the bottom line here is that AGNOSIS needs a new full length because a four song EP isn't enough to capture all of their thunder.

Rating: 4/5

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



Sorry no vids.

Scum Video: BURN THE PRIEST live 1998

BURN THE PRIEST live part 1 at The Caboose Garner NC 8-7-98

Here's another part of the Caboose Memories series. The Caboose was a little o'l club that hosted extreme music bands (punk & metal) back in the late 90's in Garner, NC which is just outside of Raleigh the state capital. I remember when BURN THE PRIEST played this show. They would play the Caboose twice before changing their name to LAMB OF GOD. Over the years BURN THE PRIEST have had this cult like appeal which the members of LAMB OF GOD kinda look down on. I really don't understand why. It's basically the same band. So here's some footage of classic era BURN THE PRIEST which was filmed by Andy Miller back in 1998 and it was his birthday.

Scum News: Candlelight Records Sampler Available For Free Via Amazon Starting Today

Candlelight Records today launches a free label sampler available exclusively from Amazon.com. The 8-song sampler includes previously unreleased material from FALLOCH, THE ROTTED, WODENSTHRONE, SEAR BLISS, WOE, WINTERFYLLETH, RUMPELSTILTSKIN GRINDER and includes the first single from IHSAHN’s new album Eremita.



“The Paranoid” is taken from IHSAHN’s anticipated fourth solo album. Set for release June 19, Eremita was mixed by Jens Bogren (Opeth) and features performances from drummer Tobias Ornes Andersen (Leprous), saxophonist Jorgen Munkeby (Shining-Norway), guitarist Jeff Loomis (ex-Nevermore), and vocalists Devin Townsend, Einar Solberg (Leprous), and Heidi S. Tveitan (StarofAsh). MetalSucks editor Vince Neilstein says, "The Paranoid" is a perfect introduction to Eremita. It's heavy, expansive, and it's complex without being an asshole about it. Not that any of this should be surprising; IHSAHN’s been developing his own singularly definable sound for three albums now, so fans should know what to expect.”



The inclusion of an early production mix of RUMPELSTILTSKIN GRINDER’s “Fucking Wild” follows the recent announcement of the band’s forthcoming new album, Ghostmaker. The Philadelphia-based quartet recently completed a string of regional performances and are now gearing up for dates to support the new album once it hits stores nationwide on June 19. Guitarist Ryan Moll says, "the title of this track says it all. It’s a rather suiting description of its relentlessness. The lyrics were written by Shawn (Riley) and the title was inspired by some old live Venom recordings."


FALLOCH’s “The Ghosts That Haunts This Path” is a new song for American audiences. Previously available as a b-side to a European-only single, the song showcases the impressive stylings of the Scottish post-black metal duo. MSN Metal called the band’s debut Where Distant Spirits Remain, “a drop-dead gorgeous, haunting piece of work.” Kerrang called it, “intoxicating, haunting, beautiful.” Brooklyn Vegan adds, “it's clear that FALLOCH aims to walk along the righteous path of adventurous black metal bands like Alcest. Where Distant Spirits Remain is a great first step in that direction.”



Planning to hit the studio in early June to lay down tracks for their third album, WOE’s reworked “Quietly, Undramatically” opens a new door on the title track from the band’s popular 2010 release of the same name. Vocalist/guitarist Chris Grigg notes, "the remixed version of 'Quietly, Undramatically' is a more accurate representation of what was hoped to achieve with the material and offers a different perspective into the album." Decibel Magazine said, “Woe strive for sophistication without falling into the usual pitfalls of pretentiousness, cartoonish-ness or undue gloss. Essential aggression is maintained, while the atmospheric and emotional depth envelopes are pushed with a bold fearlessness.”



To listen/download the sampler visit here: http://www.amazon.com/Candlelight-Sampler-Explicit/dp/B007ZJEIPC



http:/www.candlelightrecordsusa.com

https://www.facebook.com/CandlelightRecordsUSA

ROARBACK - Face The Sun EP review

ROARBACK - Face The Sun EP
Self Released
Genre: Death Thrash

Now here's a band that's flat out insane. Their name fits their music perfectly. Think dark aggressive thrash with plenty of death metal overtones and a vocalist who barks like an obnoxious drunk. ROARBACK hails from Denmark, "King Diamond Rules!", and despite this being ugly death thrash, the vocalist is incredible as far as sounding completely offensive. Add to that the musicianship is top notch. Off course the riffs are dirty as sin and catchy as hell headbanging, throw up those horns you bastards cool but the soloing, especially on "My World", is damm good. Then there's the song "Warmachine" which is excellent violence encouraging thrash dripping with hatred, ridicule and utter contempt. There's four cuts in all and this band is ready for a full length. Years ago we use to call this "beating people up" music. I guess it still is since while I had this playing someone came to my front door asking me to sign some petition so I punched the guy.

Rating 5/5


Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/roarback

Bandcamp: http://roarback.bandcamp.com/

SYLVATICA - Mosemanden CD review

SYLVATICA - Mosemanden CD
Self Released
Genre: Folk Metal

I have this smart ass / drive people crazy game I pull out every so often when I find the time to excite a boring moment. If I'm around someone and they say Denmark or use the word danish then I immediately yell "King Diamond Rules!" It's kinda like a safe word for metalheads because how many people, especially here in the states, mention Denmark? Also the breakfast danish has be surpassed by the donut and the biscuit. Now I'm not just babbling on like an insane person because there's a reason, a damm good reason in fact, for my talk of Denmark and the Danish. This band hails from there. SYLVATICA are pretty much your typical Folk Metal act which means they're a melodic death metal band who use folk song structures within their sound.

Now maybe I missed something but don't Folk Metal acts use some actual traditional folk instruments? Where's the tin whistles, the fiddles, the accordions, the deer antlers? The closest thing this band has is a guitarist named Thor who only plays live with them. Although the opening cut "Som Aftens Timer Atter Nøler" starts out with some acoustic guitar, big fuckin deal. As far as this release goes well it's a second rate FINNTROLL and at least they have trolls. There's a few catchy numbers on here like "Markedsgildet" or "Mjölner og Mjöd". The vocals are of that constipated gruff variety. The main theme through out is a complete lack of excitement. Sure not everyone can be FOLKEARTH but a little fun injected into the music wouldn't hurt. Have a little self respect why dontcha, you're from Denmark. "King Diamond Rules!"

Rating: 2/5

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SylvaticaOfficial
Bandcamp: http://sylvatica.bandcamp.com/

BRAINWASHED - Wrecked CD review

BRAINWASHED - Wrecked CD
Self Released
Genre: Thrash

Obviously the Thrash Revival, which has ceased to exist here in the states, would get around to other parts of the world. In this case it's Poland with BRAINWASHED who obviously heard a few METALLICA albums, the good ones. You could also throw in some TESTAMENT and MEGADETH influence as well. Actually it's kind of a change of pace since the stateside revival acts were mostly conjuring EXODUS and SLAYER. One slight difference would be that this band's singer carries an air of punk / hardcore snarl in his voice especially on the opener "Bringing out of Dead". But once the eight plus minute "I, Leader" kicks in it's hello Lars and James. BRAINWASHED add a few more extended thrashers like "Give Me Your Blood" and "The Battle / Back to the War" to fill the time. Personally I think a thrash song shouldn't go over five minutes unless you're going to expand your riff pool in the song or add a decent enough break three quarters of the way through (hello Lars and James, again). But hey I'm older now and even though I first supported the Thrash Revival when it started, after three years of retro I got burned out which is kinda like when Thrash started. Anyways BRAINWASHED do sound kinda cool with familiar riffs and tech savvy solos that'll slit your throat. As a few words from the title cut suggest, "Can You Feel It?" Yeah.

Rating 3/5


Official: http://www.brainwashed.metal.pl/

Bandcamp: http://brainwashedthrash.bandcamp.com/

WOLF SPIDER - CD reissues Review

WOLF SPIDER - Wilczy Pająk CD reissue
WOLF SPIDER - Hue Of Evil CD reissue
WOLF SPIDER - Kingdom Of Paranoia CD reissue
WOLF SPIDER - Drifting In The Sullen Sea CD reissue
Metal Mind Productions
Genre: Thrash

Attention all thrash devotees, old schoolers as well as new jacks, here are four releases from a band who if they had been from the US as opposed to Eastern Europe then I really wouldn't have to tell you about them. Back in the late 80's / early 90's Poland's WOLF SPIDER were the most acclaimed thrash metal band in the entire history of the Polish scene. Their four full length releases became legendary and their status as Polish thrash metal heroes still remains unbroken to this day which is probably why they've reunited and Metal Mind Productions has reissued their material. Now for those of you who frequent metal forum sites, think you're Thrash as Fuck and have the mental capacity of a rock, you're probably wondering "well if their so legendary how come I haven't heard of em?" Well you see back in their day there was this little old thing called the Iron Curtain. I'll assume even a person with a U.S. public school education might have overheard the term while you were picking your nose in World History class. If not then Google it, I know you can do that. Anyway not only was it tough to get metal releases through the Iron Curtain but also people. From my own tape trading recollection even after Eastern Europe was free from Soviet domination it was still tough to get info as well as releases from that part of the continent.

I'm also just now learning about WOLF SPIDER and I'm not Thrash as Fuck either. Doing SFM666 is an ongoing learning experience and I need to thank Vlad Nowajczyk the editor-in-chief of ROCKER (formerly known as HARDROCKER) the best metal magazine from Poland, according to him of course. Vlad sent all four of these releases in for review and as most readers of SFM666 know, I already do a decent job at exposing Eastern European metal to the masses. Of course more is always necessary and learning about histories of various nation's metal scenes is always a great learning experience for me. Which brings us back to WOLF SPIDER who started out back in 1985. Their first release, technically, was Wilczy Pająk which was completed in 1987 but wasn't released until 1989. Musically the album is a collision of 80's NWOBHM and Thrash with a singer who sounds like Klaus Meine from the SCORPIANS. The production is fairly clean with songs that are worthy headbangers. The lyrics are sung in their native language which makes no difference in the long run as long as the music is rough which it is. Their following full length release (after doing two split releases in 1987) was Hue Of Evil which was done in 1988 but wasn't released until 1991. The band's music is still in the same vein as their debut but with more emphasis on the thrash elements and hints of East Coast USA influences. The vocals are more high pitched like someone trying to channel Halford.

Kingdom Of Paranoia is the band's official third release which came out in 1990. Kingdom Of Paranoia finds the band further changed. The lead vocals on here are a little higher pitched than their previous release. Also the band now has moved into a more technical thrash style while still holding onto the catchy melodic elements of their two earlier releases. The band's fourth and final full length, Drifting In The Sullen Sea, is by far their best. While the genre in the rest of the world was pretty much dead, WOLF SPIDER created an album worthy of any one's best of Thrash releases listings if they had known about em of course. All of the elements are here like the perfect higher pitched yet aggressive sounding vocals, catchy headbanging riffs, technical song structures which keep things interesting throughout. The hardest time I had reviewing these releases is that I couldn't think of any other band name to drop down as a comparison. I'm not saying this Polish act are completely original but I'll just point out that WOLF SPIDER were not copying any of the big four of thrash nor were they following in the footsteps of their Teutonic neighbors. In the end if you are still looking for that obscure thrash band which doesn't sound like a typical second tier act then you should check these out.
Rating 4/5

Label: http://www.metalmind.com.pl/index.php?jezyk=en

Official: http://www.wolfspider.pl


Here's a track from each release:

ANHEDONIST - Netherwards CD review

ANHEDONIST - Netherwards CD
Dark Descent Records
Genre: Death / Doom

I always find it amazing how bands of certain music genre's can create a sound which not only invokes a trance like state to your mind but also helps transcend time and space. The first time I listened to Netherwards was on a Monday night at around eight O'clock. I turned on the music, set it for continuous play and kicked back in the office chair to absorb everything. The next thing I knew it was Tuesday morning and I was laying on the floor with my clothing all ripped and partially covered in blood. Luckily for me I have a place in the country now where one's unique nocturnal habits (and music tastes as well as how loud you can play it) are not a problem. Speaking of which ANHEDONIST hails from Seattle which is far from being an out of the way place unlike Australia which is where this band takes their death doom influences from. I'm sure Seattle is a dismal place with all the rain and people still living off of Kurt Cobain's memory et all but their record stores must sell releases by PORTAL and diSEMBOWELMENT which this combo sounds similar to.

Those two name dropped acts are only the tip of what ANHEDONIST channels as far as band names go but with death doom redundancy is a given especially if it crawls slower than a snail with a fifty pound boulder tied to it's rear end. Don't take my harsh criticism for harsh criticism. I actually think this is pretty good. It's funeral doom from the point of view of the corpse who's already in the ground and being covered with earth. The riffs are like shovel's full of dirt plopping on top of the coffin at least on the opener "Saturnine" which does add some speedy riffs in between the sludge. "Estrangement" is monstrously brutal at first but ends like a procesion through a dark cathedral with ashen faced mourners. "Carne Liberatus" sounds like PORTAL if you got em out of their cave. The final cut, yes there's only four, "Inherent Opprobrium" starts off with one guitar drawing single notes in a introspective way while the second guitar crushes melons with the riff. This is probably the saddest cut or at least trying to be sad, because I'm actually smiling while listening to this, on Netherwards.

What benefits this release from it's genre style predecessors is the production. Even though ANHEDONIST have the down tuned distorted riffs with enough reverb to topple over the Space Needle (which is in Seattle by the way) and the cave beast awakening from hibernation vocals, there's still this rich atmosphere that sets this into clean sounding epic metal territory. Guitarist / Vocalist, V.B. (Very Bad?) even lets loose with some painful screams as if his foot is caught in a bear trap. Netherwards is a little over forty minutes of Australian sounding death doom not made in Australia.

Rating 5/5

Label: http://www.darkdescentrecords.com/

Official: http://anhedonist.blogspot.com/

ETERNAL HELCARAX - Against All Odds CD review

ETERNAL HELCARAX - Against All Odds CD
Abyss Records
Genre: Black Metal

What is lost on all those who say things like "Black Metal needs to progress in order for it to stay relevant" is that the genre already has innovative and creative individuals (past & present) who have added so much diversity. The genre is already vibrant without having to progress it out of existence. This Irish band is a perfect example since they take the influences of ENSLAVED's progressiveness and BATHORY's Viking era stylings to modern heights of epicness. Against All Odds is ETERNAL HELCARAX's debut release, they also have two short form releases as well (the To Whatever End EP from 2010 and the Palest Kingdom EP from 2008). On here the seven songs, and one lush instrumental intro, represent a perfect meeting between blackened pagan folk with washes of progressive elements via occasional use of synthesizers to add atmosphere. The cuts are melodic but carrying enough raw emotion as well as complex song structures to invoke visions of battles of old. Yeah I really like this release.

It's rare when a band can sound brutal as well as beautiful. The opening intro will fool most people into believing nothing harsh is going to happen but once through it then ETERNAL HELCARAX (who are Praetorian - guitars/vocals/keyboards, Maulgrim - guitars/vocals, Thule - bass and Tyrith - drums) blasts out like an army charging into battle. While the early parts of Against All Odds showcase more of this band's epic side like on the amazing BATHORY-esque "Claim Your Place With The Gods". The latter half exposes true war like wrath with "Shadow Of The Wolf" (an obvious favorite of mine) and admonishment to the true warrior spirit on "Echoes Through Our Blood" and the closing title cut. Everything about Against All Odds is amazing from Praetorian's harsh battle cries, the coldness of the riffs as well as the amazing drum work by Tyrith. It's a dynamic scale of harsh and atmospheric music which in the end had me wanting more. This will definitely find itself in my end of year favorites list as well as being played throughout the year.

Rating: 5/5


Label: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/

Official: http://eternalhelcaraxe.net/

EMPTINESS - Error CD review

EMPTINESS - Error CD
Dark Descent Records
Genre: Blackened Death / Doom

In all honesty this thing comes off sounding like the house band of R'lyeh with Cthulhu on vocals. That should be expected since this Belgium act contains Phorgath and Nerath Daemon of the great ENTHRONED (who also have a new release this year which I'll be getting soon enough). This is my introduction to EMPTINESS which has been around for quite a few years and has two previous full lengths. Error comes off of a five year hiatus for this side project since their 2007 release Oblivion. After listening to this I'll be purchasing their previous releases because music like this is what nightmares are made of. This is the type of blackened poison which will erode the minds of the weak. The band, which is Phorgath - bass & vocals, Nerath Daemon - lead guitar & backing vocals, Jonas Sanders - drums and Phil P. aka: Philippe Angelo Pieters on rhythm guitar, has created a musical malevolent entity of horrific proportions. Any clean spots left on your soul will be covered in black after you listen to this a few times.

Welcome to a realm of grotesque horror as the death doomish atmosphere envelopes you while being taunted by Phorgath's inhuman guttural proclamations. The eight tracks on here combine to leave the listener disoriented amidst chaotic melodies strung out through monstrous riffs and tremolo picked harmonies which ice your bones. This is far from being another old school retread or even an off-kilter version of ENTHRONED. Musically Error is far more experimental in that grandiose rhythms are slammed headlong into bombastic post rock riffs. That's the case with cuts like "Not Enough" and on "Worst". Hypnotically textured intro sequences flow like rain water into a culvert only to exit poisoned and with extreme currents like on "Low" and the opener "Deafer". In the end Error is as varied and disharmonious as the subterranean realm which spawned it. Whether that's literally or subconsciously is up to you to decide. I for one know that this is blackened death doom taken to it's most progressive as well as nightmarish level.

Rating: 5/5

Label: http://www.darkdescentrecords.com/

Official: http://www.emptiness.be/

WOODEN STAKE - At The Stroke Of Midnight CD Compilation review

WOODEN STAKE - At The Stroke Of Midnight CD Compilation
Razorback Records
Genre: Doom

I predicted last year that WOODEN STAKE would put out a compilation of all of their EPs, actually I was hoping they would since most releases were out of print about the time I found out about em. So now one of the best Doom bands around, especially if you're into occult themes, has given fans as well as new comers a second chance. This release starts off with a new cut "Night of the Banshee" and from there contains the two tracks from 2011's Black Caped Carnivore” 7” EP ("Black Caped Carnivore" and "Curse of the Funeral Mistress"), their "In the Godless Moonlight" from their split release with DRUID LORD which also came out in 2011. Then there's the two cuts ( "Death Reads the Black Tarot" and "The Legend of Blood Castle") off of another split release from 2011 with BLIZARO. Then there's the two cuts ("Invoke the Ageless Witch" and "At the Stroke of Midnight / Howl of the Devil") off of 2010's Invoke the Ageless Witch 7” EP which was the release that really got me into this band as well as becoming a huge fan. This dink ends with the five cuts ("Sepulchral Awakening", "Stalking in the Shadowlands", "Condemned", "Forbidden Oath" and "A Passing Lament") from their debut Vampire Plague Exorcism. Now all you need, if you don't have it already, is their incredible full length from last year and you'll be squared away.

Rating: 5/5

Label: http://www.razorbackrecords.com/


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodenstake

HUNTRESS - Spell Eater CD review

HUNTRESS - Spell Eater CD
Napalm Records
Genre: Heavy Metal

I learned about this act back in February, via a Napalm Records email update, promoting their "Eight of Swords" video. Obviously having a former Playboy model, Jill Janus, as a front woman didn't hurt this band at getting out of the clubs and onto a label, as well as getting features in major metal print publications. (check out the spread, pardon the pun, in Metal Hammer) But to be fair Jill Janus is a classically trained vocalist with a huge range so the eye candy factor really doesn't follow the cliche. Secondly HUNTRESS is a thrash meets power metal five piece from California who started out a few years back. They have a three song self released EP from 2010, Off With Her Head, under their belts. On this debut their two guitar attack by Blake Meahl and Ian Alden is reminiscent of many Teutonic acts of the power metal genre minus the orchestra leanings. Spell Eater combines a little of everything from galloping riff thrash to classic NWOBHM and melodic death to create a catchy batch of somewhat memorable cuts. Of course some out weigh the others and those are the ones which Janus really utilizes her vox. The opening title cut along with the video number "Eight of Swords" mentioned above plus "Children" and the closing number "The Tower" are all noteworthy. There are no ballads on here which is another cliche destroyed.

Rating: 3/5


Label: http://www.napalmrecords.com/

Official: http://huntresskills.com/

COP PROBLEM - Self Titled 7" review

COP PROBLEM - Self Titled 7"
War Torn Records
Genre: Hardcore

Some friends of mine always ask why don't I review Hardcore releases. Well here's a new one by a Philadelphia four piece act who sound like Hardcore 1989. Now all of us out here who know history understand that Hardcore officially died by 1987. All who followed were just copying what had come before. Also by 1989 the so-called Hardcore scene was sort of a joke with various factions moving away from any affiliation with traditional punk rock and either going full on hippie anarcho punk, emo or metal. The three songs on here remind me of what was coming out of San Fran and DC back in 1989. You still had the caustic vocals, the speedy riffs and the politics but the music was partly more melodic (emo) and cleaner sounding (college rockers). Some idiot scribe from a hipster website actually called this crust. That just goes to show that metal is not the only genre which hipsters are clueless about. You can also throw in a heaping helping of revisionism since that's a hipster specialty. COP PROBLEM is fronted by a woman but you really can't tell by her vocals even when the band slows down to an emo pace on the third cut "Blinded by Power" and the singer (Deb Cohen) breaks into some spoken word lyrics (how anarcho punk, minus the shrill). COP PROBLEM are simply another boring political band with nothing new to scream about over twenty years later.

Rating: 1/5

Label: http://www.wartornrecords.com/



Official: http://www.copproblem.com/


SORRY BUT NO VID FOR THIS ACT.

DISEIM - Holy Wrath CD review

DISEIM - Holy Wrath CD
Abyss Records
Genre: Death Metal

The new OSDM (Old School Death Metal) trend has hit Latvia with this debut album from DISEIM. Instead of the slash and burn approach this band has opted for the death doom style made good by past bands like GRAVE and AUTOPSY albeit to less effectiveness. The greatest goal for all of these bands who revive the classic sounds of yesteryear is to not only capture that perfect niche but also to not sound like a retro act just playing by a template. These bands need to inject some original enthusiasm. For as much as DISEIM invokes a dreaded and dank atmosphere on Holy Wrath it just sounds too simplistic. While opener "Black" as well as the second cut "Holy Wrath" displayed promise with their inviting dark atmosphere as well as chugging riffs the rest of the release seemed to fall flat. DISEIM sound like a band trying, which is the key word here, to be old school death doom. They've left out key ingredients like a filthier sounding production which always works. The rhythms sound bored as if no one really cared to be aggressive. Would it kill this band to at least place a few fiery solos into some of these songs? I've rarely gotten drowsy listening to a death doom release but there's always a first time for everything and this was it.

Rating: 2/5

Label: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/


Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Diseim/160549820655600

SEPTEKH - The Seth Avalanche EP review

SEPTEKH - The Seth Avalanche EP
Abyss Records
Genre: Thrash

First off that's the one of the worst looking drawings of a wolf, on the cover of this release, that I've ever seen. Look at those fuckin teddy bear ears? Artwork aside this Swedish act delivers a brand of thrash that's laced with chuggy death metal overtones (death thrash?) for part of this release like the aptly titled "Blunt Force to the Head". Other times they're ripping you a new asshole with opener "Fuckslut From Hell" and "Shoot Them All". There's six cuts on this EP leaving no room for screwing around with variety. SEPTEKH deal in trauma with the combined assault of raspy blackened punk vocals, as well as some gruff ones, and a battery of guitar fury which really doesn't sound retro. These Swedes need more than a little over twenty minutes to really impress.

Rating: 3/5

Label: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/
Official: http://www.septekh.com/

ATER ERA - In Autumn's Solitary Decline CD review

ATER ERA - In Autumn's Solitary Decline CD
Mater Tenebrarum Records
Genre: Black Metal

In an era when you have some people wanting black metal to progress itself out of existence it's always good to hear something that hearkens to the genre's more primal past. ATER ERA hails from Slovenia and this debut release fits that prescription. In Autumn's Solitary Decline originally came out last Fall but you know how slow the Post Office is of late so I'm checking it out now. Yes that's a joke. Originally starting off as a solo project (I think they're a band now) the main architect behind ATER ERA is named S.S. The man's responsible for vocals, guitar and songwriting. Hopefully he was not involved with the drums which on here sound as if they were recorded in a cavern. Everything else sounds fairly good in a melodic yet still raw black metal way. The guitars have that crispy sound quality somewhere in-between bacon frying and a broken electrical cable sparking. Either way it's a menacing sound that greats you on opener "Vest". S.S.'s vocals have that ghastly horror quality that pairs well with the seminal epicness which is like a door that this act is banging upon. "Exanimus" displays that explanation perfectly with some variety in it's structure albeit a little eclectic. The final cut "Red Thorah" adds a little change from the monotony with surprise ambient passages within the crash and tremolo blasts. You could also consider it's closing somewhat psychedelic.

Rating: 3/5

Label: http://www.matertenebrarum.org/

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

MEATSHANK - Scavengers CD review

MEATSHANK - Scavengers CD
Self Released
Genre: Thrash

When I went to check this Kansas City, Missouri band's official website a pop up sponsor ad for Kobe Steaks came up. Coincidence? Whatever the case this release, their second full length, originally came out back in 2010. Obviously this is a second chance promotional push which happens quite a bit. Not only is the release two years old but the band's sound hearkens back to the time when the lines between thrash metal and crossover punk were blurred. I immediately realized that when opener "Meet your Maker" blasted out from my speakers and envisioned the slam pit action from my own past. Those were the days when spikey haired punks and long haired metal heads dropped their guards and partied as one. Yeah that really didn't last did it.

Anyways MEATSHANK are one part crossover and one part traditional thrash. While this three piece can bust out blazing riffs in that DRI, CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER type vein (including the higher pitch caustic vocals) on a few cuts they can also tap into some METALLICA stylings ala "Sweet Release" or a more modern melodic death thrashing rage on "Symbiotic Annihilation". Actually this whole release is a variety of surprises that comprise of a cross pollination of the past while still sounding fresh today. MUNICIPAL WASTE comes to mind as a similar band who, while obviously borrowing from the past, created a sound that found a niche with modern ears. If there ever was a release that needed a second push it's Scavengers. Even better would be to see them signed to a decent label in order to get this into stores.

Rating: 4/5

Official: http://meatshank.angelfire.com/

Scum Video: EMPTINESS releases It and I

Belgium's oppressive death metallers, EMPTINESS, featuring members of Enthroned, have released a video for the track "It and I," taken from their newest full-length Error. The video, which was shot in the band's own Blackout Studios, can be viewed below:



Error is now available for order through Dark Descent Records. Brooding and venomous, progressive and blackened, EMPTINESS' Error is a journey into descending madness. Forward-thinking black-doom insanity wrapped in a groove-laden burl of off-kilter rhythms and disharmonic melody collide with a poisonous tongue; Phorgath's agonizing spoken rasp claws at the mind and fuels the nightmare within. Embrace sorrowed oblivion. Error delivers nine new tracks of killer death/black noise with a layout (done by Brussels-based Blackout Media) featuring a four-panel digipak on upgraded matte finish card stock with an eight page booklet.

http:www.Emptiness.be
http:www.facebook.com/emptiness.be

http:www.darkdescentrecords.com

MARES OF THRACE - The Pilgrimage CD review

MARES OF THRACE - The Pilgrimage CD
Sonic Unyon Metal
Genre: Sludge

This release is a perfect example on how a decent producer can turn an average sounding band into something decent albeit formulated. On their 2010 debut, The Moulting, this Calgary noisy doomish duo sounded like a crusty band trying to jump on the second wave NEU-ISIS sludge bandwagon. My own not so humble opinion aside it supposedly garnered critical acclaimed, more on that one later. Now the same band goes into the studio with producer Sanford Parker, gets slightly cleaned up and heavily built up to create this sophomore release. The fact is that The Pilgrimage is a much better release by far. On a whole it's a sludgey pummeling paired up with fierce ambiance that holds your attention as well as balances the release out until you realize you've heard this (aka: two piece sludge bands) plenty of times in the past three to four years. I constantly read opinions by interweb scribes (aka: the critics) on how they see certain genres stagnating by the sheer amount of repetition as opposed to progressiveness. Almost all of their targets fall in with bands in the black metal, death metal and thrash genres. Technically that's fine because it's just their opinion and the opposite feeling is that fans tend to relate better with familiar sounds. I'm part of the latter opinion. One thing you don't see is the same critical balance when it comes to sludge rock. In this band's case their sound and style is as familiar to me as the back of my hand and I review 90% of the same releases as the major interweb critics.

Now before I go even further with that last point lets give MARES OF THRACE the credit they at least deserve. You just can't ignore the coolness of Therese Lanz's vocals especially when that feral feline type shriek, like on "The Gallwasp", "The Goat Thief" and "The Perpetrator", erupts forth. Most of the time she's screaming in a deep gruff pitch or adding clean haunting vocals. As far as this duo's sound goes having a modified baritone guitar with an added bass pickup gives Lanz's' playing an extra violent kick of heaviness as well as a darker tone when strumming melodically. Drummer Stef MacKichan's playing is a cross between follow Lanz's lead and pound away to more of a jazz inspired playing when given room to do so. The release itself is split into three distinct parts and based on a dirty biblical story (aka: from the bible, a book I'm sure you've heard about) of King David and Bathsheba. The first part is the heavy section with the second expanding to more diverse noise accents. It's the third part on here where the duo breaks into more noise doom dissidence like on "The Three-Legged Courtesan" and the over eight minute closer.

Overall I think The Pilgrimage is a decent sludge band release simply because I listened to it half a dozen times and didn't pay attention to their promo photos. Now we're getting back to my earlier point which will result in emails from wussies who hate when I editorialize in a review. I got this in to review right when it was released although I did have the pleasure of reading plenty of promos which included quotes from individual print and interweb scribes. I also checked out two interviews, one print and the other radio podcast. I just can't get away from the suspicion that some people in the music media, especially the indie rockers who now like metal contingent, base their praise more on this duo's looks than the music. Just looking at some of the hype you would think there's a collective genuflect going on. Granted most hipsters are used to the vintage clothing dressed, femi-nazi, hairy armpit-ed barrista look when it comes to the women they hang around with or see on stage. Along comes MARES OF THRACE and their objectivity falls by the waist side, literally. Personally I think this band deserves better than that. It is 2012 and this ain't high school. Nuff Said.

Rating: 4/5

Label: http://www.sonicunyon.com/metal


Official: http://maresofthrace.com/

DEADBORN - Mayhem Maniac Machine CD review

DEADBORN - Mayhem Maniac Machine CD
Apostasy Records
Genre: Death Metal

This is the second release by Germany’s DEADBORN who not only have in their membership two former (short stint) NECROPHAGIST members (vocalist Mario Petrovic and drummer extraordinaire Slavek Foltyn) but also have a sound not too far from them. I never heard their debut Stigma Eternal which came out back in 2007 but just going by hearing this these Germans are sticking with tradition. Yeah if you can hear NECROPHAGIST you can also hear OBSCURA, slightly. Let me be the first to pose the question. Is this part of some new 1990's German tech death revival? Yes I know the penalty for that comment but I don't have a Luger to make it honorable so I'll just keep going on.

Although these guys hold true to their homeland's genre tradition they also toss in plenty of thrash elements to the arrangements. That formula makes this kinda less tech bland. On a few cuts like "Insane Motor Cortex" their packaging of influences works well with energetic riffage and Slavek Foltyn pounding away like a machine. There's also some blackened touches thrown in for good measure. "Profanatic Reanimation" is a massive attack of thick riff aggression and once again Foltyn leads the charge as a technician. The soloing throughout is kept at bay in lieu of emphasising the riffs. That's also the problem here since there's not much variety going on. Plus Mario, albeit a gruff throaty vocalist, has only one level when singing and after a few cuts it's annoying. Still with those slights Mayhem Maniac Machine is a decent release. It's the kinda thing for people who wanna grow up from the "core" but are not ready for the true guitar pyrotechnics.

Rating: 3/5

Label: http://www.apostasyrecords.com/


Official: http://www.deadborn.de/

MONOLITHE - Interlude Second EP review

MONOLITHE - Interlude Second EP
Self Released
Genre: Doom

The French doom act MONOLITHE was never much on impressive titles (it a pattern that kinda runs with many French extreme bands). While waiting to put together their third opus of dark atmospheric doom Monolithe III, which will come out on Debemur Morti Productions maybe later this year, the band created two in-between EPs. The first was Interlude Premier released in 2007. This is obviously the second part which is two long, mostly instrumental with some vocals, cuts, titled Harmony of Null Matter - Section 1 and Section 2, to fill your mind with thoughts of misery and gloom. Some people like to call MONOLITHE's sound funeral doom. Personally I don't think the patient has red lined just yet. In fact it's still comatose but the mind is in the throes of dying definitely. This is the kind of music you listen to late at night when you're curled up in bed with a Lovecraft book and a spider.

Rating: 3/5

Official: http://www.monolithe.free.fr/


Bandcamp: http://monolithe.bandcamp.com/album/interlude-second-ep

FISTHAMMER - Devour All You See CD review

FISTHAMMER - Devour All You See CD
Horror Pain Gore Death Productions
Genre: Death Metal

It's always good to listen to a band whose music is a direct representation of their name. FISTHAMMER is a four piece act that hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania or what they refer to as Killadelphia. I still call it Hostile City USA but the sentiment is the same. Devour All You See is their debut which is basically tech death but not in the ADD range which I can handle. Think back to the early days of tech death when bands first started copying DEATH's signature influences and then pushing it to another level albeit not jazz or progressive. FISTHAMMER follows that template fairly easy. When I saw song titles like "Bullet Rape", "Zombocalypse" as well as "Kull the Conquerer" I thought this was going to be brutal as in brutal for brutality's sake. On the contrary Devour All You See is actually more melodic with fluid soloing as well riffs that bite most of the time with some flesh ripping here and there for flash. Vocals are mostly gruff with some moments of banshee like screaming. The songs also keep within a dark atmospheric fog of desolation and despair kinda like Philadelphia which I always thought was an smelly armpit aka: Filthadelphia. This is a pretty cool debut although it kinda follows the pattern of what I predicted late last year. Since OSDM (aka: Old School Death Metal) was the rage for a few years sooner or later the roots of tech death would surface (or something to that effect).

Rating: 3/5

Label: http://hpgd.comoj.com/index.html


Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Fisthammer

SPAWN OF POSSESSION - Incurso CD review

SPAWN OF POSSESSION - Incurso CD
Relapse Records
Genre: Death Metal

Just from the press / promo for this release you would think Tech Death fans were in withdrawals for the past six years which probably is a horrible sight to witness. Well your wait is over you attention deficit disorder freaks. SPAWN OF POSSESSION return with the revamped line-up and this new release. As regular readers of SFM666 know I have very little passion or patience for tech death. I see most of it as jazz noodling without any serious song craft at work. With that said I think there are some bands who really push the envelope on sheer greatness as well as create interesting compositions which don't give me a fuckin headache. SPAWN OF POSSESSION is one of those bands at least that's what I thought about their last release, Noctambulant, from 2006. This latest one, their first for Relapse, surpasses what they've done before. Incurso introduces Christian Munzner of NECROPHAGIST and OBSCURA fame joining Jonas Bryssling on guitar which brings about even more of a formidable tech death riffage display throughout. Munzner handles all of the soloing on here which should come to no surprise. Also added to the line-up is new bassist Erlend Caspersen whose playing on here takes on a larger presence than their former plucker.

Right after the opening intro you'll notice in this new version of SPAWN OF POSSESSION that Munzner has brought more to this band than just his guitar and talent. There's an obvious OBSCURA feel to these songs via melody flowing throughout the jazz infused insanity. Vocalist Dennis Rondum is the only one not contributing to the tech wizardry at work on here since giving up the drums to Henrik Schonstrom in order to do full time frontman duties. His vocals on here are standard fair but worthy of the musicianship at work around him. As far as Schonstrom is concerned his talents are all over these cuts. One of the many reasons why this is a damm good tech death release (in my not so humble non tech death liking opinion) is that this band is jelled to perfection. While the musicians push the meter on standout performances there's no one who stands above the rest not even Munzner in the mix. I'm not going to single out any particular cuts since the whole release is an amazing composition from start to end with some progressive styled surprises. As far as I'm concerned Incurso is now the new standard in Tech Death.

Rating: 5/5

Label: http://www.relapse.com/


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpawnofPossession?v=wall

OLD HEAD - Maximum Rock CD review

OLD HEAD - Maximum Rock CD
At War with False Noise Records
Genre: Thrash

Obviously Richard Hoak doesn't have enough on his plate with BRUTAL TRUTH and TOTAL FUCKING DESTRUCTION that he now has this new project. OLD HEAD (what a fuckin band name?) is not another grind band but instead is some cool sounding thrash, melodic punk and 70's metal. Along for the fun is RUMPELSTILTSKIN GRINDER guitarist Ryan Moll, bassist Dan O'Hare and the amazing vocals are performed by Dan Tumulo aka MegaDan Tumulo. Maximum Rock is more maximum MEGADETH worship or tribute with plenty of screwing around which sounds pretty good. Whoever came up with the idea to cover JETHRO TULL's "Fat Man" as an opener and strain it through MEGADETH riffage is a genius. There's also a punked out cover of SABBATH's "Rock And Roll Doctor" which I thought was also pretty cool although obviously it will piss off some people. They also do "I Almost Cut My Hair" from CROSBY, STILLS & NASH in a punk rock parody / funk way which, except for Ryan Moll's excellent guitar work, is ok. The cover tune savagery is just the novelties on here. The real meat comes in with the band's original material which shows how calling OLD HEAD a super group is not an understatement. Songs like "Bleeder", "Libertine", "Kill Kill Kill" and "Stoner Grind" all showcase the amazing talent of these individuals. There's a couple of lackluster tunes on here but otherwise it's simply a superb performance by all involved.

Rating: 4/5

Label: http://www.atwarwithfalsenoise.com/


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oldheadshreds

Scum News: Hopscotch Music Fest Preview

And now it's time for SFM666's annual Hopscotch Hipster Fest Preview.

Like in 2011 this year's "spit before you leave the stall" Fest in Downtown Raleigh has it's usual suspects when it comes to the band line-up. You have your typical array of bad indie pop / alt. country acts who are all friends or family members of the Independent staff or are simply owed a favor from previous one night stand liaisons that someone does not want made public. You also have the politically correct quota amount of hip hop artists which is as close to a person of color these hipster / indie rock / liberals will get plus they can wear their Obama 2012 shirts if they're worried about getting beat up. Yes people obviously the stiff-est thing at this year's Hopscotch is again the $165 price tag. But supposedly there's Metal, Punk and extreme sounds??? Let's take a look.

One of the headliners this year is THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN. Here is a band that's sucked for so long they make the hoovers at the Independent look like amateurs. Then there's BUILT TO SPILL, a classic 1990's college radio indie rock loser band. They're the nostalgia act of the fest which will bring back memories of those college days for the thirty something crowd of losers. Memories like cramming in the dorms at night, on weekends, alone and I'm not talking about tests either. Call maintenance the door knob is broke again. Also there's YO LA TANGO a typical Cats Cradle act that Hopscotch always seems to have a quota of.
　
As far as some good stuff there's one of NC's greatest bands on the bill, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY. The hoovers at the Independent need to be congratulated for choosing COC this year, even after 20 years of not even writing about em let alone acknowledging their existence. One must give the staff of the Independent's music dept a break since they've only learned about extreme music recently thanks to trolling websites that ca-tor to hipsters. Let's be honest here, if it wasn't for Pitchfork or Brooklyn Vegan the music staff at the Independent would still be sitting around playing smell my finger while listening to LIMP BISCUIT and saying "dude these guys are way better than MOTORHEAD or SABBATH." As far as other well known local Metal bands on this year's line-up there's, ah I'll get back to you on that one later.
　
As far as the other bands go there's the drone sounds of SUNN O))) who despite not having released anything new in years and just live on reputation than creativity are definitely worth the smoke machine bath you'll take seeing their performance. Wear interesting shoes because you'll be staring at them most of the time. BARONESS returns to Raleigh for the beard metal hipster fans which is all they have now since their credibility was shot after their Blue album was judged as great a few years ago which fans of real music laughed at. I do recommend seeing PALLBEARER since when their first demo release came out in 2010 only two Doom metal websites and Scumfeast Metal 666 (according to Google search results at that time) had written about them in a review. The word spread and this year they have a full length debut, Sorrow and Extinction, which is not as good. ONEIDA are horrible. NAILS are pretty good metallic post HC. ALTAR OF PLAGUES, from Ireland, had a great full length White Tomb in 2009. In fact I had it in the top black metal albums that year. They were riding that line of black metal / shoegazer. But their last release Mammal from 2011 was mostly shoegazer which the ignorant hipster scribes liked because it had no balls. The only time hipsters like balls is when they're getting teabagged.
　
On the local front there's BLACK SKIES whose last release sounded like the WHITE STRIPES playing stoner rock. Obviously they're on the bill because their bass player is a show booker and has a reputation (from what I've been told) as being queen of the harpies with her shrill unprofessional rock star attitude. THE ATLAS MOTH are boring and more of a critics band pic. CHEATER SLICKS are an old garage punk band from the late 80s / early 90s who I haven't listened to for a while but pre-dated all of the other blues punk bands that later crawled out of no where. I recommend their Destination Lonely and Whiskey LPs from the early 90's. WITHERED are a progressive blackened death act out of Atlanta. I've seen em twice and still can't hear what makes critics like em. Their last album from 2010, Dualitas, was not that exciting.
　
There are a few more names I recognize on this year's Independent blowfest but they're all third tier local acts which you could catch on a weekend show in Raleigh. So as far as SFM666 is concerned I recommend COC, NAILS, SUNN O))), CHEATER SLICKS and PALLBEARER out of the all. That shouldn't be a surprise since I hold the music dept of the Independent in such low esteem that toe nail fungus thinks they're peons. Be that as it may at least the downtown business community will do good. They can use the cash. I also know that this preview will make people at the Independent as well as the silly hipsters throw a hissy fit but they would complain for just about anything. The bottom line is that Hopscotch has little to offer to fans of extreme metal. What's really sad is that in a state that has a minimum of a dozen world renown extreme music bands the people at the Independent only know of one to represent at Hobanob fest. That's like having a music fest in Stockholm, Sweden and only having one death metal act on the bill.

Scum News: CORROSION OF CONFORMITY Confirmed To Play Hopscotch Music Fest

North Carolina's CORROSION OF CONFORMITY has announced their addition to this year’s Hopscotch Music Fest. The three-day event, which has also been called "Hipster-Fest",
will take place on September 6 – 8, 2012 in Raleigh, NC. Hopscotch is known as a second rate SXSW which is the creation of the local free liberal weekly, The Independent, which in recent years has learned that metal as well as punk rock and hardcore actually exists after years of ignoring it in lieu of indie rock, alternative country, hip hop and bad politically correct jangle pop.

This revelation comes in part by the Independent's music editor Jason Currin who learned of Metal's existence from the website Pitchfork and follows their lead when it comes to Metal bands that indie rockers / hipsters can approve of. Jason is a well known figure in the local music scene. He's known to be seen wearing his Hot Topic purchased unofficial MAYHEM t-shirt at clubs during performances of Independent Weekly / Pitchfork approved bands. The addition of CORROSION OF CONFORMITY to this year's hipster fest marks the first time the Independent has acknowledged the band's existence, other than a passing name drop, in twenty years.


Comments guitarist Woody Weatherman:"I always enjoy playing these festivals with such a diverse collection of bands; it's awesome this time it is in our hometown."

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY will return to the road this June on a previously announced stretch of West Coast and Canadian headlining dates. Sponsored by Thrasher Magazine, the tour will commence on June 1 in Charlotte, North Carolina and include a spot on the Ink-N-Iron Festival in Long Beach, California with Suicidal Tendencies, TSOL, Pennywise and more. Support will come from Torche, Black Cobra and Gaza. Tickets are on sale now through all major ticket outlets.

related news, the band recently released a video for “Psychic Vampire.” Presented exclusively by Scion AV, the production was directed by Charles Cardello of Bifocal Media and is viewable below:



http://www.coc.com


http://www.facebook.com/corrosionofconformity

http://candlelightrecordsusa.com

DOPE FLOOD - A Planet On Four Legs EP review

DOPE FLOOD - A Planet On Four Legs EP
Self Released
Genre: Hard Rock

Since coming back from my so-called vacation I have had to do a lot of purging of material sent in for review that built up over the month I was away. One of the reasons why I don't review everything that gets sent into Scumfeast Metal 666 is that certain releases don't fit into the music criteria I've set for this site. That's basically a nice way of saying I don't like your style of music. What bands always need to remember (although some don't) just because I don't care for something doesn't mean it's not worth while to millions of other people. So every once in a while I'll let one slip through the vise jaws that's at least interesting. Take this Greek band DOPE FLOOD and their three song EP which originally came out in 2011. If this band's goal was to sound just like (if not better) the lion's share of American top 40 radio rock bands well then they've achieved that goal. Now when I use the term "radio rock" I'm talking about the mix of modern southern rock / metal meets Seattle mainstream grunge from years ago.

This band is like if PEARL JAM came from Georgia with an Eddie Vedder type wearing a straw cowboy hat. You've got your sludgy riffs distorted out the max, slow tempos with melodies that start off soft then kick in hard and heavy. This band has the formula down but like I pertained to earlier DOPE FLOOD have something going for them which is better than the typical. First and foremost the guitar tone of the riffs sounds rough and meaty as if Jack Endino had his hand in producing this. Secondly the clean and sharp soloing sounds a whole helluva lot better than the usual radio rock. I know this because a few weeks ago I had to ride around with a friend all day and she was playing top 40 radio rock the whole time. Yeah I was in hell but it was a learning experience and DOPE FLOOD is equal to, if not better, than all of what I heard that day. What would seal the deal would be for them to have a Confederate Flag back drop on their stage set up as well as their singer sipping from a Jack Daniels bottle (filled with iced tea of course) during performances.
3/5

Myspace: http:www.myspace.com/Dopeflood

Bandcamp: http://dopeflood.bandcamp.com/

VORTEX OF CLUTTER - The Ghosts Of A New Generation EP review

VORTEX OF CLUTTER - The Ghosts Of A New Generation EP
Self Released
Genre: Death Thrash

This is the second Turkish extreme metal band I've reviewed a release from this month. The other one was more "core" influenced. VORTEX OF CLUTTER from Istanbul are on the melodic side of the death metal genre but their thrash tempos are gritty. They're also very versatile in their song structures thereby making all of these four cuts fairly interesting. Songs like "Cocktail" and "Abdal" (my favorite tracks) are perfect examples of the band showing off skilled dynamic song craft in which they pair up mild melodies with neck snapping riffs. The vocals are mainly gruff standard with these off kilter multi track harmonies which adds a new twist to the genre as well as making VORTEX OF CLUTTER stand out. These guys are not new at all either. They started out back in 2008 and since then have an EP and a full length under their belts as well as this release.

Rating: 4/5

Official: http://www.vortexofclutter.com/

Scum video: SELF MADE MONSTERS live at the Caboose 1998

The SELF MADE MONSTERS were a punk rock band from Charlotte, North Carolina. They were heavily influenced by the STOOGES, G.G. ALLIN and various sixties garage punk. Their frontman Eddie Monster was larger than life and fearless. He had no problem verbally antagonizing audience members even going so far as literally attacking them. At one particular show I watched him jump off stage, run to the fuse ball table (where two guys were playing)take the fuse ball, put it in his mouth then ran back on stage. Obviously he wanted complete attention in the club focused on their performance. Another time he pulled off his belt and began whipping a guy he dared to come up on stage. I had the pleasure of seeing the SELF MADE MONSTERS a half dozen times. Each time something crazy happened. Check out the SELF MADE MONSTERS live at the Caboose Garner NC 8-14-98 at Scumfest.

Scum News: Warriors Of Metal Fest Releases Double CD 2012 Compilation

The Warriors of Metal, Inc. is privileged to announce that all the fans who will attend the 5th year anniversary of Warriors of Metal Fest Open Air this year on June 29th and 30th at Frontier Ranch in Pataskala, Ohio will receive a special 2012 Double CD Fest Compilation album which is in pressing right now. Additionally, thanks to the generous efforts of the WOM Fest European Street Team, 2000 of the Keep It True XV Festival attendees this year will also receive this compilation for free. This 158 minute Metal Monster was funded by all 36 participating bands from 5 different continents, mixed by the WOM Fest promoter Datis Alaee, and mastered by Thord Klarstrom at the 7th Gate Studio in Arvika, Sweden. The layout and arrangement of the accompanying 16 page full color booklet was done by the WOM Fest organizer Lea Alaee. All the artwork for this official Fest release was done by Dragonfyre Studios' Wayne Smith and Frank Parr in Defiance, Ohio who also designed the soon to be revealed Fest poster and Fest T-shirt designs.

The 17 tracks on Disc 1 contain bands from USA, Australia (Taberah), Greece (Power Crue), Sweden (Gallows End) and Brazil (Machinage) and include exclusive pre-release tracks from: Power Crue (Lighten The Underground from Greece), Gallows End (Independent from Sweden) and American bands: Mystic-Force (Siegen Records), and Power Theory & Fiakra (Pure Steel Records).


The 19 tracks on Disc 2 contain bands from USA, Brazil (Woslom) & Jordan (Dragonrider) and include exclusive pre-release tracks from Seax & Iron Will from Massachusetts, Lady Beast from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, The Last Alliance from Queens, New York, and Banshee from Kansas City, Kansas.

Tickets for the festival are on sale at the Fest website at http://www.blogger.com/www.%20warriorsofmetalfest.com! Weekend passes for adults (17 and up) are just $50 and Weekend 4-Packs for adults (groups of 4 people) are only $40 per person. Adult single day tickets are $30 for each day and $25 per person in a 4-Pack for a single day ticket. Teenager tickets (11-16) are only $15 for the whole weekend, Friday only or Saturday only. Kids under 11 get in for free. Camping is free and ticket buyers can also pre-order their Fest t-shirts at the time of their ticket purchase.

For all event related information please visit the Warriors Of Metal Fest's website at
www. warriorsofmetalfest.com

Scum News: BLOODSOAKED Complete Discography Now Streaming

One-Man Army of Death Peter Hasselbrack has now made his complete BLOODSOAKED discography available for streaming at http://www.blogger.com/www.bloodsoaked.stereokiller.com. Included are 2007's Brutally Butchered, 2009's Sadistic Deeds...Grotesque Memories, and 2011's The Death of Hope, all of which are available through Comatose Music. The albums continue to be available at http://www.blogger.com/www.bloodsoaked.bandcamp.comas well.


Considered one of the world's premier one-man death metal acts, North Carolina's BLOODSOAKED reached a new level of critical acclaim with the release of The Death of Hope, Ten songs of unholy Death Metal taking you back to the early 90s and reminiscent of legends like Obituary, Death, Malevolent Creation and Pestilence. On offer is pure old school brutality and addictive riffing with a crisp, modern production for 30 minutes of Pure Death Metal madness. Guest guitar solos by the iconic shredder James Murphy!

Check out "No God" from The Death of Hope:



In other news, BLOODSOAKED has the following shows and festival appearances scheduled for the coming months. Stay tuned for more announcements!


April 26-30 - Portugal (SWR Fest)

May 12 - Raleigh, NC (Volume 11)

July 12-14 - Czech Republic (Obscene Extreme Fest)

Check out "Infestation"; from the album "The Death of Hope"




BLOODSOAKED INFO



North Carolina (USA) based Death Metal band BLOODSOAKED concentrates on purely old school, no frills, straight forward, skull crushing Death Metal in the most raw and primitive form! There are no "slam till you can't slam no more breakdowns," no pig squeals, no arpeggios; simply classic Death Metal; nothing more, nothing less.



BLOODSOAKED was formed in 2006 by Peter Hasselbrack who recorded the "Brutally Butchered" CD that was limited to 100 copies. "Brutally Butchered" was well received in the underground Death Metal scene and caught the attention of Comatose Music who released the CD in early 2007 to a world wide audience and helped BLOODSOAKED get shows with Suffocation, Vital Remains, Incantation, Dying Fetus, Skinless and two successful (Slaughtering The South I & II) tours and an ever growing fan base.


In 2008 BLOODSOAKED began writing songs for the second CD "Sadistic Deeds...Grotesque Memories" that was also released on Comatose Music. This time around BLOODSOAKED hired Shane McFee to be the producer, engineer and drum programmer for the album and the result was a massive assault of Death Metal! "Sadistic Deeds...Grotesque Memories" is a 10 song album that was released in April 2009 and has been crushing fans since its release.


In May of 2009 BLOODSOAKED had another successful 18 show (Slaughtering The South III) tour that ran through 10 states and left fans wanting more. In June of 2009 BLOODSOAKED played for the first time out-side the USA and went to Mexico for 2 insane shows. 2009 also saw the first professional video for the song "Rotting In Filth", the video has received great exposure and feedback. The video has been available on Comcast Cable On-Demand, Havoc TV, Fuse On-Demand and many other regional Metal video TV shows. In June 2009 BLOODSOAKED broke into the Top 40 CMJ Loud Rock charts at number 39 and peaked at number 36.

In October 2009 BLOODSOAKED filmed his second and third professional videos for the songs "Suicide" and "Unborn Horror" once again with director Blake Faucette. In November of 2009 BLOODSOAKED played his second show outside the USA and this time it was in Bogota, Colombia for the Bogota Death Grind Fest VIII.


On January 19, 2010 the video for "Rotting In Filth" aired on MTV's Headbangers Ball. This was a HUGE victory and a dream come true for Bloodsoaked to be on such a legendary show such as Headbangers Ball. 2010 continued to be a busy year for BLOODSOAKED playing many festivals in the USA as well as Germany (NRW Deathfest) and back again to Colombia (South America) for two shows.


2011 started very big for BLOODSOAKED flying to Venezuela (South America) to play the Extreme Gore Fest in February and then flying all the way to Mumbai, India to play the Meat Feast. In June 2011 BLOODSOAKED flew back to Germany to play the Death Feast Open Air and then in July the released "The Death of Hope" the third BLOODSOAKED album. The album featured two guest solos from Death Metal legend James Murphy (Obituary/Death/Testament/Disincaranate/Cancer).


BLOODSOAKED will continue crushing the world with his style of Death Metal and winning fans over one at a time, Death Metal will live forever!


RELEASES:

2006 - "Brutally Butchered"

2009 - "Sadistic Deeds...Grotesque Memories"

2011 - "The Death of Hope"

www.facebook.com/bloodsoaked666

bloodsoaked.bandcamp.com

www.youtube.com/phasselbrack

www.comatosemusic.com

Scum News: OM announce new album to be released

OM have announced the follow up to 2009's God is Good, a five song suite entitled Advaitic Songs, will be issued via Drag City on July 23rd, 2012. Where God is Good was the first step in a more ornate and sophisticated direction for Om, Advaitic Songs achieves a level of composition that would've been impossible to foresee.
Advaitic Songs maintains the singularity of purpose that informs the core sound of OM, yet every element reaches further than before. Whatever drone-doom genre that had been hoisted on the duo in years past has been decimated by the sheer imagination, expansive quality, and meticulously detailed arrangements of this new album.
For a band that has continually followed its own course, and stood alone in its sound and approach, Advaitic Songs for certain, is the band's most focused, progressive document.

Here's some live footage of OM at Roadburn this year.