HORRIBLE EARTH - Discography 2013 - 2019 compilation review

 

HORRIBLE EARTH - Discography 2013 - 2019 compilation

Horror Pain Gore Death Productions

After hearing the first song, "Bloated Carcass", I was like OK this is cool. These guys get the whole 80's hardcore style. They also  know how to really incorporate the metal stuff, be it grind or death metal, into their that sound. Over the years I've heard a ton of bands try and fail at doing this. They're either too much of one or the other. Personally I always thought POISON IDEA did it the best especially on their 90's era albums. 

Well with that said this here is a compilation of songs from all of the releases by HORRIBLE EARTH. The band is a four piece act hailing from Boston Massachusetts. The band has been around since 2012. This release contains all of the songs from their 2013 self titled debut, their second full length Typical Human Behavior from 2016, plus there's songs from a 2018 split they did with a band called PSYCHO. And if that wasn't enough there's a live cover version of G.G. ALLIN's GG Allin's "Look Into My Eyes and Hate Me" which is from a performance they did at the Maryland Deathfest. By the way I still have that G.G. 7"er with the poster sleeve.  

One thing I thought was interesting, to me anyways, was that a former drummer of their's also use to play in GRIEF and ANAL CUNT. The guy's name is Tim Morse and I probably seen him perform with those two acts years ago. But anyways as far as this goes musically I fuckin like the stuff from their debut. It has that anger, the full on riff drive, the songs are short and in your face in a hostile way. It's 80's hardcore with a touch of death and grind. 

Once the stuff from their second album hits it does show the band moving more into an early grind era style. The vocals are still caustic but the riffs have a more metal tinge to em. There's still some decent hardcore touches matched with filthy metal sounds. The material from the split release is full on early grind which I like a lot as well. The songs on here are heavy and punishing which is what that sound was all about back in the day, at least from US acts. 

Just for the record their G.G. cover kinda blows. But hey I can just imagine them playing it to a bunch of hiptards at MDF and thinking how funny that might've been. So the bottom line here is that this is a fuckin fantastic release for fans of the old ways of primitive extreme sounding stuff. HORRIBLE EARTH sounds like a band who just walked out of the time tunnel from the late 80's. Now I'm kinda psyched to hear what they're gonna do next and you extreme fucks should as well.

http://www.horrorpaingoredeath.com/

LISTEN HERE:

https://hpgd.bandcamp.com/album/discography-2013-2019

CRYPT WALK - Rot Gut Prophecies EP review

 

CRYPT WALK - Rot Gut Prophecies EP

Horror Pain Gore Death Productions

CRYPT WALK are a new grindcore act from the place I call home Raleigh, NC. If it wasn't for the pandemic panic shutdown which has killed all venues. I'd probably have seen em perform this year either at Slims in downtown on a week-nite show or maybe during the local Deathfest in June. That show's line-up could use a grind band. 

One of the members of this act also plays in the death metal outfit PATHOGENESIS. For some reason that name sounded familiar so to me so I went on a CD search through the stacks thinking I'd picked up one of their releases. They have a couple out. I am "that" guy who does not leave a show unless I buy some merch from the bands. Oh well no luck in finding a CD on the DM shelves. 

But anyways so I'm listening to this EP and thinking my town hasn't had an actual grindcore band who played clubs since MAN WILL DESTROY HIMSELF or the the singer for that band's side project. But they were less into the metal side of grind, more MAN IS A BASTARD type of stuff. 

CRYPT WALK definitely fall into the metal side of the genre's spectrum. Musically the band, which is a three piece featuring vocalist Alex Wilson, guitarist Christopher Snide and drummer Vassia Kouprianov, are of that modern eclectic part jazz influenced style of the genre. The vocals vary between insane screams to deep bear growls. The guitar work is a cross between the spastic sounds from their peers in Japan to touches of avant garde and good old brutal death metal. The drumwork follows suit in intensity.

The EP is nine songs with a run time of around thirteen minutes or in other words, it's quick. It's also a damm good sounding debut. And of course that's the opinion of someone who appreciates grind from the old school style which this is far from being. CRYPT WALK know how to bring out the pain and hatred. Hopefully next year things will get back to normal and I'll see em play a local club. 

http://www.horrorpaingoredeath.com/

LISTEN HERE:

https://hpgd.bandcamp.com/album/rot-gut-prophecies

GHOULHOUSE - Rigor Mortis Intermezzo review

 

GHOULHOUSE - Rigor Mortis Intermezzo

Horror Pain Gore Death Productions

So if you're a frequent reader of this blog (and frankly who isn't) then you recognize the name Rogga Johansson from the many releases I have the pleasure of writing about involving him. Rogga Johansson is without a doubt the most prolific artist / musician in the Swedish extreme metal scene. And although his extreme music pedigree is death metal. He's used grind, old school hardcore and even some death doom to his repertoire. Now that's been at least for the past twenty years at least. 

I've been a fan of his work for around twelve or more years starting with his signature Swedish death metal act PAGANIZER. After that I started getting into his other acts like RIBSPREADER and REVOLTING, both of whom are fantastic. Then there were the collaboration bands like JOHANSSON & SPECKMANN (with Paul Speckmann on vocals) or a true favorite of mine DOWN AMONG THE DEAD MEN (with Dave Ingram). But Rogga has so fuckin many bands/music projects out there that you could dedicate a whole wall shelf to releases his stamp is upon.

With that said here you have the debut album by GHOULHOUSE, otherwise Rogga's death metal historical dedication to zombies, gore and some weirdness. Along for this ride Rogga (who handles the vocals, the riffs and bass) has guitarist Hakan Stuvemark of WORMBATH fame plus someone by the name of Mr. Meatbeater on drums. (?) But anyways if you just look at the album's cover you'll notice two faces within the band name logo. The faces represent the US bands IMPETIGO and REPULSION.

Rigor Mortis Intermezzo is basically a homage to that old school death metal / grind brutality run through Rogga's Swedish OSDM filter. Now aside from the stupid synth pieces of "Ghoulhouse Theme" and "Decomposition Beat" which just pissed me the fuck off, this album is just fuckin crunching. Rogga is the master of that Boss HM-2 pedal Swedish death metal riff. On here his vocals are more bestial which rival the riffs. There's an emphasis on being as filthy as possible as far as the rhythms, vocals and simplistic drumming. Guitar soloing shine is minimal. In the end I'm fifty seven years alive and it's stuff like this which keeps a smile on my face, a sadistic one that is.  

http://www.horrorpaingoredeath.com/

LISTEN HERE:

https://hpgd.bandcamp.com/album/rigor-mortis-intermezzo

CRYSTAL SPIDERS - Molt review

CRYSTAL SPIDERS - Molt

Ripple Music

So it might've been late last year or early this year when a friend of mine (and a local musician) sent me a link to this band's three song demo. He also included the words "Raleigh's newest Doom sensation". So yeah I checked it out and thought it was pretty good but I'd hold off on the whole "sensational" tag just yet until they put out something more substantial. 

So here we are with this the band's debut full length. After a few listens I'd say yeah this is great. But then again who doesn't like female fronted doom these days? So with that said the CRYSTAL SPIDERS are technically a duo with bassist / vocalist Brenna Leath and drummer Tradd Yancey. Their guitarist is Mike Deloatch. He's not in the promo pick below (?)

For starters I've gotta say Brenna Leath is an amazing vocalist. Her vocal range as well as command of singing styles makes every song on here a treat. She is perfect doing haunting vocals as well as angst punk rock screams, sultry bluesy stuff or just full on in your face rock. Then again I've been a fan of her singing ever since I saw her perform in THE HELL NO which is a melodic metal act she fronts as well. She's also in LIGHTNING BORN which is a sludgey doom project that also features Mike Dean from CORROSION OF CONFORMITY.

By the way Brenna Leath is also good at playing bass. Molt is just down-tuned fucking heavy in a SAINT VITUS way. Tradd Yancey is steady as far as the basic drumwork goes but once in a while steps out to be the dominator on a few songs. Ya can't argue with Mike Deloatch's SABBATH-ian style of riffs. I'd say his various guitar solo work on here is slightly out of the box which make things far more interesting. Once again it's more SAINT VITUS than standard SABBATH worship. 

In the end I have to be totally honest. If you look at this from a local music perspective then yeah CRYSTAL SPIDERS are sensational. But I look at this from a world wide view. Remember now, twenty years ago female fronted doom was an oddity. In 2010 it became something of a force to be recognized. So now a band like CRYSTAL SPIDERS are another fish in a huge ocean of similar sounding bands from all over. 

But they've got something which goes beyond the great vocals and perfect doom sounds. They don't conform to the cliche sounds of others in the genre. CRYSTAL SPIDERS have influences but walk a different path which makes them unique and cool. I think this album is fantastic. It's definitely something which I'd consider a favorite of the year. I was looking forward to see this band play live in 2020. But with the Covid shutdowns that turned out to be a no. Hopefully in 2021 then but for now get this release.

https://www.ripple-music.com/

LISTEN HERE: 

https://crystalspiders.bandcamp.com/album/molt

RIPPED TO SHREDS - Luan review

 

RIPPED TO SHREDS - Luan

Pulverised Records

This is the second album by Taiwan / US band RIPPED TO SHREDS. The band consists of multi-instrumentalist Andrew Lee who handles the vocals, guitar and bass. Lee also has Justin Bean, from TRENCHROT on drums and Tom Warrior from SIEGE COLUMN who does the two synth pieces on here. Some guest guitarists Lee has helping out doing lead work are Takafumi Matsubara from GRIDLINK, Phil Tougas of FUNEBRARUM and Damian Herring from HORRENDOUS. 

Lee and his ensemble here deliver ten cuts, two of which are synth instrumentals. Musically Lee and company push some amazing Swedish circa 1988 death metal meets a touch of grind as well as a pinch of 80's hardcore or what the newer kids call crust. For years this musical narrative has been tried and failed. But of late some acts have narrowed it down and RIPPED TO SHREDS are one of them.

Think GRAVE or DISMEMBER doing their usual thing but kicking it to 45 rpm once in a while. You've got the buzzsaw guitars, jackhammer drumming and the guests who get to lay down some killer solos are fuckin incredible. As far as Lee's vocals go, he's a maniac. I don't understand a damm thing he's screaming/grunting. But then does it really matter? Everything about this release is great.

http://www.pulverised.net/

LISTEN HERE:

https://pulverised.bandcamp.com/album/luan

BRAIN CORROSION / RIPPED TO SHREDS - Exhumed from Eastern Tombs Split review

 

BRAIN CORROSION / RIPPED TO SHREDS - Exhumed from Eastern Tombs Split

Horror Pain Gore Death Productions

What we have here is a battle for Taiwan extreme metal representative supremacy. Well maybe not but that's a good way to start off this bout. BRAIN CORROSION are a three piece grind act from Taiwan. Musically they follow the Eastern grind style template. You've got your maniacal vocals which on here vary from screams to bestial lyrical interpretations. The drum work is pile driving and the riffs are pure savagery. These guys unleash eight cuts onto your virgin consciousness. For us adults we want more.

Next up is RIPPED TO SHREDS who are a band I know about. Actually the band is really a one man project by multi instrumentalist Andrew Lee. This guy pushes his love of Euro style old school death metal through a filter of Eastern grind and psychotic life experiences. He delivers four cuts, one original and three covers. The original, "Rotting Stenches Unknown" is fuckin great. Of course it's his choice of covers which he's known for on past releases which gets interesting. On here he plays it safe with covers of GRIDLINK  and ASSUCK.  But it's his cover of "Samhallets Offer" by ASOCIAL which threw me. I've got ASOCIAL on a tape somewhere.

So with every split release I look at em as a wrestling bout. Since I'm an old school wrestling fan I'd have to toss some chairs into the ring in order to end the bout and call it a draw. Hey look, Horror Pain Gore Death Productions is from Philadelphia, PA. So maybe they remember ECW (Extreme Championship Wrestling) and the mayhem happening in some of those bouts. 

http://www.horrorpaingoredeath.com/

LISTEN HERE:

https://hpgd.bandcamp.com/album/exhumed-from-eastern-tombs

THE SHORT STACK: November 2020

 THE SHORT STACK

Short reviews by some famous releases that don't need any fanfare from yours truly

BENEDICTION - Scriptures

Nuclear Blast

OK so the big news going on with this one is the return of Dave Ingram on vocals. For me that's cool since I've been digging his recent work with Rogga Johansson in DOWN AMONG THE DEAD MEN. For me personally I wasn't into the Dave Hunt on vocals years. That last album, 2008's Killing Music, made me think the band was just on automatic. Sure it sounded good but it's suppose to.

Scriptures is not a return to Transcend the Rubicon or even Grind Bastard. Honestly you don't wanna hear that anyway. Basically it's a death metal release by a band who's older members feel hungry again. Ingram has never lost a bit of his deep bellow vocal style. Guitarists Peter Rew and Darren Brookes are damm heavy handed with the riffs. The new guys in the rhythm section are solid. It's a flawless death metal album.

https://www.nuclearblast.de/en/shop/index.html

ENSLAVED - Utgard

Nuclear Blast

It's been ten years since I bothered listening to an ENSLAVED release. I figured after all of that time I'd give em a chance listen to see if they've become interesting again. Well no, they're still a full on prog metal act. Sure they'll insert a kernel of past black metal essence into a song or two. The track "Jettegryta" is as close as it gets. And that one even goes the way of modern day DIMMU BORGIR meets a Nordic version of 90's YES. I'll stick with their first three albums.

https://www.nuclearblast.de/en/shop/index.html

BURZUM - Thulean Mysteries 2xCD

Byelobog Productions

Yeah this double CD release needs a warning sticker and not for what you would think. If you've kept up with Varg over the years, like on his now deleted Youtube channel (he's on Bitchute by the way), or as a fan of BURZUM. Then you know he's not into metal anymore. Varg has been doing the whole dark ambient music style for quite some time. This 23 song release is much less a musical opus (aka: a new BURZUM album) but more of a soundtrack to his MYFAROG role playing game.

Now just the thought of Varg coming up with a D&D style game is enough to bring a sadistic grin as well as an eye roll from me. But I'm dealing with the music here. Varg utilizes plenty of synth, acoustic guitar, tribal instruments, he sings a bit and speaks but this is primarily an instrumental release. And with all of that said, it's horrible unless you need some boring background music to play some fuckin board game. 

http://byelobog-productions.burzum.org/

WARBRINGER - Weapons of Tomorrow

Napalm Records

This was one of the promising acts from the mid 2000's thrash revival. I saw em back then, picked up their releases and then gave up on em about a decade ago with their third release. Back then they were on Century Media Records but in 2017 they came out with their fifth full length Woe to the Vanquished on Napalm Records. Weapons of Tomorrow is their sixth full length and second for the label where all bands go to die.

Actually this is not a bad release. The line-up has only two original members, they don't sound like used SLAYER anymore. They're still thrash but with a character of their own and maybe some power metal influence. This is definitely better than all their past stuff.

https://label.napalmrecords.com/

CULT BURIAL - Self Titled review

 

CULT BURIAL - Self Titled

Self Released

Most extreme metal acts who combine genres in order to create their sound usually stop at two. For those acts who go for three styles it's either shit or art. In this English band's case it's the latter. On this band's self titled debut they combine all of the new school qualities of death metal, black metal and doom. The result being something that's epic in a tremendous soundscape style. 

Strangely enough by the second time you play this it hits automatically. There are nine songs on here. Each one builds up from the previous one so by the end you're pretty much blown away. The arrangements push another extreme element further whether it's heavy handed riffage, a blackened atmosphere full of falling peril or a doom centrist break to cleansing relief from torture. Also the clean guitar runs are a sharp shock to the senses.

Obviously this band's past has entertained tech death which shows up in parts. But with everything else going on they contain it well. There were times on here where I was just waiting for the jazz bits of ADD guitar mania to ruin it all. Thankfully that did not occur or I'd have pushed this aside. Plus the furnace throat style vocals would not work well in a tech death menagerie.

The one word song titles also make this come over like a concept album for 2020. Songs like "Plague", "Sorrow" and "Chaos" pretty much come to mind when I think of this year. So with all of that said this is a fairly decent debut. As far as personal tastes of extreme go I think it delves beyond my preferred preferences. But for someone into a more modern touch of extreme it'll be perfect. And it's self released which really blows your fuckin mind. 

LISTEN AND ORDER HERE:

https://cultburial.bandcamp.com/

ERIC MOORE AND THE LEGION OF THE DAMNED - Self Titled review

 

ERIC MOORE AND THE LEGION OF THE DAMNED - Self Titled

Self Release

OK first off a little history lesson for ya. Eric Moore, who passed away on May 17th, 2019 at the age of 67, was the vocalist/bass player for the late 70's/early 80's US hard fuckin rock band THE GODZ. The band hailed from Ohio. Their debut self titled album from 1978, on Millennium Records and produced by Don Brewer of GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, is an unheralded classic from that era. Back then I remember seeing full page advertisements for that album in rock magazines Circus and Creem. 

A year later their second album Nothing is Sacred came out on Casablanca Records. THE GODZ were then a second tier touring act bringing their brand of biker rock with songs about sex, drugs and rock n roll to audiences from coast to coast. They shared stages with the major bands of that era as in KISS, BLUE OYSTER CULT, CHEAP TRICK, ANGEL and many others who would go on to be rock enthusiast household names. Unfortunately even with two good releases under their belt, being road savvy and having a decent fanbase wasn't enough to cement their status. Today whenever I read about or watch a video that deals with unheralded releases from bands of the 70's. THE GODZ don't even get a mention. And yet these "so-called experts" will name drop plenty of second tier 70's acts who were in the same league as THE GODZ.

So moving onward, as the 70's ended so did THE GODZ but temporarily that is. A few years into the 80's the band was back on the road and in 1985 released I'll Get You Rockin. That was followed up with Mongolians in 1987. Both of these releases showcased the band's tried and true spirit of sex, drugs and rock n roll coupled with an embrace of the new decade's heavy metal style. That got em on tours with OZZY as well as METALLICA. But even with all of that the band would eventually succumb to be a local fave in their home state and playing a special reunion gig here and there. 

Now the band might've been forgotten by the mainstream but not by the underground. That's where their following hung out and with the coming of the internet (aka: social media platforms, nostalgia websites and Youtube). Fans of THE GODZ started communicating with one another and with Eric Moore. One of those fans is my good friend Andy Miller vocalist for KNOWLEDGE IS FOR FOOLS (aka: KIFF). Andy has been singing the praises of THE GODZ for all the twenty some years I've known him. Years ago he got in contact with Eric Moore. That eventually turned into a friendship and getting KIFF a line-up slot for some GODZ celebration gigs. KIFF even recorded a few GODZ covers. 

Which brings us now to the present or at least close to it. What we have here are the last recorded works of Eric Moore from THE GODZ. In Febuary 2019 Eric Moore came to Raleigh, NC to do some recording with KIFF as well as some other famous musicians adding their talents. 90% of the material on here is from those recordings. Some other cuts were recorded elsewhere in parts unknown, to me at least. Along for the recorded ride with Eric Moore and the four members of KIFF are special guests are Steve Shuffert (formerly of THE GODZ), Richie Ranno (former guitarist of the 70's band STARZ), Jeff Clayton of ANTISEEN, Steve Broy from THE MENTORS and a few more names but it's time to talk about the music.

Now the album consists of fourteen cuts but actually it's seven good or even great cuts and the rest are Eric Moore acoustic ditties. The first three songs on here; "Lady Doom", "You and Me Together" and the ZZ TOP cover "Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers" are fucking damm good. The first two cuts are decent hard rock style numbers. The ZZ TOP cover is reminiscent of MOTORHEAD's version which is still cool. These cuts are performed by KIFF with Eric Moore on lead vocals. Steve Shuffert does the guitar solo on "Lady Doom". Were as Dane Taylor from the band MOTORBILLY does the guitar soloing on the other two. 

The song "Festyvul Season" is an interesting rocker which features vocals by Andy Miller of KIFF and Jeff Clayton of ANTISEEN. Moore appears in spoken word form book-ending the vocal parts. Basically the song is about a failed music festival which Moore was involved with many years ago and which he dubbed "the Spinal Tap of music festivals". It also includes an over extended song ending guitar solo by Dane Taylor that consists of half the six minute track. It also plays over Eric explaining the story.

Moving along "Live Free or Die" sounds like KIFF doing an Eric Moore penned cut or is it their's (?) It's simple, it rocks and ends with another three minute long guitar and bass solo. We're talking dedication here people by ending a song like a 70's live album where over indulgence is the norm. Next up "Heaven Would Be Hell For Me" sounds like an unused KISS demo from Rock n Roll Over. The solo even sounds like a drunk Ace did it. But it's really Mike Paradine from New Jersey with Richie Ranno providing the guitar solo. OK I was half right. The last of the first seven cuts is "No Easy Way Out" from THE MENTOR's Steve Broy and features some soulful 70's styled vocals by the amazing Monique Brewster.

As far as Eric's acoustic numbers go, they're OK but short as in little ditties which sound unfinished. I think "Lesbian Trapped In A Man's Body" and "Don't Love Me" are the best of the handful. If you're into some acoustic outlaw country than you'll like it. Now as for this album on a whole it's a good last testament to Eric Moore with the Legion of the Damned being his final backing band. Not a bad way to leave a legacy.

LISTEN AND ORDER IT HERE:

https://knowledgeisforfools.bandcamp.com/album/eric-moore-and-the-legion-of-the-damned

VARIOUS ARTISTS - Maywood Mayhem Vol. 11 review

 

VARIOUS ARTISTS - Maywood Mayhem Vol. 11

Self Released

The Chinese virus lock downs have made a devastating impact upon all small businesses. One of the worst hit has been on live music venues. Extreme metal people are more likely to go out to see a band at a venue than your typical mainstream music fan. The lock downs have prevented these venues from opening to make a living and the ramifications have been horrible. I saw one article about how two long time music venues on the East Coast (USA) have announced their doors are closed forever. Unless something changes soon then we'll see many more. 

So what we have here is something which I hope other people around the country and the world will do as well. This is a benefit compilation dedicated to The Maywood, a long time local music venue here in Raleigh, North Carolina. It use to be called Volume 11 years ago but changed the name not too long ago. I have seen many great shows there over time. The proceeds from it's sale will go to the club in order to help out a little during the shutdown. Remember people most of your local music venues are a labor of love as opposed to a big money maker business. 

Not only is The Maywood a great club, because it's primarily a place for extreme music, but it also has a bunch of practice spaces in the back. Over the years there's been a ton of bands who've called it a sanctuary to perfect their craft. So on this compilation you've got twenty five extreme music bands from the Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina area. They all contribute one song each and run the table as far as genres go. You've got bands doing black metal, death metal, doom, thrash and a whole lot inbetween. To be honest I've previously seen/listened to about half of these bands, as well as writing about their past releases and there's definitely a few favorites of mine on here. 

As far as those familiar acts to me go for starters you've got BEDOWYN who have an doomish edge to themselves and the band they share some members with CHAOSMIC. They take that edge and pour in some progressive metal elements which kicks their sound to epic levels. For the heshers there's some long time thrash demons BLATANT DISARRAY (think US thrash meets Euro power metal) and GROSS REALITY (harsh slam pit invoking thrash with a technical drive). Then there's the local death metal institution of ELDRITCH HORROR. Listening to them is akin to unearthing some ancient tomb only to unleash a Lovecraftian nightmare. 

A few more familiar acts on here consist of the punk/metal sounds of KNOWLEDGE IS FOR FOOLS (aka: KIFF). Their contribution here is a cover tune, “Most Likely to Succeed”, by scum punk legends RANCID VAT. For classic sounding power metal fans you've got one of America's best on here with KNIGHTMARE and their cut “The Gods Are with Us Tonight". There's a triple band threat on here as well whose common thread is the amazing vocals of Brenna Leath. For starters you've got the melodic metal sounds of her mainstay act THE HELL NO. Add to that two other doom laden side projects like CRYSTAL SPIDERS and LIGHTNING BORN. Finally for a black metal fix there's MO'YNOQ whose sound makes you wanna scream Norway 1992 without being retro rehash. Yeah they're a great band with two former members of a local BM act from years ago that I thought was cool, FAITH IN ASHES.

Now as far as the acts new to me or I know in name only there's quite a few standouts. CROWLEY'S INQUISITION are standard death doom but I kinda like that stuff. Then there's three bands whose common thread is that they've all got a connection to / band member from the local blackened thrash act SUPPRESSIVE FIRE. You've got the really cool sounding WITCHTIT (traditional doom with female vocals), NOCTOMB who are basic blackened sludge and one man (Scott Schopler) depressive black metal act SARDONIC SMILES. His song contribution "Zaux" is from the debut 2018 full length Wraith. 

Last but not least are some cool tracks by EYN which delves out cryptic depressive black metal with a touch melody/atmosphere in their arrangement. The band FEW GOOD THINGS are a throwback to 80's punk/hardcore. GOATCHOKER are raging blackened death and then there's NIGHTQUILL who are some decent black metal. So to me that's the absolute best on here. But on a whole this release shows some damm good extreme music diversity within a local music scene. I'm thankful that I don't live in a place where the bands sound as if they're all enclosed within one music genre. So no matter if this is a benefit release. It's one of the best extreme music compilations you'll hear in 2020. 

LISTEN & ORDER IT HERE:

https://maywoodmayhem.bandcamp.com/releases?fbclid=IwAR0YiqtXexkQgS5NWPDRYcwnW28DrFIl2PCB6DjVoCxOklqSiumFVJgN1_Q

RAVEN - Metal City review

RAVEN - Metal City

Steamhammer

A memory worth sharing. Around five or six years ago I saw RAVEN at a small club here in my town. There was around fifty or more people at the show. That was probably the bar's capacity as well. The place was small but it was a terrific show. Everyone there was singing along to their old tunes. You got the feeling as if you were whisked back in time to their early days playing local venues in England back in the 80's.

Now be that as it may I admit that as far as RAVEN goes my favorite stuff by them is their Neat Records releases. I'm probably not alone there. I'll toss out a second nugget of truth. I really don't know much, nor do I care about, the band's releases that came afterwards up to 2010's Walk Through Fire which was good. Add to that, 2015's ExtermiNation was a little better. In fact I'll say the past ten years has been good for RAVEN.

Which brings us to this latest one Metal City. Since the band has been on a roll leading up to this. I was not at all surprised at how good this is. The Gallagher brothers (Mark and John) plus Mike Heller (who's been on drums with them since 2018) sound fresh as opposed to retro. The release is a cool mixture of NWOBHM and old time speed metal. 

Of course seeing this is RAVEN then you're gonna get some cool riffs, wild vocals & screams, pounding drum work and thick bass lines. Ten tracks in all and to me it's good from start to finish. For me there's a few outstanding cuts like the anthem inspiring "Top of the Mountain", the intense rippers "Human Race"and "Motorheadin", plus the fist raising "Battlescarred". This is easily one of the best albums of 2020.

 

https://www.facebook.com/spvhannover/

LISTEN HERE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKngTm8EtLs&t=1s

 

TEMPLE OF THE FUZZ WITCH - Red Tide review

 

TEMPLE OF THE FUZZ WITCH - Red Tide

Interstellar Smoke Records

A while back a good friend and huge doom metal fanatic explained to me his thoughts on modern day stoner rock acts. His first point was that 99.9% of the new bands are going to sound like some past classic band of the genre. The second point he gave was that if the new band can put out a flawless performance than you can overlook the first point. In the case of this band from Detroit, Michigan my friend's point hold's true.

This is the second full length by TEMPLE OF THE FUZZ WITCH who've been around since 2017. After giving this a few listens I can tell you that yeah this is "pass the bong I think I'm Tony Iomni" style stoner rock. While the release's opener "Baphomet" did not make me enthusiastic it was what followed that won me over. Red Tide is a seven song forty five plus minute high. Obviously some moments are more buzz worthy then others. But yeah it's a must have if not just worthy of your stoner doom fandom and interest. 

For example the second cut on here "Cherenkov Light" is blistering with SABBATH-ian indulgence courtesy of some heavy familiar riffage, clean yet eerie styled vocals and an oh so familiar song structure. Once you hear it you'll be like "crank this fucker up and turn on the strobe light". Too bad it wasn't the opener. and from that point onward this release flows along almost as if it was a concept album. There's plenty of head banging grooves, atmospheric breaks (for the wannabe hippies) and some interesting percussion choices which would make Bill Ward smile. 

TEMPLE OF THE FUZZ WITCH is far from being the second (or is it the fourth) coming of excitement within this genre. They've got a handle on the whole 70's aesthetic of SABBATH without relying on stoner rock riffage 101. Look we all know the originators are gone. Their children are pretty much in the grave. The grandchildren are decent but turned the genre very generic. This is the grandchildren of SABBATH reminding us all how it use to be which is cool as fuck. Keep this band on your radar after you get this release.

https://interstellarsmokerecords.bigcartel.com

LISTEN HERE:

https://templeofthefuzzwitch.bandcamp.com/album/red-tide

MORKETIDA - Traveler of the Untouched Voids EP review

 

MORKETIDA - Traveler of the Untouched Voids EP

Werewolf Records

Here we have a Finnish black metal act that takes a path less traveled as far as their nation's genre style goes. Where as most fans think blasphemy and brutality when it comes to black metal acts from Finland. MORKETIDA, who've been around for a short amount of years, have a different approach on this new release. Since I'm a fan of this label (they put out SATANIC WARMASTER stuff, OK?). I learned about MORKETIDA via their debut full length from two years ago. 

As far as this new four song EP (or mini album if you prefer) goes, this Finnish trio throw in some surprises. First and foremost MORKETIDA have always been a 90's black metal influenced act that incorporates some straight up melodic touches as well as raw simplicity with tremolo picked intensity. And then they toss in some synths which really throw you for a loop.

Personally I think this EP is better than their full length. I also think it's a bridge to even greater things. The title cut makes that most evident with it's acoustic guitar over play covering some blistering blackened melody. The icing on this cake is their cover version of IMMORTAL's "Unsilent Storms in the North Abyss". It's a pretty straight forward cover which would probably work for them live. On here it's decent and makes this a worth while release.  

https://www.werewolf.fi/

LISTEN HERE:

https://werewolfrecords.bandcamp.com/album/traveler-of-the-untouched-voids

SKELETAL REMAINS - The Entombment of Chaos review

 

SKELETAL REMAINS - The Entombment of Chaos 

Century Media Records

So it's been a few years since this California death metal act released their last full length, Devouring Mortality, which came out on Dark Descent Records. Just for the record I've been a fan of these guys since their second full length, Condemned to Misery, which was released in 2015. Basically their first three albums pushed this old school death metal sound via influences from great ones like ASPHYX, OBITUARY and DEATH.

 

So here on their four full length, and on their new label, the band has gone through some major changes. First off guitarist/vocalist Chris Monroy is still at the helm and that's the only thing not different. Guitarist Adrian Obregon is gone and is replaced with Mike De La O who supposedly was the band's original six string slayer. Although I never saw em listed on any albums. Also the band's rhythm section has been changed with some guy from WARBRINGER on bass and a drummer who's bounced around a lot.

I noticed a slight difference in sound upon first listening to this. That was before I learned of the band line-up changes. I'm sure fans will notice as well. Sure they're still firmly planted in the realm of old school death metal. But you can throw away their past influences. This new one comes off sounding like a mix of PESTILENCE meets MORBID ANGEL. Mike De La O obviously comes from the Trey Azagthoth school of dive bomb guitar soloing. The new rhythm section is tighter than a frog's ass (aka: water tight). The only constant is Chris Monroy's vocals and basic riff structures. 

For the most part The Entombment of Chaos is a decent punch to your fuckin face. The first half is delivered with precision and brutality. But for me it's the second half of the album with songs like "Torturous Ways to Obliteration" and "Eternal Hatred" which bring on the weight of hate. Monroy reignites his Martin Van Drunen style caustic vocals better on these cuts. Strangely enough the second half of this release reminds me of their past. While the first part comes across as a newer, streamlined version. In the end it's still a damm good one.

https://www.centurymedia.com/

LISTEN HERE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hprr7gRL1d0

OKRUTNIK - Legion Antychrysta review

 

OKRUTNIK - Legion Antychrysta

Ossuary Records

Every year I'm assured that there will be something very interesting coming out of the great nation of Poland as far as extreme metal goes. And of course I'm talking about something which breaks away from the usual stuff which we all know is great, like the new VADER album. It just took listening to a couple of cuts on this debut release by OKRUTNIK for me to realize something cool is going on here. 

It was around two or three years ago when I started hearing a fresh take on black metal by a handful of new Eastern European acts. Instead of looking for influences to incorporate into their sound which came from outside of metal. These acts were looking in to classic 70's Hard Fuckin rock and 80's metal for influences. Taking that into the black metal cannon and then adding some amazing grandiose compositions.  The end result is cool as fuck. 

OKRUTNIK are the latest act to be doing all of that. No they're not repeating dirty old BATHORY, VENOM or HELLHAMMER, like we need more of that. In fact there are times when this Polish band comes off like EMPEROR meets MERCYFUL FATE. The first part of this album exemplifies that with some cool touches of old speed metal (not thrash) touches. The vocals come off as venomous with seething hatred in each sentence. Of course since all the lyrics are in Polish I'm gambling here but I doubt they're really singing about cake and soda parties. Good stuff.  

http://ossuaryrecords.com/en/

https://okrutnik.bandcamp.com/releases

LISTEN HERE:

https://soundcloud.com/okruetnik-official/sets/legion-antychrysta/s-zZjkHDFihKm?fbclid=IwAR0reyheJLhlPC-oGhuE2TFhgLpzMX-LIfcY3P8o4ZLqW1y2RuSBxnZ3t_I

ECCLESIA - De Ecclesiae Universalis review

 

ECCLESIA - De Ecclesiae Universalis

Aural Music

Here we have the debut full length by a French band that's tagged as having an epic doom sound from the classic 90's. Now honestly every year I get inundated with doom releases by bands who tap dance their way through sludge metal or stoner rock. Yeah it gets boring but once in a great while I'll hear an exceptional act who capture that epic doom sound from decades ago and it just fuckin shines. In this case ECCLESIA is not it but they're not bad in their own right.

Now on this release ECCLESIA do tap into the whole epic doom esthetic but for the most part this sounds like power metal. Not too bad for a band who's vocalist was once in a DIMMU BORGIR type symphonic black metal act called DEATHCODE SOCIETY. The man, Arnhwald Rattenfanger, can pull off some decent heavy metal screams. The music here can demonstrate some good SABBATH-ian styled riff attempts ala the Headless Cross timeline. But on a whole I'm thinking HELLOWEEN instead of CANDLEMASS. But still a damm good sounding release none the less.

http://www.auralmusic.com/

LISTEN HERE:

https://ecclesia-official.bandcamp.com/

JOHANSSON & SPECKMANN - The Germs of Circumstance review

 

JOHANSSON & SPECKMANN - The Germs of Circumstance

Soulseller Records

Seriously it was two weeks ago when I thought that this would be first year in a very long time that I would not be writing about a Rogga Johansson related release. And look at what we have here. For those of you who read this blog on a regular basis (and frankly who doesn't?) you know that I'm always giving high praise to the most prolific death metal artist in Sweden, Rogga Johansson. This here is just another one of his many side-bands which bares extreme fruit.

JOHANSSON & SPECKMANN is a project which matches Rogga (on guitars and bass) with the amazing Paul Speckmann (vocals)from MASTER. This band started back in 2013 and along for the ride are two other Rogga side project alumni as in Brynjar Helgetun on drums and Kjetil Lynghaug on guitar. The Germs of Circumstance is their fifth full length. I must admit that I got into this Rogga project late but ended up with two previous releases by em. Both of those are fuckin great.

While the previous two JOHANSSON & SPECKMANN releases I have are fairly straight forward old school death metal love in a US/Swedish themed attack. This one here is more on the death thrash side of the aisle which is something Rogga has kicked around in other side projects. Musically the riffs are really fast paced with driving drumwork by pounder Helgetun. As far as the DM equation goes it's more Swede death style which includes Kjetil Lynghaug's choice of guitar soloing technique. Of course Paul Speckmann's filth ridden vocal style is spot on and kinda gives this more of a old hardcore edge as well. another winner.

http://www.soulsellerrecords.com/

LISTEN HERE:

https://soulsellerrecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-germs-of-circumstance