Ilat Mahru - Ilat Mahru

Labels: Death Prayer Records

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 03 Feb 2023

Tracklist:

1. Engorging Sacred Twilight Venom

2. Mystic Possessor

3. Relentless Tolling Across A Thousand Leagues

4. To Yearn, To Suffer

The mysterious black metal debut release from Egypt's Ilat Mahru is my muse this evening. Published both as a limited tape pressing and digitally via UK black metal label Death Prayer Records in February of last year, it was the first time this solo-project had been cast into the ears of eager, underground seeking black metal maniacs. This only came to my attention in early February of this year and while a good few months have passed since (and a new EP has dropped), I wanted to retrace steps and start at the beginning.

Death Prayer Records have been unearthing and releasing some truly top notch black metal over recent years. Ilat Mahru are indeed another great find as is proven by this self-titled debut demo. Opener ‘Engorging Sacred Twilight Venom’ is filled with raw black metal, ambience and gracious amounts of feedback. The vocals and indeed the melodies are buried deep beneath those previously mentioned elements, yet they still get chance to breath and alter the sound of the song (even if they’re overpowered by the intense percussion).

One thing that is for certain on Ilat Mahru is that there’s no skimping on playing time, as each of the four songs surpass well over six minutes. ‘Mystic Possessor’ ratchets up the urgency a little bit, though it still gives the perception of changing tempos even when it really isn’t doing so. That’s the beauty of being able to concoct truly atmospheric music in my opinion. Musicians can make a song sound expansive and/or slow, without it actually being so. Ilat Mahru does that here perfectly.

This demo is so engrossing that I haven’t even noticed how bloody humid this evening has become. It’s apt because the next song is called ‘Relentless Tolling Across A Thousand Leagues’. It does nothing to cool the temperature, thought it’s delivered in such a way that it freezes even the warmest of hearts. There’s something intrinsically avant-garde about it too, but I wouldn’t get too hung on that.

Demo closer ‘To Yearn, To Suffer’ is very instrumentally heavy, as was the opener. The vocals are still present but again they’re shrouded at times. I’m not saying that they should be given prominence over the instrumentation but I know that some purists like that to be the case. Whatever your preference, Ilat Mahru makes something so abject sound so fulfilling without losing any integrity.

As with all music genres, how it sounds and how it makes you feel is subjective. The term black metal has become stretched and (sometimes) misused in recent years. It definitely applies to Ilat Mahru. Hopefully, we can all agree on that.

You can stream and purchase this demo digitally via Death Prayer Records below:-

Tape copies are sold out.

Ilat Mahru - https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Ilat_Mahru/

Death Prayer Records - https://www.facebook.com/deathprayerrecords

Onewaymirror - Everything Wants Me To Write In Cursive 7"

Labels: Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 08 Jul 2024

Tracklist:

1. Everything Wants Me To Write In Cursive

2. This Is My Way Of Saying Hello

3. Fourth Song

4. First Song

5. The Difference Between Said And Done

Having reviewed their Feb 2024 split CD with fellow Californians Gxllium earlier this year, it's crazy to see that Onewaymirror already have new music recorded and out there. I didn't get time to write about this EP last Sunday as planned, so I'm making up for it now. Everything Wants Me To Write In Cursive was released earlier this month on 500 7"s, across three different variants by Zegema Beach Records. It features five quick-as-you-like screamo/emoviolence songs and it backs up what I mentioned in my last review about the good health of the screamo community right now.

After this write-up I’ll be exploring some different sounds and sub-genres for a little bit. After all, you can’t have too much of a good thing right? Onewaymirror (as with Spoiled the other night) are definitely leading me to overindulge a little. This EP starts with the title track ‘Everything Wants Me To Write In Cursive’, which is a proper emo intro track if I ever heard one! Gentle and melodic guitar joined by an emotive, layered spoken-word sample (though it could be actual vocals).

‘This Is My Way Of Saying Hello’ is the first song that explodes with the full Onewaymirror sound and it’s glorious. The mix of clean and harsh vocals don’t mislead in any way, while the percussion and guitars throw some serious low-end shapes. ZBR described it as an “emo-violence/chug-fest” and that description is spot on. These songs are fast and short, unsurprisingly. ‘Fourth Song’ comes next with an absolute assault on the senses. Raw and gritty heaviness that pulls influence from hardcore as much as it does grind. It’s actually the EP’s longest song, if that means anything.

‘First Song’ follows immediately next with metallic, dissonant metalcore-style riffs coupled with Onewaymirror’s violent blueprint. This is actually the EP’s penultimate song, so please don’t be confused. It’s an absolute blinder in truth. Those metalcore-style riffs are brief in nature and give way to some pretty epic grind towards the end. Closing with ‘The Difference Between Said And Done’, Onewaymirror go all out to demonstrate just how intense they can be musically. It’s definitely extreme, but in the best possible way. 

I know that genre and sub-genre explosions are cyclical. I could reference several over the last ten years but the current influx of post-hardcore/screamo adjacent bands (and people/labels pushing them) is really positive. I appreciate that I am one of those people but I also see no problem with that, apart from one exception; the UK seems to be underrepresented. Maybe it’s because I’m unaware, in which case I need to change that.

You can stream and purchase the EP as a name-your-price download via ZBR below:-

Physical 7" copies are also available to purchase above, though quantities are extremely limited.

Onewaymirror - https://onewaymirror.bandcamp.com

You can also buy copies from the stores below:-

Zegema Beach Records - CAN/INTL - http://www.zegemabeachrecords.com/zegema-beach-releases/onewaymirror / USA - https://zbrusa.com/collections/zbr-releases/products/onewaymirror

Zegema Beach Records - https://www.facebook.com/zegemabeachrecords

Spoiled - AV_Syndrome_0.1 EP

Labels: Self-Released/Larry Records/Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Digital/Tape/Vinyl

Release Date: 21 Dec 2019/01 Apr 2020/04 July 2024

Tracklist:

1. 夢

2. desolation, joi

3. 11111

4. 胸騒ぎ

5. Skins

July is a pretty stacked month for new releases from Zegema Beach Records. I've picked a couple out to  try and cover today, starting with AV_Syndrome_0.1 by screamo/emo-violence band Spoiled. Originally released by Spoiled back in 2019, it was later released on tape in 2020 by Larry Records who this time have joined with ZBR to press the record on vinyl, limited to 100 12" copies with various coloured covers. It's close to selling out as well, so get in quick if you want a copy. Spoiled originated in Cyprus and I don't think they're active anymore.

It’s such an exciting time for screamo right now, with new bands constantly appearing and longer running ones still producing excellent music too. Spoiled come at you from the more violent end of screamo and after a gentle intro, opener ‘夢’ flits between intense emoviolence and soothing post-hardcore made up of insane percussion, dissonant/atmospheric guitar work, caustic screams and clean vocals that are a throwback to classic emo. Add a running time of well over six minutes and you won’t find a more epic opening song than this.

‘Desolation, joi’ follows on instantly with much more urgency and almost none of the introspection. Off-kilter and jangly guitar with mathy drums and more frighteningly caustic screams make it unpredictable to say the least. That’s putting it lightly too! In stark contrast, ’11111’ is very serene with piano quietly playing over the top of calming bird song. A great way to allow you to catch a breath or two.

That breath is whipped away once more on ‘胸騒ぎ’ with it’s ringing feedback and ever changing tempos. Spoiled write such good music though that it doesn’t matter how much those tempos change, because in spite of all the aural madness, it all fits together. That’s a hell of a skill for any musician to have. Rounding out AV_Syndrome_0.1 with ‘Skins’, Spoiled use the same approach as they did on the EP opener but this time with larger instrumental passages. It’s once again a mix of violence and beauty that must be heard to be believed. 

What a record! Almost five years on from it’s original release, it seems perfect for AV_Syndrome_0.1 to be available on vinyl, limited as it may be.

You can still grab the EP as a name-your-price download from Spoiled below:-

Spoiled - https://www.facebook.com/spoiledofficial

Tape copies are long sold-out from Larry Records, but you can still buy copies of the latest vinyl pressing from them and Zegema Beach Records below:-

Larry Records - https://larryrecordsisagang.bigcartel.com/product/spoiled-av_syndrome_0-1-12in

Zegema Beach Records USA Store - https://zbrusa.com/products/spoiled / CAN/INTL Store - http://www.zegemabeachrecords.com/zegema-beach-releases/spoiled

Larry Records - https://www.facebook.com/larryscrammo

Zegema Beach Records - https://www.facebook.com/zegemabeachrecords

Икар - \\\\\\

Labels: Self-Released/Polar Summer

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 24 Jun 2016

Tracklist:

1. Рождение Трагедий

2. Нашему Несчастью

3. Ветра Потерь

4. Он Звал, А Мы Стояли На Месте

5. Ревущие Деревья Ждут, Когда Мы Вернемся

6. Последняя

They say that a change is as good as a rest and this week has proven that to be true. So much so that I'm full of energy again and my head is surprisingly clear. To celebrate, I thought I'd indulge in some obscure Belarussian emo in the form of Икар. Their only album \\\\\\ was released in 2016 via Polar Summer on a pressing of 30 tapes, while the band also self-released it digitally. Oddly, the Polar Summer release contained thirteen songs (according to their bandcamp page), seven of which are not available to stream or download digitally. There must be a reason why so if anybody knows. please drop me a line.

I started a new job this week, which is the reason for my sudden burst of energy/excitement. Belarussian band Икар was another name that Polar Summer shed light on from Eastern Europe and on album opener ‘Рождение Трагедий’ it’s obvious why. Their explosive screamo/emo-violence hits with such immediacy that it’s hard to appreciate the musicality right away. Икар manages to weave a ton of melody and even rousing gang vocals into the mix later on for good measure. 

‘Нашему Несчастью’ is a super short follow-up to what was a very expansive opener. Less than forty seconds of intense percussion and rabid screaming, punctuated by guitar work that’s strong and quite technical as well. I’ll apologise now for not attempting to translate the song titles here (mainly because Google Translate cannot be trusted to translate things correctly). ‘Ветра Потерь’ follows with a slightly more brooding atmosphere although ultimately chaos ensues once again for about sixty seconds, ending with a thirty-ish second passage of introspection from Икар.

As has been the case so far for the majority of this album (or EP depending on how you interpret it), those songs bookended by the opener and closer have proven to be more urgent in delivery. That’s definitely the case with ‘Он Звал, А Мы Стояли На Месте’, which is a bizarre mix of off-kilter instrumentation and throat-scraping vocals. It’s only really bizarre because the instrumentation could sit more comfortably in the art-rock/art-punk scene.

Penultimate song ‘Ревущие Деревья Ждут, Когда Мы Вернемся’ goes for the jugular again right from the off, except this time Икар’s emoviolence is punctuated by brilliantly delivered math-rock. It leads to the other bookend I was talking about earlier, ’Последняя’. It’s the longest song on the album and it starts off pensively before growing in heaviness very quickly. It stays on that trajectory until the final moments where it’s stripped back to sensitive guitar and spoken word.

It would have been great to have heard the other seven tracks that formed part of the tape release but even without them, this has been a joy to listen to. Икар really harnessed such an honest sound. Polar Summer helped to bring that sound to more ears with their tape release and honestly, they still deserve more attention now. 

You can stream and download these songs for free via Икар's bandcamp page below:-

Tape copies from Polar Summer are long sold out.

Polar Summer - https://polarxsummer.bandcamp.com/music

Mutagenic Host - The Genotoxic Demo

Labels: Self-Released/Dry Cough Records/Excarnation Records

Formats: Digital/Tape/CD

Release Date: 19 Jan 2023

Tracklist:

1. Mutagen

2. March Of Pestilence

3. Enforced Bodily Terror

4. Hive Unintelligence

5. Metaphysical Maladies

In January of last year a brand new international death metal band emerged. Made up of members from Finland, USA and the UK, Mutagenic Host self-released their debut The Genotoxic Demo digitally that same month, while UK label Dry Cough Records made not one but two pressings on tape. Fast-forward a year and Brazilian label Excarnation Records released the demo on CD with a slightly different cover (see below).

Opening the demo with the unnervingly ambient, sample-filled intro ‘Mutagen’, there’s no need to second guess whats to come. ‘March Of Pestilence’ does all the guessing for you with it’s filthy, riff-filled death metal. Metallic in places and with harrowing vocals, it takes a bit of time to truly get going percussion-wise but when it does, there’s no escape. 

The excellently titled ‘Enforced Bodily Terror’ conjures up images of unimaginable torture and I guess that’s what Mutagenic Host were going for when they wrote it. It’s very much mid-paced in delivery but to be honest, all of the best death metal is at the slower/sludgier end of the tempo spectrum imo.

‘Hive Unintelligence’ has that slam vibe going on straight from the off, though that vibe is ultimately misleading as the sound morphs into something much more old-school and grinding soon after. The mix of fast and slow tempos really work here as Mutagenic Host reach their true, gruesome stride. 

Demo closer ‘Metaphysical Maladies’ comes at you way too quickly (I feel like I say that a lot!), but in this case it’s definitely true. It’s all down to the pace and song-writing that’s employed by Mutagenic Host, as they bring this impressive first release to a crushing end.

Mutagenic Host align themselves with the NWOBDM (New Wave Of British Death Metal) and they’re in great company. Dry Cough Records, alongside other labels, have been championing the latest wave of British death metal bands lately (including but not limited to Slimelord, Mortuary Spawn, Atvm etc). The future looks decidedly murky and dank, much like state of the nation. It’s almost like it was meant to be.

You can download the demo for just £1 (or more) via bandcamp below:-

Mutagenic Host Instagram - @mutagenichost

Dry Cough Records - https://www.facebook.com/DryCoughRecords

Copies of the 2nd tape press from Dry Cough Records can be purchased from the link below:-

https://www.drycoughrecords.com/product/mutagenic-host-the-genotoxic-tape-2nd-run-dc67

Get in touch with Excarnation Records if you'd like a CD copy here - https://www.facebook.com/excarnrecs/

Cape Light - A Discography

Labels: Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 31 Jan 2019

Tracklist:

1. Senbou

2. Sei-shinka

3. Mushisareru

4. Chigai

5. Yowatari

6. Mukishitsu

7. Kotaewohitsuyoutosurusekainiikiru

8. Machigaeteirunohaitsumobokuda

9. Tooihiwakasundeikizanzoudakeganokoru

10. Nanimokaesukotonodekinaibokuwowaraudarouka

In January 2019 Zegema Beach Records released a limited tape of the discography by Japanese emo/post-hardcore band Cape Light. The tape gathered together songs from their initial 3songs cdr, their split tape with compatriots 5000 and four songs that made up their newest (last?) EP back in 2018. I'm only learning now that members of Cape Light, 5000 and Careless formed Komuso; a band whom I first discovered thanks to Left Hand Label (the sister label of Dog Knights Productions). The tape release was limited to just 50 copies with 40 on grey and 10 on platinum silver shells. 

Ten quick-fire post-hardcore songs with all of the Japanese flair and intensity are dropped here. A perfect way for those unfamiliar with Cape Light to hear their output. Opener ‘Senbou’ has everything from raw, organic percussion to angular yet anxiety-inducing guitar work and typically harsh vocals. There’s an obvious reason why ZBR jumped on this.

‘Sei-shinka’ follows without as much as a pause, continuing the momentum and intensity while adding more melody, as well as greater pensive post-hardcore tones. It’s dramatic in the way that only Japanese bands seem to be. Excellent stuff so far. ’Mushisareru’ was the final track from Cape Light’s early 3songs EP and it’s genuinely wild. Filled with modern punk-like guitar/percussion and shout-along vocals, which kind of remind me of Funeral For A Friend’s ‘The Art Of American Football’ 

Next you’re propelled straight into the songs from the 5000 split starting with ‘Chigai’, which is instantly faster in tempo and chaotic in tone. There’s no let up during ‘Yowatari’ either. After what sounds like an intro played using pots and pans (of course it isn’t, it’s just the live recording), Cape Light turn up the heat with treble-heavy riffs and fast/slow dynamics throughout. Add in pulse-raising screams and you’ve got something really special.

‘Mukishitsu’ featured as the last song on Cape Light’s split tape with 5000, which was their second and last physical release (if Discogs is to be believed). Emoviolence of the utmost insane is coupled once again with exceptional use of melody and post-hardcore/metal, in typically bright fashion.

The final four Cape Light songs pull no punches as ‘Kotaewohitsuyoutosurusekainiikiru’ kicks off instantly with off-kilter tempos that are way more obvious than before. Maybe it’s the short song-length but it’s mathiness alongside the raw recording make it very addictive to listen to. 

‘Machigaeteirunohaitsumobokuda’ is another song-title I’m not even going to try and pronounce (out-loud anyway). Cape Light harnesses so much beauty within their heaviness. Groovy, punk-like rhythms sit side-by-side with noxious riffage at times. You’re definitely not far away from dissonance and chaos.

Cape Light’s explosive take on screamo really comes into it’s own on penultimate song ‘Tooihiwakasundeikizanzoudakeganokoru’. It goes by way too quickly if I’m being honest. If you get distracted and take your ear off this song for all of a second, you’re missing out big time. Subtle nods toward Envy make themselves heard during the song’s latter half and the mix of quiet/loud dynamics just work really well.

Discography closer ‘Nanimokaesukotonodekinaibokuwowaraudarouka’ hits you square in the face as Cape Light delivers their final blast. Listening to this release in full is the best way to appreciate it. Unfortunately, due to life getting in the way I haven’t quite been able to do so. I’ll be righting that wrong in the not-to-distant future. What I can say for certain is that this deserved such a release, albeit limited. Does it deserve a repress? Definitely. Will it get one? Only time will tell.

You can stream and purchase the discography as a name-your-price download below:-

Discography tapes are long sold out.

You can also stream and download their releases from Adabana Records here - https://adabana.bandcamp.com

Zegema Beach Records - https://www.facebook.com/zegemabeachrecords

Narzissus - Akt III: Erlösung

Labels: Shape Of Storms Records/Fiadh Productions

Formats: Vinyl/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 12 Jan 2024

Tracklist:

1. Empor Zum Ideal

2. Erlösung

3. Vanitas/Victoria

4. Im Glanze Baden

5. Der G rö ß te Lohn

January of this year saw the newest release Akt III: Erlösung from Austrian black metal band Narzissus, which was also the debut release from new US label Shape Of Storms Records. It followed the band's 2020 EP releases Akt I: Wille and Akt II: Fall, which coincided with a name change from previous moniker Narziss. This vinyl pressing was also accompanied by a tape pressing from Fiadh Productions, which features alternative artwork (included below).

Over the last couple of years, I’ve found it more satisfying (musically) when I’ve purchased releases from less familiar bands and labels. Narzissus was a new name to me when I ordered this record as was Shape Of Storms Records, though the lineage of the label wasn’t. LP opener ‘Empor Zum Ideal’ sets off this journey into the unexpected with gentle guitar and clean vocals, provided by Amara. What follows from Narzissus is a lot more intense, though only in passages. The song flows through different movements that are both clean and harsh. Soothing balladry sits alongside punk-infused black metal in near perfect harmony.

The album’s title song ‘Erlösung’ sees Narzissus moving in a more heavy/black metal direction with less emphasis on calm atmospherics, but with no less melody. The guitar work is great and sits more than equally alongside the percussion and vocals, on fittingly the longest tome. Subtle choral and symphonic elements sit deeper in the mix but still add plenty of vibrancy. Obviously, every song has a surprise later on that renders anything I’ve just said irrelevant and it indeed comes in the form of Amara’s beautiful singing. Once again. I’m not complaining though.

‘Vanitas/Victoria’ rages with complete abandon straight from the get go. Blasting drums set the pace, which are more than matched by both frenetic and anthemic guitars (thanks to both Narzissus and Quentin Seewer). I did not expect to hear what sounds like classical/flamenco acoustic guitar on a black metal record, but nothing should surprise me anymore. Plus, it absolutely fits here as it breaks up the intensity brilliantly. As does the glorious clarinet playing of Siarhey Shylenkou at the song’s close.

‘Im Glanze Baden’ fills the speakers with orchestral ambience for a brief moment before Narzissus unleashes yet more martial black metal. Okay, it can’t be called war metal or anything like that but it does have that same straight-forward approach in between the melody that flourishes throughout. It’s again another song filled with urgency and it’s all the better for it.

‘Der Größte Lohn’ closes out the record with a barrage of crazed black metal featuring additional guitar from Vova Batrakov, which adds more virtuosity (if that was possible) and a genuinely listenable oompah-like percussive rhythm, before the warming clarinet of Matteo Zecchi and saxophone of Matthew Evans provide yet more jazz/blues tones later on. It’s a fantastic way to end an album that’s already bursting with exceptional musicality.

The vision of Narzissus is beyond words. Drawing from the extreme end of the musical spectrum as a backbone and then incorporating such skilful vocalists/musicians makes it greater still. Both Shape Of Storms Records and Fiadh Productions have helped to bring that vision to wider audiences as well as collectors of physical formats, but on reflection it’s Narzissus that deserves the greater attention (which is the aim of both labels anyway). Share this album with those who have not heard it, who aren’t afraid of stepping out of their comfort zone to who just like well-written heavy music. There are audiences everywhere, they just haven’t been tapped into yet.

You can stream and purchase Akt III: Erlösung as a name-your-price download below:-

It's also available to buy on limited vinyl/tape quantities there too or from the labels below:-

Shape Of Storms Records - https://shapeofstormsrecords.bandcamp.com/album/narzissus-akt-iii-erl-sung

Fiadh Productions - https://fiadh.bandcamp.com/album/akt-iii-erl-sung

Narzissus - https://www.instagram.com/erechleleth/

Shape Of Storms Records - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551099554247

Fiadh Productions - https://www.facebook.com/fiadhproductions

Devil's Gateway - Promised Land / No Escape

Labels: Iron Corpse

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 03 May 2024

Tracklist:

1. Promised Land

2. No Escape

After a day of work frustrations and a massively lacklustre performance from England at the Euros this evening, only something truly heavy will suffice. Finland's Devil's Gateway fulfils that need with their latest EP Promised Land / No Escape. Containing two songs and coming off the back of their September 2023 full-length Eternal Grind, it was released on tape through Iron Corpse Records alongside a digital release. It's well worth mentioning that this is the duo's third offering in just over twelve months. Productivity like that deserves much closer attention!

Crusty, hellish death/doom with tones of rawness is what’s on offer here. Devil’s Gateway sound just like their name on ‘Promised Land’. Dual-vocals, bass-heavy guitar, crashing cymbals and all manner of murk take you on a ride that goes deeper than you would have anticipated. The overriding sound is that of death/doom but the crust is there later on, adding extra dystopian gloom.

Second song ‘No Escape’ is even more dank and heavy, if that were possible! The sludgy bass threatens to drag it in a powerviolence-esque direction but instead Devil’s Gateway continue on their slow, downtempo trajectory. It’s absolutely perfect in it’s chaotic, distorted droning beauty. It’s a fine way to end this little EP and the yearning for what’s to come is real.

Once again Iron Corpse manages to help unearth another Finnish band that builds on the insanity that the country already delivers musically. I’m a massive fan of Finland’s heavy music community and If you’re reading this review, you probably will be too. If you’re new to it, dive right in. You won’t regret it.

You can stream and purchase the EP on both digital and limited tape formats from Devil's Gateway below:-

You can grab tape copies from Iron Corpse here too - https://www.ironcorpse.com/?product_cat=ironcorpsereleases

Devil's Gateway - https://devilsgateway.bandcamp.com

Iron Corpse - https://www.facebook.com/cultoftheironcorpse

Modern Rifles - LP + B-Sides

Labels: Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 18 Jan 2019

Tracklist:

1. Introplane

2. Terroplane

3. Lie To Me, Ian, Lie To Me

4. Feck Me If I'm Wrong, But Is That A Ham Sangie In Your Hands?

5. United Lead

6. Man The Ramparts! Bananalyze The Trade Winds

7. Illegal Dracula!!

8. Kip Winger

9. Say A Prayer To St. Happenin'

10. Manbird

11. Chuck Woolery Is Leviathan

12. Enter The Craptagon

13. Hot Stone Meat Party

14. Broken Wings Make Broken Things

I've had a surprisingly productive day so I thought I'd ride on the coattails of my momentum and try to at-least nail another Zegema Beach Records roster review. This write-up focuses on US band Modern Rifles and the (I guess) discography release that ZBR put to tape in early 2019. Modern Rifles existed between 2006 and 2009 and then 2011 to 2014 (source: OPENmind/SATURATEDbrain). This tape gathers together the songs from their 2008 album I Was Young, It Was Dark in addition to some extras for the completists. 

CanaDave wrote in his post linked above that Modern Rifles will appeal to those who listen to the likes of Jimmy Eat World, Recover, Hot Snakes and Russian Circles (amongst others). Any band that covers that range of sounds has gotta be good!

With fourteen songs, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth here (hint: at the time of writing there’s one copy still for sale on the ZBR bandcamp page!). ‘Introplane’ kicks things off with some excellent emo/alternative instrumentation that sounds way more cinematic than it should. Modern Rifles definitely had a penchant for expressive music. What an opening! ‘Terroplane’ switches gear and takes things in a more rocking direction, albeit with a heart on the sleeve. I’m getting the Jimmy Eat World/Recover comparisons for sure here, but I’m also hearing subtle nods to Boysetsfire and The Mars Volta too (but maybe that’s just me). I’m going to do my best to refrain from name-dropping now because this has already blown me away.

What’s clear when listening to ‘Lie To Me, Ian, Lie To Me’ is that I’ve been too focused on way too much heavy music lately. This song has such a nostalgic feel and structure to it, that it takes me back to when I was discovering more melodic bands back in the days of the Rock Sound Magazine sampler CDs. Sadly, that UK music mag went a bit downhill and then disappeared altogether. It helped to shape my love for alternative music, for which I’m forever grateful. ‘Feck Me If I’m Wrong, But Is That A Ham Sangie In Your Hands?’ takes on an indie form for a little bit, albeit with a proper upbeat tempo and strong vocal delivery. Even the introspective latter-section is anthemic as it flows into the driving, gang-vox filled ending.

The drums that open ‘United Lead’ sound so raw and you’d be forgiven for thinking that Modern Rifles are about to go full-on screamo but that’s not the case. Instead, you’re presented with a slightly melancholic ballad of sorts. It’s a change of pace from what’s come before but as it builds in volume, it also builds in intensity (as you’d expect). Another thing that’s evident on this release is their way with song titles. ‘Man The Ramparts! Bananalyze The Trade Winds! Is one such title that will probably leave you guessing (as it does me) but what won’t is the classy indie-rock instrumentation and clean vocals, which have been a mainstay of this record.

‘Illegal Dracula!!’ Is one of those danceable tracks that will bury itself in your head thanks to the catchy rhythm and urgency. It’s one of the most furious songs here too, yet it gives way abruptly to ‘Kip Winger’, which itself contains an abundance of off-kilter tempos and lovely melodic guitar, that nods to the mathy end of emo to these ears. Talking of Catchy, ’Say A Prayer To St. Happenin’’ is the epitome. It’s abundantly clear just how good Modern Rifles were when listening to this. It’s criminal that they didn’t reach more people.

Their music was so anthemic and ‘Manbird’ goes the extra mile in that respect. There’s an undertone of genuine angst but also so much elation flowing through it. For me, it sums up everything about Modern Rifles as a band. The pure instrumental wanderlust that emanates from ‘Chuck Woolery Is Leviathan’ is out of this world. This song closed out the I Was Young, It Was Dark and what a way to do so!

I really hoped ‘Enter The Craptagon’ would be a musical commentary about the circus that is UFC, but it’s nothing of the sort. It’s actually another great alternative/indie song with enough curb appeal to reach beyond genre lines. That’s what is so good about this band. Penultimate song ‘Hot Stone Meat Party’ gives off extra experimental vibes without being too weird, because we all know that can frighten some people off. Brooding post-punk fills the speakers on collection closer ‘Broken Wings Make Broken Things’. It rounds things out in majestic fashion.

Over 16 years after the original album was released (and over five since this tape release), the music performed by Modern Rifles is still pure class. Thanks to the Internet, it hasn’t been lost to ages. If you’re unfamiliar, please remedy that now. Let’s cause a renaissance like never before! Awesome and genuinely uplifting. 

The full collection can be streamed and purchased digitally below (where a sole physical tape copy also exists, waiting to find it's forever home):-

You can also still grab tape copies from ZBR's US store here - https://zbrusa.com/collections/zbr-releases/products/modern-rifles-lp-b-sides-cassette

Modern Rifles - https://modernrifles.bandcamp.com/album/i-was-young-it-was-dark

Zegema Beach Records - https://www.facebook.com/zegemabeachrecords

Serling - Four O' Clock Premiere

There's a brand new release coming on Wednesday 19th June from Tomb Tree (alongside Fisher King Records and Soft Grit Recordings). It's a limited 12" lathe split featuring US math rock band Charger Port and mathcore compatriots Serling. Charger Port contribute three songs here with Serling's two tracks coming in between. I'm excited to be able to bring you an advance premiere of Serling's second track 'Four O' Clock'. Check out the song below:-

‘Four O’ Clock’ is filled with everything from grind, to noise rock and math-infused metal. The tone is low and the vocals have that almost manic spoken-word delivery that Chat Pile fans will be familiar with. 

Tracklist:

1. Charger Port - The Enter Net

2. Serling - Two

3. Charger Port - A Flip Switched

4. Serling - Four O' Clock

5. Charger Port - Hey Is For Horse Is

I Don't Watch Sports Anymore comes on 25 black and 25 clear lathes, with inserts and custom handmade jackets from Josh of Vamonos Tapes. Check the promo flyers below:-

You'll be able to grab copies and stream the full split from the links below on Wednesday:-

Fisher King Records - https://fisherkingrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Tomb Tree - https://tombtreetapes.bandcamp.com

Charger Port - https://www.facebook.com/Chargerpurt

Serling - https://www.facebook.com/SERLING.band

Fisher King Records - https://www.facebook.com/FisherKingRecords

Soft Grit Recordings - https://www.facebook.com/ShoppingCartHeroRecords

Tomb Tree - https://www.facebook.com/tombtreetapes