Hanry - Disruption EP

Labels: Pelagic Records

Formats: Digital

Release Date: 10 Jan 2025

Tracklist:

1. Radiance

2. Ether

3. Zénith (Tape#2)

4. Intermission

This evening's review is an exciting one for me, as I wouldn't be writing it if it weren't for a PR contact I have in France who graciously put me in contact with one of their counterparts, who publicises German label Pelagic Records internationally. Through reaching out to them is (ironically) how I learned about French instrumental post-rock band Hanry and their new EP Disruption. It was officially released last Friday on digital platforms (with no set date for a physical release at time of writing) and is their second EP, following Panorama in 2022 and it's subsequent expanded re-issue in 2023.

I have been a subscriber to Pelagic’s monthly flat-rate vinyl subscription package for nearly two years now and it’s provided me with so many fantastic records and this year promises to be bigger, and better than ever for the label. They have already teased us with some of the new bands they’ve signed up to work with and kicking off the year is Hanry, a six-piece post-rock band from Rennes.

Disruption is their newest EP and if you’re at all familiar with the labels output, you’ll know that Hanry fits in perfectly amongst the other varied and talented artists on the roster. Opener ‘Radiance’ is a dreamy song filled with electronic beats, ambient synths, melodic piano and the dramatic guitar work that permeates through so many of their label-mates. 

‘Ether’ builds on the electronics of the opener with a greater use of beats and ambience, which in turn release so much emotion. It’s really hard to let this song go without saying how great it is to listen to, though the devil on my shoulder constantly fools me into thinking I could be listening an instrumental version of Linkin Park at times (sorry for the comparison).

Obviously, Hanry are on their own creative trajectory and not merely out here to copy any other artist or band. ’Zénith (Tape#2)’ follows on from ‘Zénith (Tape#1)’ that appeared on the re-issued and expanded version of Panorama and it’s a mellow number laced with calming beats and glorious piano, as well as shoegaze-like guitar that lays comfortably in the background.

Closing with their longest song ‘Intermission’, Hanry present a side of themselves that is both brighter yet more immersive. They orchestrate and layer the song with more instrumentation, as well as more effects. It builds in volume and heaviness at the mid-point before retreating back again, revealing a cultivated post-rock sound that’s as close to perfection as you’ll ever hear.

When I started writing this blog fifteen years ago I was discovering so much new music, I was almost overwhelmed and in reality that’s been the case ever since. I’m not saying I’ll change but I do feel that things are different, now especially. Hearing Hanry for the first time has been an absolute joy and this EP reminds me that spending time with music is a privilege and not a right, in the same that spending time with loved-ones and friends is.

You can stream and purchase Disruption digitally via Hanry's bandcamp page below:-

Hanry - https://www.facebook.com/hanry.music

Pelagic Records - https://www.facebook.com/pelagicrecords

Retador - Ear​ë​ndel

Labels: Xtreem Music

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Digital

Release Date: 21 Jan 2025

Tracklist:

1. Ear ë ndel

2. Somos Eternos

3. La Sombra de tu Existir

4. Redes

5. Lux Ferre

6. Asesino

7. Profanado

8. Terror en la Noche

9. Abismo 52 (outro)

Spanish thrash metal quartet Retador are due to release their second album Ear ë ndel via fellow Spanish extreme metal label Xtreem Music later this month, whom also released their debut self-titled album back in 2023. Retador have been compared to German teutonic thrash bands like Kreator and Sodom, as well as earlier Sepultura and Death Angel amongst others. If those comparisons don't wet your appetite for this album, then hopefully that striking cover art will.

It’s absolutely freezing here at the moment. The pavements are slick with ice and it’s been close to -10 over the last couple of days in the evenings. I didn’t write anything last night due to being exhausted after trudging through snow and making sure I didn’t stack it on the ice. Some good old comforting Spanish thrash metal is thankfully close to hand tonight, as is a lovely glass of red wine. 

Album opener and title-track ‘Ear ë ndel’ may first appear as an intro track but it’s so much more than that, as Retador’s excellent thrash metal bursts into life with uptempo instrumentation and harsh, old-school vocals (including some excellent falsettos too!). I go back and forth with thrash metal at times, as I find some bands to be quite atonal and rigid in their song-writing; however, there are times when a band comes out of seemingly nowhere and smacks me clean in the chops. 

On the strength of the opener, Retador are definitely the latter. I’m hoping it’s not just there to pull you in and ’’Somos Eternos’ proves it isn’t. It’s maybe not quite as theatrical in the guitar-department but the gang vox and extra falsettos, alongside the consistently amazing percussion and bass seal the deal early on. Later on it’s the turn of the guitars to truly work their magic again, as epic solos give way to twin-leads and furious riffs. 

I feel this write-up is going to be longer than originally planned, but I don’t really care when the music’s this good. ‘La Sombra de tu Existir’ initially sounds slightly more restrained but the chains are removed before too long as the music switches up a notch once again. I’ve already said that I think this year’s gonna be another stellar year for metal and I stand by that statement. Retador are flying the flag for thrash as a sub-genre and they really stand out!

‘Redes’ sees Retador presenting the most barbaric and straight-forward version of themselves in thrash metal terms. They fit in a couple of epic guitar solos and twin-guitar passages later on but this is still one of their heaviest songs so far. ‘Lux Ferre’ follows in pretty much the same format. No time is wasted and no quarter given As the album crosses over to it’s latter half, Retador’s catchiness continues to amaze and surprise.

‘Asesino’ is not a tribute to the US band of the same name. Instead, it’s gang-vox fuelled proto-thrash that pulls no punches, even when Retador pull off a melodic instrumental mid-section. If you long for simpler times when the sub-genre was fast and full of unbridled rawness then you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. ‘Profanado’ comes at you with a very different feel early on, with a brooding mid-paced intro that leads into off-kilter musicianship and semi screamed/sung vocals. That formula is retained throughout the rest of the song to great effect.

Before you even realise it, you’re at penultimate song ’Terror en la Noche’ and it’s where Retador deliver their final (full) precision blast of Spanish thrash metal. It’s another frenetic song and it leads instantly into the album’s closer ‘Abismo 52’, which is an instrumental outro of epic proportions! To summarise, I can’t fault this record. That it’s only the 2nd release from Retador is mind-blowing as well. You have nine days to wait for the official release and it’ll definitely be worth that wait.

You can stream album track 'Asesino' and watch it's accompanying video on bandcamp below, where digital pre-orders are also open:-

Retador Instagram - @retador_oficial

Physical vinyl/cd pre-orders are live via Xtreem Music here too - https://www.xtreemmusic.com/shop/

Xtreem Music - https://www.facebook.com/xtreemmusic666

Keratin - Death & Rebirth 7"

Labels: Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 03 Jan 2025

Tracklist:

1. Left Early

2. S.N.K.

3. Kindred Blue

4. Before the Salt, Taste the Wound

My short-lived streak of reviewing 2025 records before their release date comes to an end tonight, though two out of three ain't too bad. I got in there first when it came to the Vertex album yesterday, so that's a win! Aussie screamo band Keratin released their new EP on January 3rd via Zegema Beach Records, having previously released an EP called Only Eye through ZBR’s sister label Tomb Tree in 2022 and a 4-way split that also featured Atameo, Letterbombs and Coma Regalia in 2023 via Middle-Man Records. Digitally, there are four tracks on this EP but I believe only three made it onto the physical vinyl copies. 

Australia is building a very decent reputation for itself when it comes to screamo/post-hardcore bands. Blind Girls are the name on everybody’s tongue right now, but let’s not forget Gil Cerrone and Raccoon City (and I’m sure I’m missing many others). Keratin’s name can be added to that list, having already released two stellar EPs prior to this one. 

Opener ‘Left Early’ is a mix of usually chaotic emo-violence and instrumentally engrossing post-hardcore, with vocals sitting deeper in the mix. If this is the first ever song you’ve heard by Keratin then you’re starting in a good place. It’s atmosphere and song-writing is top notch.

’S.N.K.’ continues where that opener left off but with more of a black/post-metal influence this time. In it’s own right it’s strong, impressively so. I know it’s very early in the year to be saying this but on the strength of what I’ve already reviewed (including this EP), 2025 is going to be an absolute banger of a year musically.

‘Kindred Blue’ has that repetitive noise element going on at the beginning that works so well in a live setting (I hope you know what I mean!) and as it’s an instrumental piece, I’m guessing that on the vinyl pressing it’s tagged onto the end of ’S.N.K.’ (please correct me if my guess isn’t correct here). Either way, it’s lovely.

Closing with ‘Before the Salt, Taste the Wound’, which I immediately thought was a nod to Salt The Wound (the US deathcore band), Keratin deliver their longest song of the EP and also their heaviest one to boot. It’s actually pretty fierce during it’s first half, which does make me wonder about my initial hunch but that aside, Keratin smash it once again with their masterful delivery.

I arrived home this evening to five LPs that I ordered recently. I set them aside so I could take in this EP and it didn’t disappoint. I’m also experimenting with newer social media platforms too, so maybe eventually I’ll get the confidence to record some shorts or vlogs. Who knows.

You can stream and purchase Death & Rebirth digitally from Keratin below:-

Keratin - https://www.facebook.com/keratinband

If you're in Australia you can also grab the 7" from them and save on shipping.

For everyone else, Zegema Beach Records have them up for purchase now (there are only fifty copies though!):-

ZBR CAN/INTL - http://www.zegemabeachrecords.com/zegema-beach-releases/keratin-7

ZBR U.S.A. - https://zbrusa.com/collections/zbr-releases/products/keratin-7

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

Vertex - The Purest Light

 Labels: Le Cri du Charbon

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Digital

Release Date: 17 Jan 2025

Tracklist:

1. All My Hatred

2. War Is Peace

3. The Purest Light

4. Leviathan

5. Two

6. Next Age

7. Social Unborn

8. Following Arrows

9. Scalable

10. Tar

Even at this early stage in the year I've realised that I'm becoming a bit OCD-like when it comes to promos and promo e-mails. From promos about 2025 releases (not this one) that were actually released a year+ prior but also promos (again not for this release) that don't mention anything about the formats that they're being released on. PR peeps and those that write EPKs should include these kind of details in my humble opinion. This is why I chose to write about this album instead, thanks to Clement Duboscq from Vous Connaissez? PR who sent it my way!

The Purest Light by French mathcore/progressive metal band Vertex is really a 2025 release and I couldn't be more excited to hear it. Over the last couple of years I've been leaning further towards screamo and mathcore thanks to friends who are connected to labels I keep an eye, and that I also buy from regularly. Getting the chance the hear some fresh mathcore that's infused with metal and progressive influence is absolutely what I'm here for.

After a slightly confusing moment with the MP3 files included with this promo, I switched to the WAVs and everything (including my OCD) returned to normal. Album opener ‘All My Hatred’ is the perfect mix of panic-inducing guitar-lead highs, bass-laden/percussive progression and harsh vocals that sit atop of the instrumentation perfectly. It brings to mind the first time I heard both Weston Super-Maim and The Sawtooth Grin, amongst others. Absolutely brilliant.

‘War Is Peace’ is way more metal than it is math with an insatiable pace, where mid-way through it becomes an amalgamation of everything that’s great about metal and grind. There’s really no placing Vertex in reality, despite my best attempts this early on. Honestly, this album is absolutely incredible so far! The promo e-mail that accompanied this record mentioned that it would appeal to fans of Meshuggah and I cannot agree more with that. Title-track ‘The Purest Light’ shows exactly why, with it’s prog-metal approach and varying time-signatures. The instrumentation is absolutely out of this world. I can’t fault this record at all so far.

‘Leviathan’ is served up at a slower tempo, or so it seems, with a swagger akin to the sludge of Crowbar and progression of the aforementioned Meshuggah. Off-kilter riffs and wild percussion/bass are joined by vocals that seem deeper to match the tones of the song. Launching into ’Two’, Vertex pretty much carry on where they left off with ‘Leviathan’. Fusing progressive metal with mathcore and an indescribable amount of European groove (if there’s such a thing?!). 

’Two’ fades away to be replaced by the atmospheric yet technical ’Next Age’, which brings to mind Soilwork at their peak. It’s an epic song though it strays further away from Vertex’s mathcore leanings at times, thanks to some brutal (almost beatdown) riffs later on. The chaotic beginning of ‘Social Unborn’ doesn’t let up one bit as the album’s shortest song rips you a new one. Again, it’s off-kilter in all the right places while also employing the right amount of slam for anybody who’s a modern death metal junkie. It’s actually pretty bloody good!

You’re dragged back into groove-laden territory thanks to ‘Following Arrows’ and it’s syncopated/rhythmic guitar work, and mesmeric drumming. Both elements seem to override the vocals, which seems almost impossible at times. Vertex use vocal effects later on when the instrumentation retreats a little and while it doesn’t effect their momentum, it does seem slightly at odds with their creativity.

Vertex - https://www.facebook.com/vertex.metal.france/

Le Cri du Charbon - https://www.facebook.com/LeCriDuCharbon

Aeon Of Awareness - The Embracing Light Of Rarohenga

Labels: Self-Released

Formats: Digital

Date: 17 Jan 2025

Tracklist:

1. Intro

2. Lebenslast

3. Lysis

4. Hine-nui-te-pō

5. Te Atua

6. Ira Di(e)mensions

7. Tūmatauenga

8. Fort Forest

9. King Kauri

So here we are. 2024 is behind us and a new year has already begun. 2024 actually turned out to be a very good year for the blog and I'm optimistic about 2025 as well. I'm hitting the ground running by focusing on this year's releases whenever I can, starting with the debut album from German death metallers Aeon Of Awareness. 

The Embracing Light Of Rarohenga promises to be a mix of melodic death metal and Maori mythology (two things I wasn't expecting to say in the same sentence!). Aeon of Awareness formed in 2020 as a duo, releasing two EPs prior to this full-length recording (and an expansion of their line-up), which will be officially available digitally on 17th January. 

Starting with a dramatic and orchestral ‘Intro’, Aeon Of Awareness do nothing to prepare you for their Aotearoa-themed German death metal (yes, I know that sounds weird!). ‘Lebenslast’ contains much more European influence with driving blasts, marching riffs and typically harsh vocals, that are accentuated by the quartet’s mother tongue. So far so good in the musical department. ’Lysis’ takes up the exact same form as ‘Lebenslast’, but with additional Scandinavian influences. Those influences won’t come as a surprise if you’re an avid death metal fan, as it’s such a prominent sub-genre across Europe. Aeon Of Awareness make it sound effortless, especially for a debut album!

‘Hine-nui-te-pō’ is a fine way to integrate their love of Maori mythology, as Aeon Of Awareness allow their instrumentation to take centre-stage with glorious melodic riffs and towering atmosphere. To my ears, the vocals are still in German, so the Maori influence may only be found in the lyrics (please correct me if I’m incorrect here though). ‘Te Atua’ breaks up the heaviness briefly thanks to it’s use of soothing piano and delicate strings. The album’s latter half kicks everything back into gear after a mere pause for breath and ‘Ira Di(e)mensions’ re-introduces you to the band’s full-flowing death metal, except there’s greater use of tempo and time changes now. It’s hard to ignore just how mature this album sounds. 

‘Tūmatauenga’ is the longest and grandest song on The Embracing Light Of Rarohenga. The lyrics early on sound very much like they’re being delivered in traditional Maori language but I’m no expert in this field and later on the band switches between different languages to heighten the intrigue. Penultimate song ‘Fort Forest’ sees Aeon Of Awareness moving back in a proper thrash/death metal direction with up-tempo everything. It’s a clever way to pep things up towards the end of the album and once again stirs the rousing feeling that was created earlier on. The chunky, melodic riffs do a great job too!

That up-tempo atmosphere carries on through to album closer ‘King Kauri’, where it’s abundantly clear that Aeon Of Awareness are serious about their craft. The use of Maori themes/language could easily have come across as a gimmick but that isn’t the case. While the music isn’t breaking any new ground progressively or experimentally, it is performed with true heart and passion, which is all that matters. The Embracing Light Of Rarohenga will be well received I’m sure.

You can stream purchase album single 'Hine-nui-te-pō' via bandcamp below, in advance of the full-release:-

Aeon Of Awareness - https://www.facebook.com/AoA666

Palefade./Othiel - Split

Labels: Tomb Tree

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 20 Sep 2024

Tracklist:

1. Palefade. - Castle Sky

2. Palefade. - Glimmer In Your Eyes

3. Othiel - Stones You Throw

4. Othiel - Narration Sickness

There's a mere three days left of 2024 (including today) and I'm in between family soirees. I'm also looking ahead to next year and the sheer amount of pre-release promos I've already been sent. Before I start on that though, there's still the matter of a couple of 2024 releases, beginning with this split featuring US bands Palefade. and Othiel.

Both bands released albums in 2023 before embarking on this short split; released in September via Tomb Tree. The split was limited to just 40 tapes with 25 half white/half black, 10 random colour (in bags w/sparkle inserts) and 5 swirl tapes in gold cases. 

Both Palefade. and Othiel defy genre boundaries. Starting things off with ‘Castle Sky’, Palefade. mix emo-violence with more angular post-hardcore/screamo, as well as occasional flurries of both hardcore and introspective musicianship. It’s way more emotive and uplifting than I was expecting this early on. Palefade.'s second song ‘Glimmer In Your Eyes’ has a very real post-punk element to it, while also being utterly heavy. Moments of black metal, blasting intensity and abject melody give off nostalgic (almost Korn-era nu-metal) vibes. 

Othiel waste no time at all on their side of this split; hitting a high tempo straight away on ’Stones You Throw’. Much higher in tempo, their take on screamo is joined by mathcore-like panic chords and a joyous mix of both crazed and mathy, melodic hardcore. Their second and final song ’Narration Sickness’ takes much more from punk while also retaining much of their heavier sound. Othiel’s sound, whilst being heavy, is also genuinely epic. I’ve used the word “Grandiose” more than a few times here recently but this entire split justifies that descriptor. 

I had planned to write one more review this calendar year before switching my focus to 2025 releases, but I don’t think I’ll have time for that now. If this ends up being my last review of the year, it’s a pretty damn good one to end on. Palefade. and Othiel are both great additions to the skramz community.

You can stream and purchase the songs directly from both bands as name-your-price downloads below:-

One random colour tape copy is still available to buy from Tomb Tree's bandcamp page below:-

https://tombtreetapes.bandcamp.com/album/split-7

Othiel - https://www.facebook.com/othielband

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

Rayleigh - Last Word

Labels: Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 11 Mar 2019

Tracklist:

1. Blood Letter

2. Last Mechanical Art

3. Sun Stealer

4. Diamondback

I'm trying to fit three more reviews in before the end of 2024 and I reckon I can hit that target. This review of the 2019 EP Last Word by Canadian Screamo band Rayleigh is the first of that trio, as well as being my final ZBR roster review of the year. Last Word was Rayleigh's final EP and it sandwiched a trio of tape releases that started with their self-titled EP in 2013 and was followed by their 2018 album 'If History'. 

This holiday period feels very strange given that xmas in the UK has fallen during a mid-week this year. I’m back doing the day job tomorrow followed by a weekend, then two more days at work followed by the New Year celebrations. No rest for the wicked I guess! No time to ponder though as I have a review to write and I need to keep up some sort of momentum. 

Rayleigh did a great job of keeping the tempo high on their final EP, if opener ‘Blood Letter’ is anything to go by. It’s made up for percussion/bass that fits well amongst the instrumentation of any powerviolence band, while the feedback-laden guitar work lends a heap of dissonance that helps form a backdrop to the piercing vocals. ’Last Mechanical Act’ follows immediately after with exactly the same approach, except this time Rayleigh peppers their heavy sound with mathy and melodic guitar riffs. It’s difficult at times to pin them down to an exact sub-genre, which is no doubt what Rayleigh would have wanted. 

Third and penultimate song ‘Sun Stealer’ is also the shortest on the EP, yet it’s also the most introspective musically (if that were possible here), as Rayleigh moves between chaotic post-hardcore and gentle instrumentation at the flick of a switch. Closing with ‘Diamondback’, there’s no immediate sign of it being the end of Rayleigh’s journey musically. It’s position as the EP’s heaviest song hints at a dynamic that was never fully realised.

As parting gifts go, Last Word hits with all the feels, as well as a whole heap of pent up anger. In a day and age where long dormant (considered dead) bands are re-awakening, there’s plenty of room for Rayleigh to comeback. If not, then at least their music is still preserved for the ages.

You can stream and purchase Last Word digitally from Rayleigh below:-

Rayleigh - https://www.facebook.com/rayleigh666

Tape copies from ZBR are sold out.

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

Tomb Tree - GreenBlueGrey + Black Nails/Sharp Teeth 'Split' Double Song Premiere

On December 27th, Canadian label Tomb Tree will be releasing a brand new split tape featuring solo cybergrind/Nintendocore projects GreenBlueGrey (from Illinois, USA) and Black Nails/Sharp Teeth (from Connecticut, USA). Both projects have been releasing music at a hell of a rate since they started in 2023 and they released their first split gbg.bn/st together in October 2023. They also appeared on the awesome Wax Vessel comp The Compilation That Doesn't Suck last year.

I am honoured to be able to launch this double song premiere in advance of the full split release next week. Play the hell out of both songs below:-

The split will come in the form of 48 tapes: 14 purple, 15 purple swirl, 15 white swirl and 4 test dips w/matching swirl cases. These may well be amongst the last swirl tapes to come from Tomb Tree, as the supply of paints will be coming to an end soon. Check the promo pic below:-

Here's what Dusty from GreenBlueGrey had to say about the track 'my tears flow for miles, Davis' - 

"There's so much going on everywhere all the time. Not all of it is your fault. That doesn't mean be complacent, but also doesn't mean punish yourself for your complacency. Don't be afraid. Be angry, but don't be consumed. Do what you can. Remember to breathe. That's what the song is about I guess."

Drums on the Black Nails/Sharp Teeth song 'Do Spiders Wink Like This ;;;;) Or Like This :::;)' come courtesy of Cody Davis from Man Is The Most Dangerous Animal too (I believe).

Make sure you stream and grab the rest of their releases digitally via bandcamp below:-

GreenBlueGrey - https://greenbluegrey.bandcamp.com/

Black Nails/Sharp Teeth - https://bnstdanceparty.bandcamp.com

GreenBlueGrey - https://www.instagram.com/greenbl.uegrey/ / 

Black Nails/Sharp Teeth - https://www.instagram.com/bnstdanceparty/

Also, keep a close eye on Tomb Tree's various pages for more news on this release:-

Tomb Tree - https://tombtreetapes.bandcamp.com / https://www.facebook.com/tombtreetapes / https://www.instagram.com/_tomb_tree_/

Wampyric Rites - Summoning The Beasts In The Night Of Lycanthropic Moon

Labels: Inferna Profundus Records

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 01 Nov 2024

Tracklist:

1. Chapter - I

2. Chapter - II

3. Chapter - III

4. Chapter - IV

Ecuadorian/Chilean black metal trio Wampyric Rites released their latest EP in November of last year, via Lithuanian black metal label Inferna Profundus Records. Since their inception in 2019, Wampyric Rites have released countless demos, EPs, singles and split releases, as well as two full-lengths. They form part of the expansive Pure Raw Underground Black Metal Plague circle in South America, as well as the Old True Dungeon Synth Committee (according to Metal Archives). 

Tomorrow will be the shortest day of the year in the UK (in terms of sunlight), so it seems fitting that it should be ushered in with some lo-fi black metal. Wampyric Rites get that dubious honour this evening and even though this EP was released over a year ago, it’s still their latest body of work and therefore it deserves more coverage. ‘Chapter - I’ opens Summoning The Beasts In The Night Of Lycanthropic Moon with what I would call an ambient instrumental, though I know a lot of you would call it Dungeon Synth, maybe. With that being said, it’s a lovely intro piece.

‘Chapter - II’ emerges a few moments later with crisp opening riffs and raw percussion, before typically wailing vocals kick in. The pace is pretty frenetic, adding to an intensity that’s hard to ignore. This song stretches to nearly fifteen minutes in length, so there’s a lot to take in. It can’t possibly be appreciated in just one sitting, so repeat listens are a must. When it does click, the ungodly black metal of Wampyric Rites truly hits the spot. So much so in fact that my neighbour upstairs is banging on the floor (though that may be more to do with the volume of my typing than anything!).

I’m really enjoying the true, old-school rawness of this release so far and the fact that it’s peppered with melodic guitar helps as well. Black metal that’s truly listenable in all of it’s forms. ‘Chapter - III’ continues in the exact same vein with fast percussive tempos, almost-falsetto cries and unearthly growls, alongside galloping guitars. It only just surpasses the four-minute mark but it seems to take on a much longer form.

Closing with ‘Chapter - IV’ Wampyric Rites continue their belligerent black metal march with supreme efficiency and twenty-twenty musical vision. I guess that comes with five years of consistent musical output. Even later on in the song when they seem to slow things down tempo-wise, the intensity doesn’t properly end. Instead, there’s just a bit of respite before things ratchet up again.

Inferna Profundus Records are now well known in underground circles for the quality of what they release and this record from Wampyric Rites is no different. Authentic and raw, yet melodic and well-written/produced black metal might sound like an oxymoron but it’s the truth. This is fantastic.

You can stream and purchase the EP digitally via bandcamp below:-

Physical copies are available to purchase from Inferna Profundus Records here:-

https://www.ipr666shop.com/inferna-profundus-releases/

Wampyric Rites Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wampyric_rites/

Inferna Profundus Records - https://www.facebook.com/ipr666

It's More Like A Message To You - Live Demo'10

Labels: Polar Summer

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 23 Feb 2017

Tracklist:

1. Кто Тебе Сказал?

2. Наши Имена

3. Фантомы Свободы

I'm trying to use the remainder of 2024 to get through my planned review schedule, as I want to try something a little different come the New Year (though it won't greatly different as that would be a logistical nightmare probably!). I've also got another sweet double song premiere on the way, but more on that later.

Tonight I'm dropping back into my (somewhat) slow going deep-dive into the roster of Russian label Polar Summer because I love em and I'm stubborn. It's More Like A Message To You were a short-live emoviolence band whom released this live demo in 2017 (which, was originally recorded in 2010) and an earlier split with fellow Russian emoviolence band Aspergers in 2013. A couple of things to note about them is that their name is taken from the title of a song by Jeromes Dream and that they went on form Buran, and Ensslin (whom I've featured here before).

This live demo contains just three tracks and according to the Internet, makes up the last available recordings from It’s More Like A Message To You. All three are in Russian and I’m not going to attempt to translate them. Opener ‘Кто Тебе Сказал?’ is definitely fitting of the bands that influenced them and the bands they went on to form, even at it’s absolute rawest. From melodically beautiful, to rabidly intense and back again in less than two minutes. 

‘Наши Имена’ epitomises the strength and emotion that can come through on live recordings, with it’s rousing build-up, harsh screams and insanely good percussion. The vocal/drum fusion does drown out the guitars slightly but this is a DIY live take, so it’s to be expected.

Demo closer ‘Фантомы Свободы’ is also it’s most furious, as ringing feedback gives way to instant emoviolence and dramatic instrumentation that explodes even further when the vocals kick in. Angular, imposing and life-affirming all in one. I know this release won’t be for everyone; even some regular readers might shy away from it but give it chance.

Another snapshot in time of a band that was born, shone brightly and then died just like the stars above our heads.

Tape copies are long sold out from Polar Summer but you can grab the demo as a name-your-price download from the band below:-

It's also available digitally for a super cheap price from Polar Summer below:-

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

Tröpical Ice Land - D

Labels: Dingleberry Records/Krimskramz/Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 04 Mar 2019

Tracklist:

1. Calliphoriade

2. Amittat

3. Teresa

4. Kokoro no kaze

5. Reverencia a la nada

6. Pluie de feu

I'm delving back into the earlier release catalogue of Zegema Beach Records this evening, as part of my ongoing roster review series (which I really need to pick up the pace on). Spanish trio Tröpical Ice Land released their 2019 LP D via ZBR in early 2019, with help from Dingleberry Records and Krimskramz too!

It marked their fourth release as a band (though 'Amittat' was released as a standalone single and 'Teresa' appeared on ZBR's Zampler #12 before the full record saw the light of day). The band have links to Enze, Empty Heads and Strong Noises. I first properly discovered them thanks to their appearance on the 2020 five-way split Cinq that also featured Jeanne, Potence, Les Deux Minutes De La Haine and Yarostan.

I was going to open this review with something completely off topic, but it didn’t feel right. My brain works in odd ways sometimes! Allow me to guide you into D by Tröpical Ice Land instead with it’s opener ‘Calliphoriade’. Now it’s probably just me but does that first sixty-second intro remind anybody of ‘Aerials’ by System Of A Down? That’s not a comparison, it’s just an observation because Tröpical Ice Land are on a completely different plane musically, as their atmospheric post-hardcore takes over. 

Majestic and cinematic in the best possible way, without the explosive nature that the sub-genre can possess. Maybe it’s the time of year but I’m here for slower tempos and almost glacial atmosphere, which Tröpical Ice Land deliver beautifully. ‘Amittat’ follows directly on in the same vein, though a retreat into silence and introspection does give way to a more violent approach, which actually brings to mind Spanish compatriots Descubriendo Y Mr. Mime and Hurricade (whose split 7” was also released via Dingleberry Records and Krimskramz, alongside Dog Knights Productions back in 2016). 

After two frankly palatial numbers, ‘Teresa’ comes at you with an unexpected level of rawness. Maybe it’s because of the hasher vocal delivery or the crustier-edge to the instrumentation. Whatever the reason though, it does nothing to dampen the enjoyment you’ll get from this release. As ‘Kokoro no kaze’ signals the record’s latter half, it does so in deceiving fashion as it starts off with the atmosphere that opened things before launching into heavier vibes. 

Penultimate song ‘Reverencia a la nada’ is the most dramatic song on D and as it builds to a likely crescendo, it reminds me of how fleeting my attention span can be at times. Thankfully, I’m dragged back into the moment around about two-and-a-half minutes in by more abrasive screamo/emoviolence (why hasn’t someone just come up with the sub-genre “screamoviolence” yet?).

Closing out with ‘Pluie de feu’, Tröpical Ice Land leave you spellbound thanks to a gut-wrenchingly beautiful instrumental that was slightly unexpected but not out of place. I have this thing where I’m scared to be late but also think that I never have enough time to do things, so I always leave plenty of time for everything. Maybe I just need to chill. I didn’t think I’d have enough time for this tonight but sitting down to write this review after ironing (yes, my life is that glamorous!) has made me relax and truly appreciate this musical moment.

Now, while I implore you to purchase D on vinyl or digitally from Tröpical Ice Land via their bandcamp page below; their songs are also available as free downloads on the same page:-

Tröpical Ice Land - https://www.facebook.com/Tropicaliceland

Physical copies are also still available from the labels below:-

Dingleberry Records - https://www.discogs.com/seller/dingleberryrecords/profile

Krimskramz - https://krimskramz.com/produkt-kategorie/krimskramz-releases/

Zegema Beach Records - https://zbrusa.com/

Dingleberry Records - https://www.facebook.com/DingleberryRecordsAndDistribution

Krimskramz - https://www.facebook.com/krimskramzstuff

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