Harrowed - Chaotic Nonentity

Labels: Feast Of Tentacles/SuperFi Records

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 18 Oct 2019

Tracklist:-

1. Stark Terrors

2. Postmodern Prison

3. One Hundred Years

4. Disconnexion

5. Inauthenticide

6. Derelict

7. Living Unknown

8. Interlude I

9. Coward

10. Interlude II

11. Disused Limbs

12. Chaotic Nonentity

The burden weighs heavy. Not that listening to the new release from Harrowed is a burden, It's just been a long week. This is the first new music to come from the Kent heavy hardcore band since their 2013 debut full-length "Into Inferno" and it couldn't be more apt for the current social climate. It was release last month by two of the UK's longest running DIY labels, Feast Of Tentacles and SuperFi Records.

I’m hungover. A weekend of excess after another long week has left me feeling a little peaky today. Not sure if this will help or hinder my recovery but I’m willing to take the chance. Harrowed have always been super heavy and on album opener Stark Terrors, they throw all sorts into the mix, from blackened riffs, sludge-like refrains and straight-up dirty hardcore. Great start so far. There’s an assured feel to this record. The riffs that kick off Postmodern Prison are downtempo and negative before the band lurches into a grinding and noisy sub two-minute blast.

One Hundred Years follows quickly after and it’s thrashing backbone is joined by a lovely solo and clever time-changes, alongside those scathing vocals that seem to pierce your very being. I’m struggling with words and typing today, so apologies if this review reads weird at times. Harrowed delivers one of their longest songs in Disconnexion and it’s one where the percussion really shines. The drumming is authoritative, as it is throughout the album, but alongside the stripped back structure, it comes to the fore. It carries their sludge influence too, which adds to that feeling of dread and claustrophobia that the record presents.

When listening to Inauthenticide, it’s easy to understand why it took Harrowed six years to follow “Into Inferno”. There’s a swagger to the music, but not in a cocky sense and the instrumentation seems to be on another level. The songs are short but seem long and contain a lot of music, if you get what I mean. The quiet build-up to Derelict is a misnomer because no sooner have you sunk into it’s warming tones, that it jumps into life again with dissonant misery. At this point and despite the genre influences I’ve already mentioned above, I think this could well be the evolution of what was metalcore, before that particular sub-genre went south. It’s about time good metalcore (like Shai Hulud and Blood Has Been Shed etc, made a comeback). 

The misery mentioned earlier continues during Living Unknown, which drags you into the second half of “Chaotic Nonentity”.  At this point Harrowed decides to throw in an interlude, but calling Interlude I such a thing is a bit unfair. It’s an extremely solid instrumental hardcore song and it’s the perfect bookend for Coward, which comes and goes in a whirlwind of grinding ferocity and thick breakdowns. Interlude II is haunting with it’s spoken-word sample and uneasy instrumentation. The blackened screams on penultimate song Disused Limbs are disconcerting but this is Harrowed back at their heavy best and as the title-track concludes “Chaotic Nonentity” with up-tempo chaos and pummelling drumming, it’s like they’ve rolled everything from the album into one song. 

This record is concise, really well-written and performed. It’s gritty but also enjoyable. Listen to it in it’s entirety and you’ll be hooked, as it’s not one that you should dip in and out of. 2019 is still giving birth to awesome records.

You can stream "Chaotic Nonentity" and purchase it digitally below:-

Harrowed - https://www.facebook.com/HARROWED/

You can buy LP copies from the labels below:-

Feast Of Tentacles - http://feastoftentacles.limitedrun.com

SuperFi Records - https://superfirecords.limitedrun.com/categories/superfi-releases

Feast Of Tentacles - https://www.facebook.com/FeastofTentacles/

SuperFi Records - https://www.facebook.com/superfirecords/

Foxmoulder/Coma Regalia - Split 5"

Labels: Boslevan Records/Middle-Man Records/Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 22 Mar 2014 (roughly)

Tracklist: 

1. Foxmoulder - Pine

2. Coma Regalia - Suffering/Anger/Peace

I'm trying to keep the content coming, so here's another dive into the discography of awesomness that Zegema Beach Records has either released or helped to release. This split 5" goes all the way back to 2014 and features Foxmoulder and Coma Regalia, two bands that don't really need an introduction. This was Foxmoulder's penultimate release, while for Coma Regalia it's one in a long line of vinyl releases of varying sizes. It was released with the help of Boslevan Records, Middle-Man Records and Zegema Beach Records, and was limited to 500 copies altogether with 50 featuring fluorescent ink on the covers and 450 with normal ink. I've said the R word way too many times in this paragraph.

This split is small in size but musically it’s more than big enough. Foxmoulder’s Pine is a fine slab of screamo in their usual vein, with melodic riffs, furious drums and vocals that feed off the emotion in the song. It’s over all to quickly but the melodies will stay with you. Foxmoulder’s sound is quite expansive and even on this format, it shows.

Coma Regalia manages to fit three songs into the same running-time. Suffering begins without any such intro and is filled with angry hardcore and emo-violence, but with a big cinematic side as well. After a brief rest, Anger comes and goes within seconds and leads to the aptly titled Peace, which is an instrumental outro that brings just that.

Good things come in small packages and it’s true here. Sometimes, it’s difficult for such releases to leave an impact but both Foxmoulder and Coma Regalia do just that. It may be over five years since it’s release, but unbelievably there are still copies available, which I’ll link to below. If you’re a fan of hardcore, screamo, emo or anything then a copy up.

You can stream and purchase the split digitally and physically from Middle-Man Records below:-

You can also still get copies from Zegema Beach Records below:-

http://www.zegemabeachrecords.com/zegema-beach-releases/foxmoulder-coma-regalia-split-7

Foxmoulder - https://www.facebook.com/foxmouldertoronto/

Coma Regalia - https://www.facebook.com/comaregalia/

Boslevan Records - https://boslevanrecords.wordpress.com

Middle-Man Records - https://www.facebook.com/middlemanrecords/

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

Black Fucking Cancer/Gloam - Boundless Arcane Invokations

Labels: Sentient Ruin Laboratories

Formats: Vinyl Digital

Release Date: 13 Sep 2019

Tracklist:

1. Black Fucking Cancer - Boundless Arcane Invokation

2. Gloam - Boundless Arcane Invokation

I have no will to be sociable this evening, mainly due to the dank gloomy night outside and the constant, spontaneous fireworks that are being set off (I'm one of those people who thinks that they should only be used on Bonfire night and New Year's Eve). Instead, I'm delving into this collaborative US black metal split featuring Californian bands Black Fucking Cancer and Gloam. Both offer forth contributions of the same name, both are near or passed the twenty-minute mark and both were recorded in the same studio following the same concept. It was released in September via Sentient Ruin Laboratories on black vinyl (limited to 200 copies) and also digitally.

Straight away, Black Fucking Cancer’s Boundless Arcane Invokation sounds disturbing and chaotic. The instrumentation is shrouded in feedback and noise during the initial build-up, while the vocals are held within the mix, sounding like they’re trying to escape. Of course, that’s only the intro and when the commotion dissipates, you’re greeted with a much clearer form of black metal. What you also get is music that encompasses the best elements of the genre, with an upbeat tempo and swathes of technicality alongside the ever-changing growls and shrieks. The further you get into BFC’s contribution, the more musical and impressive it becomes. Sumptuous solos and constantly changing movements are delivered with ease. Their’s is a blueprint born of black metal that’s more sinister and evil, like those from Scandinavia and Europe in general.

Following on from the engrossing sound of BFC, Gloam’s immediacy is obvious. Their own interpretation of Boundless Arcane Invokation is filled with metallic barbarity and black-thrash undertones. When they strip things back slightly, there’s a mesmerising quality to their music. It’s also technical as well, with off-kilter tempos and progression in the right places. As mentioned earlier on in this paragraph, the metallic guitar work really compliments the song and indeed Gloam's overall sound. There’a certainly a sense that Gloam is coming from the same angle to that of the more orthodox US black metal bands, as opposed to the likes of Wolves In The Throne Room etc, but that’s not unappealing and again, alongside BFC, they provide you with plenty to enjoy. It’s great and rounds out a split that offers up something outside of the norm.

Both Black Fucking Cancer and Gloam are fantastic here. Their kinship is obvious and the music they’ve crafted only makes the bond grow stronger. Black metal may be anti-humanistic and solitary at times but it’s also positive and mind altering. Both bands invoke emotions from both ends of that spectrum and that just goes to show how talented they are.

Stream and purchase "Boundless Arcane Invokations" digitally and on vinyl below:-

Black Fucking Cancer - https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Black_Fucking_Cancer

Gloam - https://www.facebook.com/gloamshroud/

Sentient Ruin Laboratories - https://www.facebook.com/SentientRuin/

Meth Fetish - Meth Fetish EP

Labels: Dry Cough Records/Piss Gargler Records

Formats: CD/Tape/Digital (maybe, though it's not available yet)

Release Date: 01 Nov 2019

Tracklist:

1. Blinded To The Suffering

2. Wasted

3. 200 Ton Self Destruction

4. Incurable

5. Repeated

This is the 40th release from a label whose 1st release was a discography tape by US sludge/doom band Plague Survivors. That piece of detail is important because Meth Fetish is a similarly gnarly sludge band of that ilk. This international duo hasn't been around for very long and this is the band's first utterance, having been self-released in 2018. 

Here goes, a leap into the unknown (sort-of). Far from the drawn-out, festering riffs of the sub-genres current fave’s, Meth Fetish presents a filthy and sometimes death metal-laden take on sludge/doom. Blinded To The Suffering is a bass-heavy opener with crashing percussion and vocal shrieks that sound like they’re made of razors. Screeching feedback is also a fixture as you’d expect and it leads you into Wasted with barely a moment for your ears to rest from the ringing. Wasted feels and sounds a lot more claustrophobic this time, as the duo slows things down. It’s awesome.

The longest song on the EP is very aptly titled 200 Ton Self Destruction and destruction is exactly what Meth Fetish set’s out to achieve…mentally anyway. After it’s lengthy instrumental build-up it becomes more of a groovy beast, albeit one with undertones of menace and misery at it’s core.

Penultimate song Incurable has a minimalist feel to it early on, but with a tempo that seems to have slowed ever since the EP’s first song, it’s not gonna be all bells and whistles is it! Post-metal melodies seem to ring out amongst the feedback and the drumming keeps you guessing as to when it’s going to explode. It’s much more improvisational than you might expect and it never truly does explode, with the vocals coming in at mid-point and an off-kilter vibe flowing though it all.

Without releasing it you’re thrust straight into EP closer Repeated and this is where the gloom really takes hold. The spoken-word sample sets the tone somewhat and what’s left is aural torture of the best kind. It’s getting to that time of year where dusting off those sludge records makes sense. You can add this to the list of releases that will not only keep you warm during the winter months, but will also make others realise trying to socialise with you is futile. A belter of an EP from a band that will certainly become more than just a fetish to many extreme metal fans. 

You can currently stream the full EP via CVLT Nation here:-

Meth Fetish - https://www.facebook.com/methfetish/

Tape copies are officially released via Dry Cough Records this Friday, but you can pre-order your copy here - https://www.drycoughrecords.com.

There's no official word on the CD pressing yet but keep your eyes on Piss Gargler Records here - https://pissgarglerrecords.bandcamp.com/music.

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

Piss Gargler Records - https://www.facebook.com/Piss-Gargler

Mental Health In Music: A Musician's Perspective #4 - Reece Thomas (Vocalist, Guitarist & Solo-noise musician)

Here's the latest instalment in my ongoing Mental Health In Music interview series, focusing on musicians within the metal and punk scenes, talking about their own experiences with mental health and what can be done to help people who're struggling. I have a few more on the way and in the planning stages, but for now please take some time to read Reece's perspective. Note: as with the previous interviews, these are not meant to be about the bands but rather the people and their own feelings.

1. The idea of this feature is to talk about the problems that musicians face, especially those in DIY or up-and-coming bands. Would you mind talking about your own experiences with mental health?

A. I’ve struggled with my mental health my entire life. My depression and anxiety has been a constant. Never really feeling like I’ve quite fit, even in music. In my early teens I turned to self destructive methods, trying to gain some sort of control. Severe Anorexia, drugs, cutting etc. My weight has always played a part in it. I used to have to cancel shows because I didn’t even have the energy to stand up without passing out. Music has been a saviour and destroyer. It’s carried me through my lowest possible lows, and sometimes kicked me down there. I got my first Walkman when I was about 6 and have been obsessed with music since. I’ve been playing in bands since I was 12 or 13 only really finding comfort in screamo. 

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2. Being in a band can be an outlet for people to express their feelings and to help them get over certain things in life but do you feel that it can also have a negative effect? If so, what do think these effects can be and are these linked to writing, recording, touring etc?

It definitely can have a negative effect. I found it slightly easier in bands just because you can dissociate yourself from it a bit. When you’re screaming to a room about how you want to die in a band of friends, it’s easier to bare. 

I’ve had a love hate relationship with music. I've been writing as Alocasia Garden for almost 6 years now, that’s a big chunk of “important years”. Everything I’ve gone through has been put into this project. I can look back at releases and think “wow, if I didn’t make that at that time, I would of ended my life”. But that catches up with you and it feels like a dark cloud hangs over my desk. Every time I try to write something, I'm taken back to that mindset that I don’t want to be here. Currently I’m at a point where I need to stay away from it for a while, let that cloud clear a little. With that, there’s always a pressure to keep consistent, in your releasing and performing. Music moves quick. 

I find performing a really big challenge. I’m completely consumed with anxiety and guilt. “I’m no where near as good as the lineup, I don’t deserve this, someone else should be playing, I should just stay at home and never leave”. When that’s running through your head at 1000mph, it gets hard to hear what your playing. 

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3. How do you deal with things now? Have you got any advice for those who are struggling themselves, musician or otherwise?

I'm guilty of putting so much pressure on myself. To stay focused, keep creating. But sometimes, it just doesn’t work. Don’t force it. If you want to stop, stop. Don’t feel guilty. Your productivity doesn’t determine your worth. I’m getting better with that now. I think it’s common for musicians (especially solo artists) to hold on so much with a fear of letting go, even for a minute. A fear of loosing your place. There’s new music and labels every day, some people just instantly click. But it’s totally fine to take a break, or even just stop entirely. If you make sure you’re doing what you want to be doing on your terms, everything will be fine. Make time for yourself. 

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4. What more do you think can be done in the underground scene or even the wider music scene to support people who may be struggling?

Just listen. Make it known you’re there for your friends, for strangers. Keep being honest with yourself. What am I doing to help? How can I do more? What am I doing to make a difference? What do I need? It’s amazing how much of an impact those questions can have when you start acting on them. When times are tough, know it will pass. 

Thanks go out to Reece for taking the time to answer these questions and for speaking so honestly about his experiences. I'm not posting a charity link up this time, as I realise that donating to charities are a matter of personal preference. 

Corroder - Instinct 7"

Labels: Ramekuukkeli-Levyt/Several Casualties Productions/Tuhkaa & Paskaa Esittaa Records

Formats: Vinyl

Release Date: 01 May 2019

Tracklist:

1. Join Us

2. Ecumence

3. Scum

4. Deathwish

5. A Long Day

6. Valid Argument

Back in August I wrote about Corroder's 7" "Doctrine" that forms one half of the double 7" release that also includes "Instinct". Released in May of this year, it's been the first music I've heard by this Finnish hardcore/sludge band and given their lack of Internet presence, that music does the talking. Unlike a lot of Finnish bands that I've featured here, their lyrics are in English. I'm not sure if I mentioned this in my earlier review or not.

As with “Doctrine”, “Instinct” is another short but heavy affair, with EP opener Join Us kicking off with no warning. Corroder’s crusty hardcore sound is overwhelming. Ecumence is even faster and there are subtle signs of sludge floating around the band’s feet, amid the blasting and noisy riffs. Scum follows up as the last song on the a-side in a more claustrophobic manner at first, before Corroder unleashes their frightening hardcore again. While slightly raw, it’s technically strong and enjoyable without being overcomplicated.

The b-side is exactly the same with raging, bass-heavy riffs and a bleak atmosphere on Deathwish. The mix once again of high and low pitched growls adding an edge of excitement. A Long Day brings the pace down with sludge again showing itself. It’s more of a minimalist effort this time, but no less teeth-rattling. It’s the longest song on this EP and it has a strange air of calmness towards the end. EP closer Valid Argument breaks that calm feeling with one final blast of Corroder at their wildest. 

As much as I still love the 7” format, it would be nice sometimes to be able to hear songs without the need to flip them over, which is definitely the case with both Corroder EPs, though I can understand them wanting to stick to the physical format. There’s only one song from “Instinct” available to stream and download via their bandcamp page, so go for it and support the band by picking up this double 7” as it’s certainly worth it.

As mentioned above, Ecumence is available to stream and grab as a name-your-price download via Corroder's bandcamp page below:-

You can buy physical copies by getting in touch with the labels below:-

Ramekuukkeli-Levyt - https://www.facebook.com/Rämekuukkeli-levyt-262733457210804/

Several Casualties Productions - https://www.facebook.com/severalcasualties/

Tuhkaa & Paskaa Esittaa Records - https://www.discogs.com/label/Tuhkaa-Paskaa-Esittää-Records

Glassing - Spotted Horse

Labels: Brutal Panda Records

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 17 May 19

Tracklist:

1. When You Stare

2. Sleeper

3 Lobe

4. Coven

5. A Good Death

6 Bronze

7. Follow Through

8. Fatigue

9. Way Out

10. The Wound Is Where The Light Enters

The drain is real! This week isn't fun mentally but I guess I should take the rough with the smooth and enjoy those moments where I can be content. After all, things could be a lot worse and we all need some perspective. That's something that is often found when your deep in musical thought and so I'm hoping that Austin, Texas (USA) metal band Glassing can help. Their second full-length "Spotted Horse" was release back in May via Brutal Panda Records both digitally and on vinyl. They're playing alongside High On Fire, Power Trip and more at Levitation 2019 in Austin on November 7th, so if you happen to be there, go and see them.

This is another one of those albums that has flown under the radar a bit this year. Cinematic soundscapes greet you on opener When You Stare, as riffs and percussion create music that’s as much a haven for post-rock as it is for black metal and ambient noise. I feel like trying to describe their sound in genre terms isn’t fair really and the mid-point of the song demonstrates why, as Glassing’s creativity grows alongside their ability to temper extreme volumes and instrumentation into glorious layers and textures.

From the lengthy opener comes Sleeper, which starts with intense blasting before slowing right back down and presenting a stripped-back sound filled with gorgeous treble-laden guitar work, drums that echo like they’re in the room with you and passionately screamed vocals that are nestled within it all. The impact felt even at this early stage in proceedings is mighty.

Off-kilter metal and post-hardcore are both present on Lobe, with Glassing once again showing that they’re not content with rehashing the same musical shapes on every song. Coven’s ambience transports you to a hazy summer’s morning (the sort where you spare a moment to rub your eyes and take in the world around you, instead of rushing to where you have to be). It stirs up genuine emotion that carries on into A Good Death.

A Good Death takes things a step further as it builds from that hazy summer’s morning feel, into something more alive and serious, with the aid of occasional heaviness punctuating the heavenly clean singing. Dissonance is never far away and when Glassing re-ignites their heavier side, the feeling isn’t ruined. While the longer songs are very compelling to listen to, it’s not often that you can say that a band can pull off those and shorter, more urgent numbers but both seem to suit Glassing, as Bronze shows. Possessing song-writing skill like this is rare these days and is more awe inspiring as a result.

By the time Follow Through comes round, it seems effortless musically and appreciating what is being played becomes easier. There’s no settling for simple song-structures or formulaic phrasing. You’ll be kept guessing as your ears are pulled from passage to passage. Fatigue goes by without you realising it was a separate song, once again making use of calming guitar work and chilled-out percussion.

Penultimate song Way Out hits the spot with almost a nod of punk flowing through it. It’s over all too quickly but that’s fine because The Wound Is Where The Light Enters makes up for that. The profound effect that music has on you sometimes isn’t felt instantly and it’s hard to stay stoney faced at this point. Despite my attempts at superlatives above, there’s no more emotive point on “Spotted Horse” than it’s final act. This album is amazing. Nothing more needs to be said.

You can stream and purchase "Spotted Horse" via Glassing's bandcamp page below:-

Vinyl copies are available above and also via Brutal Panda Records here - https://www.brutalpandarecords.com/

Glassing - https://www.facebook.com/GlassingBand/

Brutal Panda Records - https://www.facebook.com/BrutalPandaRecords/

Kurokuma/Under - Kurokunder Split 7"

Labels: Astral Noize Records

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 15 Nov 2019

Tracklist:

1. Kurokuma - The Tides Of Time

2. Under - Abyssal Gigantism

Here's something that's not even out yet! I'm covering something before it's release for the first time in ages, as a I combat the usual humdrum of real life. This little split 7" features Kurokuma and Under, who once led you to believe they had actual band beef. As it turns out they don't and here's the proof. It's going to be released by Astral Noize Records in November and features an Ecco The Dolphin cover (originally a 1992 Sega Genesis video game) from Kurokuma and an original song from Under. 

A band covering a 16-bit soundtrack is at odds with the whole 16-bit/modular synth scene that exists outside of this sphere, but that’s not the point. The point is that it’s Kurokuma and they’re ace. Their take on The Tides Of Time (from the video game Ecco The Dolphin) is a re-imagining that to some might be unthinkable but to others will make complete sense. Their bass-heavy doom lends itself perfectly to the cinematic soundtrack and is a breath of fresh air in creative terms. Who’d have though it eh!

Haling from the other side of the Pennines to Kurokuma, Under don’t let county boundaries get in the way of their noise-making and Abyssal Gigantism is certainly noisy. It encompasses elements from a whole heap of musical tangents, from the experimental off-kilter vibes of Mastodon and TDEP to the grunge-like vocals and atmospherics of Deftones and Tool. There’s loads going on and it shows a hint of Under’s progression towards a UK prog/sludge/noise mainstay.

This split is fun but it’s also creative. Music needs people to be creative or it’ll fade into mediocrity like many a current pop act (sorry, I’m biased). Kurokuma’s groove has always been a big part of their appeal for me, while Under’s unapologetic noise is born out of true UK grit. Throw your support behind both the bands and Astral Noize Records now and when this 7” is released.

Here's a little video teaser for you:-

Kurokuma - https://www.facebook.com/kurokumauk/

Under - https://www.facebook.com/understockport/

You can pre-order this release both digitally and physically via Astral Noize Records here:-

https://astralnoize.bandcamp.com/album/kurokunder-split-7

Astral Noize Records - https://www.facebook.com/astralnoizerecords/

Also, if you feel that way inclined, please consider joining and/or sharing my Patreon -

https://www.patreon.com/thisnoiseisours. This has been set up to help me go beyond the blog, with projects to include a tape/cd release series and also charitable donations that will account for 50% of all pledges. Thank you.

Wallowing - Planet Loss

Labels: Sludgelord Records/Black Voodoo Records/Astral Noize Records

Formats: LP/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 13 Sep 2019

Tracklist:

1. I. Prologue

2. II. Earthless

3. III. Phosgene

4. IV. Hail Creation

5. V. Vessel

6. VI. Epilogue

I've spoken many times before about my admiration for the scene that's contained within Brighton. my main introduction to it was through Headless Guru Records back in 2012 and while I've lost touch with it slightly, it's great to see more bands coming though from the South coast city. Wallowing formed in 2018 and after a demo, released in the same year, they released their debut full-length last month with amazing artwork from Luke Oram (Atomck, Let It Die, Monolithian and more). It was released on vinyl by Sludgelord Records/Black Voodoo Records and on specially crafted cassette via Astral Noize Records.

It’s feels so nice to get to this point in the week and sinking into some new music makes it even more worth the wait. Wallowing provides that new music thanks to their debut album “Planet Loss”. Opening track I. Prologue is an instrumental intro of sorts with samples and wailing feedback that drags you into II. Earthless. Unlike the band of its namesake, this song is heavy, sludgy and cavernous in delivery with no upbeat grooves or melodies. It crawls along with retching guitar riffs, feedback and percussion/harsh vocals that sit within the mix adding to the claustrophobia that you’ll feel while listening.

III. Phosgene was the band’s first demo release back in 2018 and it shows a faster side to Wallowing, with grinding passages and breakdown-like riffs. Its urgency is more obvious and there’s a level of technicality that shows they’re not just here to play loud, brutish music. It’s a journey all of itself. Hell  appears during IV. Hail Creation, which weaves post-metal, black metal and doom into one intimidating collage of sound.

They go for the long anticipation-building intro on V. Vessel, which is actually fantastic as it grows in both volume and musical layers. It’s a song of multiple movements. Experimental, progressive and even sometimes slightly improvisational (maybe), Wallowing pulls off something that won’t just appeal to sludge/doom purists, but to those who also like rock at its noisy best. Ending with VI. Epilogue in the way that the album began, calmness is restored but the chaos and dissonance is much missed. Wallowing’s debut full-length is really strong. It sets the standard for what comes next from them but something tells me that they’ll have no problem reaching and even beating it. 

You can stream and purchase "Planet Loss" digitally from Wallowing below:-

Wallowing - https://www.facebook.com/wallowingnoise/

Physical copies can be purchased from these links:-

Astral Noize Records - https://astralnoize.bandcamp.com/merch

Black Voodoo Records - http://blackvoodoorecords.limitedrun.com

Sludgelord Records - https://thesludgelord.bandcamp.com/merch

Astral Noize Records - https://www.facebook.com/astralnoizerecords/

Black Voodoo Records - https://www.facebook.com/BlackVoodooRecords/

Sludgelord Records - https://www.facebook.com/SludgelordRecords/

Great Cold Emptiness - St. Elm's Fire

Labels: Flowing Downward

Formats: Digital

Release Date: 07 Jul 2019

Tracklist:

1. St. Elm's Fire

2. The Weeping Stream

My brain needs a switch off. People seem to like making dramas out of needless things. Not sure why I thought funeral doom would help, but I'm willing to take a chance. This particular brand of funeral doom comes from US band Great Cold Emptiness, which used to be a solo-project but has now swollen to a quintet. The band began in 2015 and after releasing a demo, two EPs and two full-lengths (including 2019's "Death Gifted A Bouquet"), they're back with their newest two-song EP "St Elm's Fire", which feature outtakes from the recording session for the aforementioned album and has been released digitally by both the band and with the help of Flowing Downward. 

While the band’s ranks have swollen to a five-piece in recent times, this EP contains only two of those members and “St. Elm’s Fire” is a melodic and sometimes lo-fi take on avant-garde black metal/funeral doom. Cleanly sung vocals sit at the top of the mix on the title-track, backed up by black metal drumming and instrumentation that’s more shoegaze in nature. The harsh vocals mid-way through add some sinister atmospherics to the music, which is where the funeral doom elements start to come through.

Second song The Weeping Stream is slower in tempo and much more doom-like. That reminds about the new Dry Cough Records releases that I need to get on (sorry for mentioning a completely unrelated label in this review). That being said, if people reading this are familiar with that label then after listening to this song you’ll understand where I’m coming from. Great Cold Emptiness channel abject misery here but with a huge chunk of solace as well. The organ-like keys and growling black metal vocals during the song’s latter half make it a more haunting experience albeit only briefly. Once the keys are added to the full cacophony of sounds, there’s a pleasant warmth that washes over you. 

This is definitely an EP of two halves but one that works really well. In some parts abrasive and in others just beautiful, Great Cold Emptiness manage to weave light out of the individual strands of extreme music that make up their sound. This is another band worth exploring in its entirety.

You can stream and buy it digitally for a mere $2 from the band below:-

Great Cold Emptiness - https://www.facebook.com/gcedoom/

Flowing Downward - https://www.facebook.com/flowingdownward/