Saturday 31 October 2020

Picking Up In A Pandemic: Geist Interview

 

Despite life still being very uncertain right now, bands are finding different ways to reach audiences while proper live shows are not possible and are writing/recording music remotely, while sometimes being in different locations with different restrictions. One such band who're picking up after line-up changes and finding ways to perform are Geist. I recently did a short interview with frontman Ian about how things are going and what they have planned.


TNIO: Last year I did a series of interviews about mental health in music. With the current Pandemic still at large, it seems apt to ask you guys about your experiences during lockdown and beyond? What have you been doing as a band and how have you kept your motivation up?


Ian: Lockdown for each of us was quite different. We received the news of Luke’s departure quite early in the National lockdown so we had to focus on a replacement, but not knowing when it would end was stressful. The motivation was finding someone who would fit seamlessly with our mould as it’s worked for so long. Thankfully we had material on the go from just after Swarming Season, so that left us motivated throwing ideas around and started talks of what was next (when time allowed it).


You’ve recruited Andy Findlay (previously of Crossburner/Legions) as your new bass player. I first discovered Crossburner thanks to Footloose Records, when the band released their self-titled 10” in 2014. How did this new partnership come about and what does Andy bring to your sound?


My old band Cholera toured with Crossburner way back and we stayed in touch since then. Pretty much up until Andy and I started another heavy band together. Obviously I was aware of what Andy brought to the table from a players perspective but his work as a producer is amazing too. We had a few auditions prior to Andy, but something here or there was swaying our decision. 


In terms of Andy and what he brings to Geist, only time will tell, but he’s super keen and everything he’s suggested so far has materialised into something positive. He sent us an audition video nailing probably the hardest song from Swarming Season, and looked in his element playing it. Then at his audition he’d learned a further two more songs and again dialled in a huge tone, and played them with ease. He hit it out of the park and we all feel reinvigorated. 


I’ve read on social media that you’re going to be doing a special live session soon. How much are you looking forward to that and will there be any new material aired during the session?


So the live session is being tracked and filmed November 2nd and will be aired shortly after. We’re all really looking forward to showing you that things haven’t slowed down for us and show Andy off a bit. There’ll be a mixture of songs on there and indeed we will be playing a brand new song. This is essentially the first time we’ll play “live” since we toured in February before the world as we knew it ended. So there’s definitely an itch that needs scratching there. 


I know 2021 can’t come soon enough but do you have any plans yet for next year? I’ve seen some bands publicising gigs already (even though things are still uncertain).


So we’re not actively booking any shows really. 2021 is still uncertain and with Andy being new to the fold we’re exploring all avenues of creativity. We were going to release a 7” to break the gap of Swarming Season and the next thing but writing is going so well, we couldn’t find a natural cut off. That being said, we made the decision a week or so ago to continue writing and release another full length. By the time the music scene is able to be a thing again, it’ll be knocking on 2 years since Swarming Season was released so we felt a 7” wouldn’t cut it. We’re currently 5-6 tracks deep with bare bones ideas for new songs so not that far to go really. Now we know what we’re working towards, there’s an end goal and with everyone being so inspired, things are moving into the unknown really quickly. 


All that's left for me to say is thank you to Ian for answering my questions and keep your eyes peeled for Geist's live session via their social media pages, including Facebook here - https://www.facebook.com/ukgeist/

Thursday 29 October 2020

Black Love - Black Love


Labels: Don't Live Like Me Records, Good Post Day Records, I.Corrupt Records, L'Oeil Du Tigre, Zegema Beach Records, Aorte

Formats: Vinyl/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 30 Sep 2014


Tracklist: 


1. Corps Etranger

2. Black Baby Jesus

3. Becker's Leitmotif

4. Libertines

5. L'insoutenable Légèreté De Sauce

6. Ø

7. La Fois Que Le Spot Est Passe Au Feu


Here's a new Zegema Beach Records roster series review, because I've been binge watching some more of Dave's 'Out Past The Rings' videos on YouTube and I haven't done one for a week or so. This one features French-Canadian post-hardcore/post-rock band Black Love. This self-titled record was co-released in September 2014 via ZBR and the other labels mentioned above and still serves as the most recent music to come from the band, as they don't appear to be active currently.


I’ve been cooking up some plans for future features but more on that later. Gotta keep myself focused on Black Love and the glorious music they make on album opener ‘Corps Etranger’. Masters of  the cinematic slow-build, they deliver an instrumental that’s fit to bursting with intrigue and imagination as it increases in volume and layers. It’s not entirely instrumental though as about three-minutes in, raw screamed/part-clean vocals come over the horizon and add an old-school screamo texture to the song. Proper heart-wrenching.’ Black Baby Jesus’ is so rhythmic and upbeat, with great melodic guitar work flowing throughout and even more emotive vocals, and enigmatic percussion. It reminds me of a crossbreeding of ‘Between Order And Model’ era Funeral For A Friend and Russian emo band Ensslin. I hope that makes sense but if it doesn’t, I don’t care.


One thing that really stands out on Black Love is the musicianship, which features so much talent all round. ‘Becker’s Leitmotif’ is just over four-minutes in length but flies by in seemingly no time at all, thanks to the aforementioned musicianship. Add to that the harsh vocals, which leap out of the speakers even when enveloped by the instruments. It gives you such a euphoric feeling listening to it. Black Love adds an edge of funk to ‘Libertines’ alongside the spoken-word/clean vocals that give way to more caustic screams later on. The song is littered with lyrics that describe teenage emotions and love. The music backs it all up with an equally emotive backdrop that’s every bit as dreamy as it is urgent.


The opening tones of ‘L’insoutenable Légèreté De Sauce’ seem almost menacing but that menace is soon banished by dramatic instrumentation that’s joined by what sounds like brass at times (but I may be mistaken). I’m sure that members of Albatros guested on here!?. Anyway, just listen to it, as it’s beautiful. ’Ø’ follows on immediately after and it’s mix of feedback and gentle riffing is hauntingly good. Sort of in the same that a nursery rhyme is in certain settings (horror films). It’s wholly instrumental and bridges the gap to album closer ‘La Fois Que Le Spot Est Passé Au Feu’. This final song is probably the most post-rock that Black Love go in terms of their sound. It’s big but not obtuse, more rhythmic than off-kilter and mid-paced, as opposed to violently fast. It’s perfect.


In a year where Cassus and their album Separation Anxiety have been on constant rotation (still), and where I’ve discovered Japan’s Lang (thanks to Dog Knights Productions), I do wonder how I managed to miss Black Love for so long. It may be over 6 years old now, but this is another one I’ll be revisiting over and over again.


You can stream and grab 'Black Love' as a name-your-price download below:



Black Love - https://www.facebook.com/blacklovemtl/


Physical copies can still be purchased from the links below:-


I.Corrupt Records - http://icorruptrecords.limitedrun.com/products/

Zegema Beach Records (CAD/INTL) - http://www.zegemabeachrecords.com/ / (US) - https://zbrusa.com/


Don't Live Like Me Records - https://www.facebook.com/dontlivelikeme/

Good Post Day Records - https://www.facebook.com/goodpostdayrecords/

I.Corrupt Records - https://www.facebook.com/icorruptrecs/

L'Oeil Du Tigre - https://www.facebook.com/loeildutigre/

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

Aorte - https://www.facebook.com/Aorte

Sunday 25 October 2020

Bob Malmstrom/Dispyt - Split 7"

Labels: Elitbolaget

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 10 Jun 2020


Tracklist:


1. Bob Malmstrom - Helsingfors Borgarmangel (feat. Jonas Ekroos)

2. Bob Malmstrom - Lat Pampen Sjunga

3. Dispyt - Min Sanna Van

4. Dispyt - Svept I Vita Lakan


I had a lot of fun putting my 10th anniversary compilation together. It made me realise that I've got to up my game though and so as I've also been asked to write some words about releases from many of the bands featured, there's no time like the present. I'm killing two birds with one stone here by featuring both Bob Malmstrom and Dispyt. Both bands are from Finland, one plays hardcore punk and the other plays crust/d-beat. They released a split 7" together in June via Finnish label Elitbolaget.


This split is one of three that Bob Malmstrom has released in 2020. They open it with the song ‘Helsingfors Borgarmangel’ (which, features additional vocals from Jonas Ekroos of Swedish hardcore band Tvarnitad). It’s filled with BM’s usual mad-cap hardcore-punk, with super-fast tempos from the percussion, equally ripping guitar-work and an exhilarating multi-vocal approach. BM’s second song ‘Lat Pampen Sjunga’ follows instantly afterwards in the same vein, but is more catchy and seems to encapsulate folk/rock elements especially in the melodies and backing-vocals at times. It’s a lot cleaner than their first song, but it’s no less entertaining.


Dispyt brings bass-heavy crust with their opening song ‘Min Sanna Van’. The extremity on show here is just what you’d expect and they even throw in some great sludge-like riffs that sit within the mix. It’s not slow like traditional sludge, but more like the kind you get from power-violence bands. It’s raging! Their second song ‘Svept I Vita Lakan’ is equally as noisy, this time with a snare/kick-laden groove and plenty of grinding attitude. The sound is very much DIY and that suits it too, as crust should never be ultra clean. Dispyt is allowed a bit more playing time on their side and they use it well.


Both Bob Malmstrom and Dispyt are great fun in different ways. Bob Malmstrom are the band you headbang to over the PA when you’ve had one-too-many post-gig beers. Dispyt are the band you watch intently at the gig, allowing their disparate crust to take hold. This split is over quickly but is worth your time.


You can stream Bob Malmstrom's split opener below:-



You can stream both tracks from Dispyt below:-



The best way to hear the whole thing is by picking up a 7" copy from Elitbolaget here:-

http://www.elitbolaget.com/bobmalmstrom/shop/shop.html


Bob Malmstrom - https://www.facebook.com/BobMalmstrom/

Dispyt - https://www.facebook.com/DispytBand/

Elitbolaget - https://www.facebook.com/Elitbolaget/

Friday 23 October 2020

This Noise Is Ours 10th Anniversary Digital Compilation Is Live!


Today marks the 10th anniversary of This Noise Is Ours. I started in the blog in 2010 (back then it was called Stay Ahead). I really had no idea what I was doing but I was excited about heavy music and was just getting into record collecting. A few years down the line, I changed the name to This Noise Is Ours. 


I've always been bowled over by the support the blog's received and by the friends I've made, both in real live and online. This compilation gathers together music created by friends and bands that mean a lot to me. Some I've feature before, some I haven't. They all share the same passion for music as I do. I feel proud of the fact that I've kept this thing running as long as I have and I hope to continue to do so for years to come. Please download this comp, listen to it and share it. Thanks for your support. P.S. please support the bands included here.



Please find more info on the bands included, as well as links to their music, merch and social media pages:-


1. Amid The Old Wounds - Instant Stars (Demo)

Wonderful acoustic indie/emo from Germany.

https://timeasacolor.bandcamp.com/album/time-77-amid-the-old-wounds-vignette

https://timeasacolor.com/product/amid-the-old-wounds-vignette-7/


2. Aubzagl - Voices Of The Aether

Blasting, heathen black metal from Yorkshire, UK.

https://www.facebook.com/Aubzagl/

https://aubzagl.bandcamp.com


3. Bob Malmström - Jag älskar att supa (feat. Anni Lötjönen)

Mad fun hardcore-punk from Finland.

https://www.facebook.com/BobMalmstrom/

https://bobmalmstrom.bandcamp.com/music


4. Bobby Singer - Demain

Really great one-man screamo/hardcore from France.

https://www.facebook.com/bobbysinger666/

https://bobbysinger.bandcamp.com/


5. Canyons - Big Dealer

Crazed hardcore/noise-rock from the US of A.

https://www.facebook.com/canyonsband/

https://canyons.bandcamp.com/


6. Consumer - Solicitous

Crushing blackened sludge from Italy.

https://www.facebook.com/consumer666/

https://consumersludge.bandcamp.com


7. Dispyt - Svept i Vita Lakan

Rabid blackened crust from Finland.

https://www.facebook.com/DispytBand/

https://dispyt.bandcamp.com/


8. Final Coil - Goodbye To All That

Thought provoking progressive rock from the UK.

https://www.facebook.com/finalcoil/

https://finalcoilrock.bandcamp.com


9. Herida Profunda - Holy Books (161 festival in Warsaw, Poland)

Socially conscious grind from Poland.

https://www.facebook.com/HeridaProfunda/

https://heridaprofunda.bandcamp.com/


10. Lang - Disturbed

Truly inspiring alternative/hardcore from Japan.

https://www.facebook.com/lang.japan/

https://lang-japan.bandcamp.com/


11. Nathan Aeli - As The Other Closed

Dreamy, pop-like post-rock from Sweden.

https://www.facebook.com/ndotaeli/

https://ndotaeli.bandcamp.com


12. ØØØ - Nätter Utan Ljus

Fantastic screamo/emo from Sweden.

https://www.facebook.com/Oooband/

https://oooemo.bandcamp.com/


13. Phil Stiles - Entropy

Experimental and instrumental rock from the UK.

https://www.facebook.com/PhilStilesOfficial/

https://philstiles.bandcamp.com/music


14. Precipices - Rêves incolores

Majestic post-black metal from Canada.

https://www.facebook.com/Precipices/

https://precipices.bandcamp.com/album/


15. Riviera Kid- Sertraline

Positive hardcore duo from the UK.

https://www.facebook.com/rivierakidmusic/

https://rivierakid.bandcamp.com/


16. Shirokuma - Present Day

Mouthwatering post-hardcore from Sweden.

https://www.facebook.com/shirokumaband/

https://shirokumaband.bandcamp.com/


17. Singular - W.Kemmler

Chaotic hardcore punk from Malaysia.

https://www.facebook.com/singularinband/

https://bandofsingular.bandcamp.com/


18. Sloth Hammer - One More For The Road

Hellish, improv doom noise from the UK.

https://www.facebook.com/SlothHammer/

https://slothhammer.bandcamp.com


19. Squelch Chamber - Lay Low

Piercing noise-punk from the USA.

https://www.facebook.com/SquelchChamber/

https://squelchchamber1.bandcamp.com


20. The Mound Builders - Broken Pillars 1

Groovy midwestern sludge rock from the USA.

https://www.facebook.com/themoundbuilders/

https://themoundbuilders.bandcamp.com/


21. The Owl - Pára Aqui A Considerar...

Nocturnal solo noise from the UK.

https://www.facebook.com/theowlsounds/

https://theowl.bandcamp.com/


22. To Languish - Disdain ft. Ren, Petrol girls

Captivating emoviolence from Sweden.

https://www.facebook.com/tolanguish/

https://tolanguish.bandcamp.com/


23. Vesicarum - The Sick And The Depraved

Neck-snapping death metal from the UK.

\https://www.facebook.com/vesicarum/

https://vesicarum.bandcamp.com/


24. Vi Som Älskade Varandra Sa Mycket - Hjärtats förlorade slag

Shout-from-the-rooftops Screamo from Sweden.

https://www.facebook.com/visomalskade/

https://visomalskadevarandrasamycket.bandcamp.com


25. Wicked Sisters - D.O.G

Dark industrial doom from Australia.

https://www.facebook.com/wickedsistersmusic/

https://wickedsisters.bandcamp.com


26. Wishes On A Plane - Perfect (In long form)

Legendary indie/emo from Germany.

https://timeasacolor.bandcamp.com/album/time-76-wishes-on-a-plane-unreleased

https://timeasacolor.com/product/wishes-on-a-plane-unreleased-lp/


27. Young Mountain - Vacant Eyes

Menacing post-hardcore from Sweden.

https://www.facebook.com/youngmountainSWE/

https://youngmountainswe.bandcamp.com/


Thanks go to Jesper for the cover art.


I hope you enjoy the comp and thanks again for the support over the years.

Thursday 22 October 2020

Wendigo - Wendigo

Labels: Nitroatmosfericum Records

Formats: CD

Release Date: 04 Jan 2020


Tracklist:


1. Wendigo

2. Agony Of A Dream

3. Rebirth And Death

4. No Regrets...


As I've progressed further with this blog over the years, I've discovered many solo-projects that (often) are better than fully fledged bands. I've also trodden with caution though. Sometimes, solo projects do not live up to their billing. This evening's review focuses on a Russian grunge/punk solo project called Wendigo, that is the brainchild of SiN from Astarium, an atmospheric black metal band I've featured many times and one that I greatly respect. This time, as mentioned above, SiN has decided to turn his hand at something different. This EP was released earlier this year via Nitroatmosfericum Records. The release is entirely in Russian so I've had to employ the services of Google Translate to figure out the song titles. I apologise if they're incorrect, please inform me if so.


I’m really not sure what to expect from this CD but here goes. After a dare-I-say-it Metallica-esque intro, opener ‘Wendigo’ turns into an entertaining punk song with good use of synth melody and programmed drums coupled with the buzzing guitar that’s familiar to you if you’re a fan of Astarium. It’s upbeat for sure. ‘Agony Of A Dream’ is much more atmospheric and mid-paced, lending itself well to the grunge influence that Wendigo’s going for. The clean vocals pay close attention to the sub-genres greats, while the music retains it’s own style as opposed to merely copying. There’s a gloomy feel that’s very apt for this time of year as well.


I don’t really know much about current popular Russian music but I’d imagine it sounds a bit like that of ‘Rebirth And Death’. I think it’s the upbeat nature of the song, with it’s polka-like beats and urgency that makes me say that. I don’t mean to sound ignorant here and apologise If that’s how I come across.  I’m glad that final song ‘No Regrets…’ isn’t a poorly conceived cover of the song by Robbie Williams. Instead Wendigo injects some joviality into this original track and even though it’s less punchy than other songs on here, it’s still got charm and quality.


I’ll be honest, this EP isn’t for everyone. That being said, it’s not a bad release by any means. If you (unlike me) speak or understand Russian, you’ll definitely get more pleasure from it. It’s interesting to here SiN venturing away from black metal but I think I prefer Astarium if I have to choose. 


Wendigo has no social media presence as far as I know. If you want to take a chance on this release, you can purchase it from Nitroatmosfericum Records here - http://nitroatmosfericum.ru/eng/.


Nitroatmosfericum Records - https://www.facebook.com/nitroatmosfericum/

Sunday 18 October 2020

Dawnwalker - Crestfallen EP


Labels: Self-Released

Formats: Digital

Release Date: 10 Apr 2020


Tracklist:


1. Crestfallen

2. Pollen Cloud

3. Towpath

4. The Way Home

5. Lost Wisdom (Mount Eerie Cover

6. Pagan Plains (Acoustic)


I'm loving the colours of the trees at the moment as Autumn truly takes hold. I mention Autumn because because this EP by UK experimental rock band Dawnwalker was released back in Spring, when new green shoots were growing all around. 'Crestfallen' was recorded and released digitally, having been created by a number of musicians alongside the band's main songwriter/performer Mark Norgate, during lockdown. I feel that reviewing it now might give people a slightly different perspective on this year's events but also provide a sense of optimism too. At least, that's what I'm hoping for anyway.


This EP was entirely home recorded by all members of Dawnwalker (plus collaborators) and it embodies the true spirit of togetherness that was felt during the lockdown. The EP’s title track ‘Crestfallen’ contains progressive time signatures, strong instrumental melodies and crashing dissonance at times. Musically and vocally it’s not meant to batter your brain, but to envelope you gently and bury itself in your head. 


Aside from the progressive rock element of Dawnwalker’s sound, folk is also used to provide a balance and ‘Pollen Cloud’ very much feels like a modern-take on the genre with calming clean vocals and layers of instrumentation that grow with each bar. It’s repetitive nature brings to mind Enya for large parts and it’s only until the final sixty-seconds that Dawnwalker’s modern rock makes an appearance again.


‘Towpath’ follows immediately and with it, an about turn in atmosphere and musical terms. Black metal-like vocals are joined by much heavier tones in a song that’s startlingly good and still retains the calmness of the band’s post-rock influences, especially the latter sections. It’s a sign of just how versatile this group of musicians are.


With ‘The Way Home’ comes a nod to Fleetwood Mac, in a subtle way. The soaring dual clean vocals sit alongside shoegaze-like guitars and sensitive percussion to provide something different again. Dawnwalker is not rooted in any one genre, which in turn means that they can enjoy the process of creating and releasing music, and that is passed onto the listener here.


There’s a cover of Lost Wisdom (by US experimental/indie band Mount Eerie, who on a side note were also covered/remixed by Wolves In Throne Room back in 2018). I’m not going to profess to know much about Mount Eerie, but this song is very obviously Dawnwalker’s own interpretation and as such it covers a lot of what makes their individual sound so unique. Combining all of their lighter and heavier elements.


They round out Crestfallen with an acoustic version of their song Pagan Plains (originally released on their 2018 full-length Human Ruins). It’s a lovely way to end an EP that’s given so much to savour. It’s a slightly melancholic song but it doesn’t become depressive or downbeat at all. It’s absolutely perfect listening for a clear and quiet morning.


At it’s end, Crestfallen leaves you bathing in calm reflection and as eluded to in my opening paragraph, does provide a sense of optimism. It has no set agenda or formula, which should come a no surprise given it’s lengthy list of collaborators, including Dane Cross (Sacred Son), Matteo Bianciotto (Turbomaniacs), Chris Allan (Chris Allan Drums), Sian Alex (Gold Baby), Hugo Terva (Metasoma) and Robin Melinda Koob (Run Remedy). The mixing of Wayne Adams also helped to bring it all to life and sounds great here. Links for all of the above can be found via Dawnwalker’s bandcamp page.  


You can stream and buy Crestfallen digitally below:-



Dawnwalker - https://www.facebook.com/dawnwalkeruk/

Wednesday 14 October 2020

Redwood Hill/Hexis - Split 7" Picture Disc


Labels: Bookhouse Records/Boue Records/Enjoyment Records/Invektiv Records/KPHC/Maniyax Records/Mind Control Records/Shove Records

Formats: 7" Picture Disc/Digital

Release Date: 11 Nov 2013


Tracklist:


1. Redwood Hill - Applewhite

2. Hexis - Tenebris


Many moons ago I wrote a list of physical releases I owned, by labels I'd featured here with the idea of interspersing my regular reviews with write-ups about them. The list was mainly made up of 7" releases. I've decided to finally dust off that list out of nostalgia and I'm starting with the record that was the first picture disc in my personal collection. I purchased it from UK label Enjoyment Records (RIP) and it features a song each from post-metal band Redwood Hill and black metal/hardcore band Hexis, both from Denmark. 500 copies were pressed in total.


Redwood Hill’s post-metal is a heavy cross between Cult Of Luna and Enslaved (maybe). That comparison is possible a bit off now, but it sounds like that was what they were going for when they wrote and recorded ‘Applewhite’ for this split. It’s sludgy and slow, but with a black metal backbone all of it’s own. It may be nearly seven years since it was released but it still sounds as punishing as ever. Progressive in places but also just evil sounding.


Hexis on the other hand are (and were in this case) always straight to the point. Their black metal on ‘Tenebris’ is accompanied by grinding tempos more than it is hardcore. This split definitely captures a place in time and when I was discovering a lot of heavy bands for the first time, Hexis was one of my favourites and still are. I’ve always been enamoured by their intensity and musical craft.


This release will always have a special place in my collection. Both Redwood Hill and Hexis give me so much joy and energy, and while 2020 continues to serve up shit, at least there’s that to hold on to. If you can find a copy in the wild somewhere, you should grab one!


You can stream Redwood Hill's song 'Applewhite' via their bandcamp page below:-



You can stream the full split via the Enjoyment Records Bandcamp page here:-



Physical copies are completely sold out from the labels above (and most of them are no longer in existence). The releasing labels that are still alive are listed below.


Redwood Hill - https://www.facebook.com/RedwoodHill/

Hexis - https://www.facebook.com/Hexisband/


Boue Records - https://www.facebook.com/Boue-Records/

KPHC - https://www.facebook.com/KPHC666/

Maniyax Records - https://www.facebook.com/ManiyaxRecords/

Shove Records - https://www.facebook.com/SHOVE-records

Sunday 11 October 2020

Sarcoptes - Plague Hymns


Labels: Transcending Obscurity Records

Formats: CD/Digital

Release Date: 02 Oct 2020


Tracklist:


1. The Vertigo Soul

2. La Moria Grandissima


I'm trying to get something written up early today, so after a bit of time going through e-mails, I chose this new release from US black/thrash band Sarcoptes as my starting point for the day. It was released earlier this month by ever-growing extreme metal label Transcending Obscurity Records and it follows on from the band's 2016 debut full-length Songs And Dances Of Death. Plague Hymns is made up of two tracks and is available on cd in digipack and special box set formats, as well as digitally.


Sarcoptes is a duo but you wouldn’t think that on listening to Plague Hymns. ‘The Vertigo Soul’ is a mashup of multiple extreme genres, led by vicious black metal. The drums blast and kick throughout, the guitars provide both melody and atmosphere, as do the keys. The vocals are frighteningly good, being delivered in a very old-school way, where they accompany the instrumentation instead of overpowering it all. With so much black/death metal making waves right now, it takes a lot for a band to standout but I think Sarcoptes has definitely managed it here.


The pace doesn’t let up on second song ‘La Moria Grandissima’ either. Considering this release is so brief song-wise, there’s still a huge amount of music to get your ears around. This track is brimming with death metal influences and subtle symphonic layers. It’s really catchy too, in an odd way, which is due to the good use of melody. Again, as with ‘The Vertigo Soul’ before it, ‘La Moria Grandissima’ relies on instrumentation over vocals and the progression that Sarcoptes weaves into their music is more obvious during it’s ten+ minutes. 


Overall this is an EP brimming with quality and intensity right from the off. Sarcoptes have crafted something that will have listeners craving more and hopefully that will come in time. For now, jam this and re-visit their back catalogue if you haven’t done so in a while. Brilliant stuff.


You can stream and purchased Plague Hymns on all formats below:-



Sarcoptes - https://www.facebook.com/SarcoptesOfficial/

Transcending Obscurity Records - https://www.facebook.com/transcendingobscurityrecords/

Friday 9 October 2020

Rayleigh - Rayleigh


Labels: Self-Released/Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Digital/Tape

Release Date: 21 Oct 2013(Digital)/06 Aug 2014(Tape)


Tracklist:


1. Coming To Terms With Being Born An Ape

2. Archauthoritarians

3. Scaffolding

4. Drones

5. Rust

6. Backwaters


It seems so peaceful this morning. It's almost the end of my week off and I'm going out with some friends later, which is a rare occurrence given the current situation and one I'm really looking forward to. You have to have things to look forward to now otherwise you'll likely go mad. You also have to have music to get you through the rest of the time and finding solace in chaotic, fast screamo/hardcore is just one part of that for me. I'm carrying on my Zegema Beach Records review series with this tape from Canadian band Rayleigh (R.I.P). The EP contained on this tape was originally self-released via the band on digital format in late 2013 before ZBR picked it up for a tape release a year later. The tape version is long sold out.


It all starts with bucket loads of feedback and a menacing atmosphere on ‘Coming To Terms With Being Born An Ape’. Rayleigh’s heavy, sludgy hardcore sound is very stirring, joined by passionate screams throughout and a stark spoken-word sample at the end. You expect the tempo to change and with ‘Archauthoritarians’ it does. It’s faster and more off-kilter but you’re never too far away from Rayleigh’s cinematic post-hardcore/sludgy side and while it’s delivered in a more subtle way here, it still adds drama alongside their faster, more violent edge.


There’s a great deal of musical depth on this release and while it’s raw at times, it deserves repeat listens. ‘Scaffolding’ is a case in point. It’s short but there’s still plenty to immerse yourself in. The trebly tones coming from the riffs work so well up against the frenetic drums, bass and vocals. ‘Drones’ contains a mix of breathable instrumental passages and chaotic emo-violence/hardcore verses that intertwine and descent into noisy madness towards the end. It’s a hell of a ride and one of heavier, darker releases from this time period of ZBR. 


Rayleigh shows how they can fit so many textures into short songs on ‘Rust’, which really captures it all. There’s no fluffiness just really good solid hardcore that’s as beautiful as it is destructive. EP closer ‘Backwaters’ is swathed in as much feedback as the EP’s opener and is just as sludgy and slow. This EP really makes me miss those sweaty gigs in small rooms above pubs, where I’d see friends and their bands play bathed in excess smoke from smoke machines. The atmosphere, the rattling of your insides by the percussion, the guitar melodies rising up into your ears and the humanity in their eyes as they scream in your face. 


This whole period in time is tough on everyone but memories of great gigs alongside friends will at least provide some comfort. Before I get to nostalgic, just listen to this EP if you haven’t before and then let me know how it makes you feel.


You can stream and purchase the EP digitally below:-



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

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