Thursday 28 July 2022

Cuck - Worship The Uniform: Official Music Video Premiere


July 26th 2022 saw the release of the debut self-titled full-length from New Zealand powerviolence band Cuck. The band formed shortly after the member's returned home from the Crowning/Swallows Nest tour of Europe in 2019 (and also features members of Sewage, as well as ex-members of Machina Rex and Yung Nats). The album contains 14 tracks of rip-roaring, heavy pv and was released on a run of 52 tapes by Tomb Tree. I'm excited to be able to bring you the premiere of the music video for track number 10 'Worship The Uniform' in partnership with the label:-



Both 'Worship The Uniform' and it's accompanying video take direct aim at the British monarchy and the commonwealth all within fifty seconds, as you'll see when you watch it. 


Cuck will definitely appeal to those of you who like bands such as Aureole Of Ash, Cloud Rat and Svffer amongst others. The tapes have been split into the following variants:-


20 on Sookee Swirl:



12 on The Cuck Galaxy Swirl:



10 on Half Red/Black:



5 Mystery Swirls and 5 Test Dips (not pictured)


The full album can be streamed via Tomb Tree's bandcamp page below, where it's also available as a name-your-price digital download:-



Physical tape copies can be purchased from the Tomb Tree section of the Zegema Beach Records CAN/INTL store and at the time of writing this, copies of all three of the pictured variants are still available - http://www.zegemabeachrecords.com/tomb-tree-tapes/tt073.


Cuck - https://cucucuck.bandcamp.com/releases

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

Wednesday 27 July 2022

Trachimbrod - Leda


Labels: Damnfinetapes!/Dog Knights Productions/Through Love Records/Tokyo Jupiter Records/Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 03 Apr 2017


Tracklist:


1. Rum utan fönster

2. Allt är som det alltid var

3. Tärd

4. Begränsad

5. Medskyldighet

6. Ett annat liv

7. Vi två

8. Hjärnspöke

9. Saker de säger


This, while being my latest Zegema Beach Records roster series review, is also rather embarrassingly one of only a few reviews I've written that also features a release from UK/EU label Dog Knights Productions. That's strange in itself because ever since I started this blog, I've been religiously buying everything that Dog Knights and it's imprint Left Hand Label has released. It also comes at a time when DKP has announced an indefinite hiatus from label activity, for the forceable future at least.


Leda by Swedish post-rock/screamo band Trachimbrod (known as Come Across Trachimbrod in their easier days from 2009 - 2012) was released in April 2017 on vinyl by DKP, ZBR and Through Love Records. It was also released on tape via Damnfinetapes! and on cd via Tokyo Jupiter Records that same year. It serves as their last release to date.


This review might get a but sentimental, so apologies in advance. Owning records like Leda and living with it’s music for so long actually makes it’s harder to write about (for me anyway). I don’t know why but it just does. Album opener ‘Rum utan fönster’ is so musically pleasing and lighter than you might imagine given Trachimbrod’s post-rock/screamo leanings. Even when the screams come in over the top of the instrumentation, there’s no reason to be put off. It’s a record by a Scandinavian band that kind of sounds like a record by an Asian band to me, but that’s maybe because I’ve been listening to a hefty amount of Asian screamo lately, away from this blog. Musically it’s fantastic.


‘Allt är som det alltid var’ is beautifully pop-like, in the vein of I Love Your Lifestyle. It’s variation that suits Trachimbrod’s sound one hundred percent. The vocals switch from clean to harsh towards it’s end and when both are together, they work perfectly. As somebody who swings wildly from ludicrously heavy music to catchy and upbeat music now more than ever, ‘Tärd’ is a glorious mix of both. It may read like this is the first time I’ve listened to this record, but if truth be told I haven’t listened to it for a while (a symptom of always buying music I guess). I’ve forgotten how much I love it though!


After the slightly shorter ‘Tärd’, ‘Begränsad’ gives Trachimbrod’s sound a slight art-rock vibe, thanks to the lovely melodic guitar tones and time-signatures used throughout. It’s dreamy and is exactly what’s needed at this midweek point. The bass that concludes ‘Begränsad’ leads you into the quite explosive ‘Medskyldighet’, which is the shortest song of Leda but also the heaviest so far. It brings to mind Via Fondo, Suis La Lune and Shirokuma for me, thanks to it’s honest intensity.


‘Ett annat liv’ mixes the intensity of it’s predecessor with the vocal melody that was heard during ‘Allt är som det alltid var’, yet with a greater leaning towards those screams. Again, it’s so hard to ignore the exquisite musicianship that envelopes it all. The drums sound so organic and lively, while the bass and guitar work is sensitive and easy on the ear. I think it’s for that reason that this whole record sounds so perfect, as ‘Vi två’ rings out of the speakers. 


You reach penultimate song ‘Hjärnspöke’ all too quickly and with it, Trachimbrod’s heavier edge gets the heart racing once again. I’m not really a fan of symphonic/orchestral metal/rock, and I’m in no way comparing Trachimbrod to that, but there’s something dramatic about their sound here that makes me think of an orchestra. I can imagine them on a live stage, all moving individually (seemingly and rhythmically) while playing as one. I’ve seen bands do that before live and it’s a joy to behold when you’re lost in it.


Album closer ‘Saker de säger’ is the final illustration of just how great Trachimbrod’s music is. It brings to life the highs that you feel when listening to this album. Music is to be treasured and I treasure this LP so much, which is why I own two variants still to this day, and I’m not collector scum believe it or not!. This album is great from start to finish. Thanks and admiration goes to Trachimbrod and to all of the labels that were involved in bringing this to so many ears, Also, special thanks to DKP for all of the music that I hold so dear.


For fans of: Blue Friend, Via Fondo, Suis La Lune, Shirokuma, I Love Your Lifestyle and Heaven In Her Arms


You can stream and purchase Leda digitally as a name-your-price download from Trachimbrod's bandcamp page below:-



Trachimbrod - https://www.facebook.com/trachimbrodofsweden


Remaining physical copies can still be purchased from the releasing labels below:-


Dog Knights Productions - UK/EU/ROW - https://dogknightsproductions.com/collections/12-dk/products/dk103-trachimbrod-leda-12-lp 

Dog Knights Productions - USA/CAN - https://dogknightsproductions.com/collections/dog-knights-us/products/us-only-dk103-trachimbrod-leda-12-lp

Tokyo Jupiter Records - https://store.tokyojupiterrecords.com/collections/460391-tokyo-jupiter-records/products/19407580-trachimbrod-leda-cd

Zegema Beach Records - CAN/INTL - http://www.zegemabeachrecords.com/zegema-beach-releases/leda


Dog Knights Productions - https://www.facebook.com/dogknights

Through Love Records - https://www.facebook.com/ThroughLoveRec

Tokyo Jupiter Records - https://www.facebook.com/tokyojupiter

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

Saturday 23 July 2022

Hell, Fire and...Lexington: Tennessee Metal Devastation Music Festival


The first Tennessee Metal Devastation Music Festival is due to take place on October 8th, at Beech Lake in Lexington, Tennessee. Organised by Raven Moonla and Zachary Moonshine (Metal Devastation PR), the all-day festival will feature 13 bands, as well as traders, food and a family friendly atmosphere. 


The festival has garnered a lot of attention since being announced and in what's been dubbed 'Satanic Panic', the festival, it's organiser and even the bands due to perform have been targeted by religious groups and individuals intent on shutting it down using various forms of social media, including Reddit and Facebook. Please see the screenshots below highlighting some of the comments and opposition, which were taken by the organisers:-



The above screenshots have been used with the kind permission of Tennessee Metal Devastation Music Festival and are viewable along with other news and promotion about the festival on their Facebook page here - https://www.facebook.com/MetalDevastationMusicFest.


A source close to the festival told This Noise Is Ours that they believed that some of the opposition was coming from people linked to the Second Baptist Church in Lexington. Attempts have been made to contact the church to get their views on the festival and to understand their opposition to it; however, at the time of writing this article, no response has been received. 


What all of this shows is that the stereotyping and misunderstanding of alternative/marginalised cultures still goes on, even in 2022, especially by religious organisations. If anybody connected to organisations opposing this festival would like the opportunity to talk in the balance of fairness, This Noise Is Ours would like to hear from you. Please e-mail tnio@outlook.com.


None of this is putting off the organisers, the bands or fans of heavy metal though. Make sure you check out the bands via the links below and if you are attending the festival in October, it'd be great to follow up afterwards and hear about your experiences:-


Summoner’s Circle - https://www.facebook.com/summonerscircle

Casket Robbery - https://www.facebook.com/casketrobbery

Deooculted - https://www.facebook.com/Deocculted/

Spillage - https://www.facebook.com/spillagerocks

Eyes Of The Living - https://www.facebook.com/eyesoftheliving

Hierarchy - https://www.facebook.com/hierarchybandofficial

Tommy Stewart’s Dyerwulf - https://www.facebook.com/tommystewartsdyerwulf/

Gravehuffer - https://www.facebook.com/gravehuffer

Forever Broken - https://www.facebook.com/ForeverBroken2016/

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

The Red Mountain - https://www.facebook.com/THEREDMOUNTAIN/

Devil Be My Judge - https://www.facebook.com/devilbemyjudgeofficial/

Grave Next Door - https://www.facebook.com/gravenextdoor/


Friday 22 July 2022

The Grasshopper Lies Heavy/WOORMS - Various Plants And Animals Under Domestication Split


Labels: Self-Released/Forbidden Place Records

Formats: Vinyl/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 07 Jan 2022


Tracklist:


1. The Grasshopper Lies Heavy - Indifference Apocalypse

2. The Grasshopper Lies Heavy - King Of Opinion

3. The Grasshopper Lies Heavy - Daun

4. The Grasshopper Lies Heavy - Unending Mediocrity

5. WOORMS - Areola Borealis


It's finally Friday and I for one want to forget about the working week that's just been. What better way to do that than with the latest split release featuring Texan sludge trio The Grasshopper Lies Heavy and Louisiana's WOORMS. The split features four songs from TGLH and one long player from WOORMS, having been self-released digitally, as well as on physical formats via Forbidden Place Records. I seem to remember coming across TGLH via a Rock Sound Magazine cd sampler (I think) and WOORMS have released a couple of albums via UK label Sludgelord Records in the past. 


Eyes down for the Friday night headbang! TGLH kick off with ‘Indifference Apocalypse’, which is a lot more up-tempo than I was expecting at first, despite the band being rooted in sludge. It’s loud and engrossing, with a smattering of psych thrown in as well. TGLH’s instrumentation is where they really shine and this is perfect so far. ‘King Of Opinion’ seems to be somewhat darker in tone, but maybe that’s me. It’s certainly more bass-heavy and downturned as it bludgeons it’s way through nearly three-minutes of absolute heaviness. 


Instantly following ‘King Of Oblivion’ is ‘Daun’, which is a semi-instrumental song that almost seems to follow directly on from it’s predecessor. One thing’s for sure though, it’s groovy as hell with a mesmeric riff that flows right though it. TGLH end their side of the split with their most expansive song in the form of ‘Unending Mediocrity’, and boy is it a joy to listen to. Proper atmospheric post-metal at it’s best. It’s a song that you can really get lost in and when it comes to a halt after nearly eight-and-a-half minutes, it leaves a bit of a void.


A void that WOORMS fill with their mammoth track ‘Areola Borealis’, which weighs in at over twenty one minutes and is utterly bonkers right from the off, with pitch-shifting notes, samples and vocals that sit deep within the mix. Those vocals are very much hidden by instrumentation but they’re still punchy enough to have an impact early on.


It’s at the six minute mark that I realise I’m aching like a bar stool, though that may have more to do with my sitting position as opposed to the headbanging that’s going on. Needless to say, I’m still glued to my laptop’s speakers while listening to this, slightly helped my the imbibing of Friday night alcohol. After the ethereal sludge concludes around the twelve-and-a-half minute mark, WOORMS slip into an instrumental jam featuring more samples, that seems to build in layers, showcasing the Louisiana approach to musical experimentation. The closing acoustic passage is very stirring, almost Fleetwood Mac-esque in places. 


This split is fantastic. From the faster and more intense sludge of The Grasshopper Lies Heavy to the trippier, more psych filled sludge of WOORMS, there’s plenty for the heavy music connoisseur. I well and truly dig both of these bands and I can assure you that you won’t leave disappointed either. 


For fans of: Old Man Gloom, Shy, Low, Heron, Postvorta & Weedian


You can stream and purchase the split digitally via TGLH and WOORMS respectively on bandcamp below:-




The Grasshopper Lies Heavy - https://www.facebook.com/grasshopperliesheavy

WOORMS - https://www.facebook.com/WOORMSband


You can purchase the split physically on all formats or as merch bundles via Forbidden Place Records below:-


https://forbiddenplacerecords.bandcamp.com/album/woorms-the-grasshopper-lies-heavy-various-plants-and-animals-under-domestication


Forbidden Place Records - https://www.facebook.com/forbiddenplacerecords

Wednesday 20 July 2022

Visions From Beyond - Drawing Down The Darkness


Labels: Dry Cough Records

Formats: Tape/CD/Digital

Release Date: 01 Nov 2021


Tracklist:


1. Re-animator

2. Drawing Down The Darkness

3. Confronting The Adversary

4. Lord Of Flies


It's been a while now since I reviewed the debut EP Eternally Bound, Whipped By Time from Bristolian death/doom band Visions From Beyond. I said in that review that I was also going to write about the band's second EP Drawing Down The Darkness, which was also released in 2021. I'm a man of my word and here it is, albeit slightly later than planned. Tape copies were pressed on limited quantities via UK label Dry Cough Records in November of 2021.


This review was supposed to be posted on Monday evening but the heatwave happened. It’s marginally cooler tonight so I’m going with it. I’m sure there will be some you who’re already familiar with Bristol’s death/doom entity Visions From Beyond, but if not then you can start here. ‘Re-Animator’ immediately sounds doomier and much more oppressive, thanks to the lower-than-low vocals. The lead guitar brings some light but it’s only a brief ray. The band’s own bandcamp page contains a description that calls it harrowing and I wouldn’t disagree with that. The EP’s title track ‘Drawing Down The Darkness’ is a slow build, letting dark and menacing atmospherics take the lead before it lurches into a lengthier song that’s much more deathly in it’s delivery. The darkness well and truly manifests itself here. 


‘Confronting The Adversary’ demonstrates just how oppressive and close death/doom can be (just like the temperature this evening, which is a combination of the heat coming from laptop and the close pre-thunderstorm heat outside). Us Brits are never happy unless we’re complaining about something! I’m not complaining about the music though, as it’s stellar. EP closer ‘Lord Of Flies’ is another lumbering hymn that catches you off guard slightly with it’s off-kilter instumentation and tempos. It’s, dare I say it, almost progressive in nature. That’s absolutely fine though as progression is nothing but a good thing for me. This song highlights the musical ability of Visions From Beyond even more so than is expected. Subtle elements of Cynic and even Atheist make themselves known towards it’s conclusion.


Despite the fact that I’m currently melting, Drawing Down The Darkness has been a comforting and exciting listen that’s made me forget about the heat. Visions From Beyond laid down two proper markers in 2021 and has shown a developing sound that offers a lot of promise. Here’s to the next.


For fans of: Cynic, Universally Estranged, Eye Of Purgatory, Solothus and Warning


You can stream and purchase Drawing Down The Darkness for super cheap digitally below:-



Visions From Beyond - https://www.facebook.com/visionsfrombeyond.official


Unbelievably, tape copies are still available from Dry Cough Records below:-

https://www.drycoughrecords.com/product/visions-from-beyond-drawing-from-the-darkness-cassette-dc50


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

Saturday 16 July 2022

Crowning - Funeral Designs


Labels: Zegema Beach Records/Tomb Tree

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 14 Feb 2017


Tracklist:


1. Funeral Designs

2. Velleity

3. Swivet

4. Exposure

5. Buddy Dryer


My first introduction to US screamo band Crowning was in 2018 when I reviewed their split with Swallow's Nest (by the way, I'll have a sweet Swallow's Nest related post coming towards the end of July that might interest those of you reading this, so stay tuned!). They've been pretty busy of late too having recently released a split LP with Naedr, but I'm going backwards in their discography today to the EP that started it all off, Funeral Designs. It was originally released on tape (via a couple of pressings) and digital formats via Zegema Beach Records in Feb 2017, before receiving a repress through Tomb Tree in 2020. 


We’re about to enter a heatwave in the UK (one lasting a mere three or four days I might add!). It’s pretty warm already this morning and because of the advice telling us to stay inside to avoid the worst of the heat, I’ve already jammed me some AFI and Primitive Man. Now it’s the turn of Crowning and their debut EP, Funeral Designs. The EP’s title-track ‘Funeral Designs’ instantly hits a high gear with noisy and heavy screamo/hardcore. The sound is very bass-heavy and the breakdown at the midway point is properly attention grabbing.


After an initially heavy start, ‘Velleity’ settles into a melodic intro passage that leads to infectious screamo that’s as intricate as it is emotive. Crowning have become a staple of modern day post-hardcore and it’s easy to see that trajectory after listening to this. Some of the best songs are the ones that come and go in a flash, like ‘Swivet’ does. It’s sub sixty-second form means that it’s allowed to be angry and violent, yet Crowning keep it controlled as well. 


From the intense to the dramatic now as ‘Exposure’ sees the band change direction slightly with a song of two halves. The first half being instrumental and clean, while the second half is full-on again. The way the song transitions only adds to the sense of anticipation as it explodes. EP closer ‘Buddy Dwyer’ is where Crowning put every instrumental/vocal texture from Funeral Designs together and leave you with a brooding, menacing song that swirls around you. It gives you a feeling of transcendence. 


Set time aside to listen to Crowning’s entire discography if you can, starting with this EP. In a world where instant gratification is everywhere, give yourself time to escape. Finally, no I haven’t already got heatstroke, I just really dig this release!


For fans of: Youth Funeral, Lentic Waters, Altar Of Complaints, La Luna & Respire.


You can stream and purchase Funeral Designs digitally here:-



Tape copies from both Zegema Beach Records and Tomb Tree are sold out.


Crowning - https://www.facebook.com/crowningband

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

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

Wednesday 13 July 2022

Steaksauce Mustache - All Juice, No Noise


Labels: Silent Pendulum Records

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 13 May 2022


Tracklist:


1. Bad Boy Donkey Island

2. Floppy Disc Function

3. No Earth Theory

4. Truck Nut Allergy

5. Stepdad Energy

6. Nocturnal Daymare

7. Gossip Banshee

8. Warp Speed With Aliens

9. Robot Computer Stuff

10. Workout Jeans

11. All Juice No Noise


The latest album from US partycore quartet Steaksauce Mustache was released a couple of months ago (to the day almost) and not by design, I'm just getting round to giving it a proper spin. All Juice, No Noise was released on vinyl and digitally by NYC label Silent Pendulum Records in May. It looks like all physical copies have long since sold out but that doesn't stop us from celebrating it all the same. Oh and to support the album's release they toured the US with the Ned Flanders-inspired Okilly Dokilly.


I hope my neighbours like mathcore because I’m sweltering this evening. A very warm laptop on top of a heatwave isn’t the way to go! Steaksauce Mustache first crossed my radar thanks to Mathcore Index and their Mathcast, but I think this is the first material I’ve listened to in full by them. ‘Bad Boy Donkey Island’ is an all-over-the-place opener with harsh vocals that remind me of Iron Gag-era A Life Once Lost (maybe?), clean singing, panic chords and off-kilter instrumentation that would make Every Time I Die proud. I’m probably way off with my early assessment but there’s still ten songs to go.


Tempos and musical sensibilities are mixed up on ‘Floppy Disc Function’, as mathcore meets deathcore and pop. I love how unexpectedly accessible All Juice, No Noise is so far. I also wish they’d brought that Okilly Dokilly tour to the UK too! There’s plenty of rock n roll going on during ‘No Earth Theory’, which reminds me of fellow US metalcore/80s rock inspired band Blessed By A Broken Heart (as opposed to glam rock parody band Steel Panther, whom I dislike with a passion). Sorry.


The other thing that jumps out at me with Steaksauce Mustache is their seemingly random song titles. ‘Truck Nut Allergy’ is a prime example but with that being said, It’s a killer song with more snarling/sassy rock vibes overpowering the band’s heavier leanings. They do go full-on mathcore for portions of All Juice, No Noise though and alongside some great punk riffs, ‘Stepdad Energy’ is a great example of that. In a sub-genre of music where originality is becoming key, Steaksauce Mustache are leading the way.


As you hit the mid-point in the album, it’s pointless trying to describe the music in any kind of genre terms anymore. ’Nocturnal Daymare’ is just a damn good song and probably the catchiest one of them all, In my opinion anyway. That’s the main takeaway for me, just how catchy this record is. ‘Gossip Banshee’ contains the best lyrics and even though there’s no hint of hip-hop influence musically, vocally things get close to it here during the verses (at least when the metal/core isn’t taking centre stage that is!).


My head’s been addled pretty much all day thanks to my day job and listening to ‘Warp Speed With Aliens’ does nothing to change that, but I don’t care. Heavy music can and should be fun sometimes, and it certainly is here thanks to the battle metal inspired gang chants sitting in the background. That solo towards the end is pretty damn sweet as well. Things return to somewhat normality on ’Robot Computer Stuff’ but what is normal now really? I use the term only to emphasise the moments where Steaksauce Mustache are more mathy. 


Penultimate song ‘Workout Jeans’ is as mad as the title suggests. I mean, have you ever tried to workout in jeans?!. It’s not mad in terms of time-signatures or grind-appeal, but because of the amusing images both it’s title and textures create. Semi-clean vocals lead the way and it’s definitely feel-good. They close with the title track ‘All Juice No Noise’ , which is also the album’s longest and moodiest song. Minimalist in approach at times, it might sound like a certain big American masked band in parts but it bursts into life mid-way through, unleashing a familiar uneven and heavy tone alongside some utterly brilliant vocals.


I hadn’t anticipated that this review would end up as long as it has but there’s a lot to take in here. Steaksauce Mustache are a modern day marvel when it comes to experimental and cathartic heaviness. Aside from that, they also know how to craft really catchy songs that transcend that heaviness. Quite brilliant. 


For Fans Of: Black Matter Device, Pupil Slicer, Under The Pier, Every Time I Die & Blessed By A Broken Heart.


You can stream and purchase the album digitally here:-



Steaksauce Mustache - https://www.facebook.com/steaksaucemustache

Silent Pendulum Records - https://www.facebook.com/SilentPendulumRecords

Sunday 10 July 2022

DJINN-GHÜL - Mechalith EP


Labels: Vicious Instinct Records

Formats: CD/Digital

Release Date: 09 Dec 2021


Tracklist:


1. Ore & Fluid

2. The Mechalith

3. Pleonexia

4. Drosera


The death metal genre continues to expand and evolve, growing in different directions with well-established bands releasing material alongside a constant stream of newcomers and reissued bands. American/Venezuelan duo DJINN-GHÜL sit at the experimental end of death metal and have done so since 2016. In 2017 they released their debut full-length Wander Not, following it in 2020 with their second full-length Sordes Pyramis, both of which sandwiched by 2019 EP Exo Sin. Their newest EP Mechalith was released in December 2021 via Australian label Vicious Instinct Records, who are also home to Alter Idem, Beyond The Structure and Nihility amongst others.


Taking a look at DJINN-GHÜL’s recommended artists on their bandcamp page (which consist of Author & Punisher, Godflesh and Wormed), you get a good sense of what you’re getting into before hitting play on Mechalith. Sure enough, opener ‘Ore & Fluid’ is a mix of brutal death metal and industrial dread. Warp-speed percussion, downtuned guitars, deep growls and electronics add plenty to the overall atmosphere early on. ’The Mechalith’ is the perfect blend of slamming death and grind, with a tempo that’s dictated by the riffs as much as it is the drums. The sound here reminds me of old Earache band The Berzerker (if anybody remembers them!). You’re not getting much melody here but that’s fine because it’s all about auditory terrorism with this one.


There’s a disturbing sense of claustrophobia when listening to ‘Pleonexia’, which doesn’t shift even when the duo take a breath. Once your at this point in the EP you’re certainly in it till the end. Closing with ‘Drosera’, DJINN-GHÜL push the extremes further again but also allow for some introspection, which breaks up the madness briefly. Although I’ve tried bravely, it’s hard to truly convey the true heaviness of both this band and this EP. It’s short format is good in my opinion as a full album at this intensity might become too much (but what do I know). I’d recommend listening to it properly if you’re a fan of the heavier side of modern death metal. Overall, a well produced and executed EP that will definitely live with you for a while.


For Fans Of: The Berzerker, Author & Punisher, Wormed, The Amenta & Cerebric Turmoil


You can stream and purchase Mechalith on CD or digitally below:-



You can also buy it from Vicious Instinct Records here - https://www.viciousinstinctrecords.com/store/p/djinn-ghl-mechalith-cd


DJINN-GHÜL - https://www.facebook.com/DjinnGhul

Vicious Instinct Records - https://www.facebook.com/viciousinstinct

Wednesday 6 July 2022

Subjects/Rulers - Subjects//Rulers


Labels: IFB Records/Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 31 Dec 2016


Tracklist:


1. Of Milk And Wine

2. Surely You Must Be Joking

3. Godel, Escher, Bach

4. Nice Death Ray, Buddy

5. Don't Let The Cat Out Of The Box

6. The Uncertainty Principle (On The Nose)

7. Your Number Is Up

8. Famous Last Words


This self-titled EP was the only release (that I know of) to come from Nashville, Tennessee (USA) screamo band Subjects/Rulers. Originally released digitally by the band in October 2015, it later saw the light of day as a tape release via IFB Records and Zegema Beach Records in December 2016. Subjects/Rulers featured links to Cease Upon The Capitol and Dolcim (amongst others), so came with a pedigree already. 100 tape copies were pressed.


Subjects/Rulers were a trio (a power trio if you will). Their sound is certainly powerful with opener ‘Of Milk And Wine’ sounding noisy straight from the off. The screams are harsh in an emotive way, though they do spill over into almost emoviolence territory sometimes. The blasts from the percussion and tempos remind me a bit of black metal or at least blackened screamo. The instrumentation and tempo of ’Surely You Must Be Joking’ is more upbeat, with melody being more present atop of the raw heaviness of the music. As with the opener, Subjects/Rulers punctuate that heaviness with a more introspective mid-section, which leads to suitably loud ending. 


‘Godel, Escher, Bach’ builds with sixty seconds of instrumentation that increases in volume, before the band unleashes some kick-ass Cave In-style, spacey screamo. I use Cave In as a loose similarity because at times the guitar work really does remind me of them. ’Nice Death Ray, Buddy’ sees them return to their noisier roots. Besides the comparison I’ve already used, I’m finding it hard to compare their sound to anything else as I don’t like to draw on past projects/bands too much. I really love the higher-pitched screams as well.


The all out emotion/power that greets you on ‘Don’t Let The Cat Out Of The Box’ is hard to beat and that’s only in it’s first half. The second half of this careening masterpiece is made up of instrumental beauty and caustic sensibilities that stop on a dime, leading to ‘The Uncertainty Principle (On The Nose)’. Being able to actually stick some music on makes me feel so much better about the fact that I haven’t posted anything for about a week and I’m happy that it gets to be this record. ‘The Uncertainty Principle (On The Nose)’ is a mid-paced dream, albeit with some trademark intensity too.


This whole release is very soothing, in a way that only screamo can be. Penultimate song ‘Your Number Is Up’ starts in that exact way before building in volume and musical layers. Again, there’s that surf/noise-rock influence that meshes itself into the band’s abrasive dissonance. It all just works so well (though as always I’m writing about what I hear so don’t shoot me down). Things are brought to a close by ‘Famous Last Words’ and it’s huge! There’s not a lot else that needs to be said.


I know there are many bands that haven’t made it past one release; however, those bands definitely deserve attention all the same. Subjects/Rulers were able to combine their experiences as members of other screamo greats to make this album as enjoyable as it is. I’m not sure if there are any tape copies still available in the wild but if there are, I’ll fight you for one!


For Fans Of: Cease Upon The Capitol, Dolcim, Role, Trachimbrod & Gillian Carter


You can stream and purchase Subjects/Rulers digitally below:-



Rejoice, copies do still exist in the wild and can be purchased from the below link:-


Zegema Beach Records CAN/INTL Store - http://www.zegemabeachrecords.com/zegema-beach-releases/subjectsrulers-subjectsrulers-cassette


IFB Records - http://www.ifbrecords.com

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