Tuesday 28 February 2023

['selvə] - Doma


Labels: A Fond d'Cale/Cave Canem D.I.Y/General Soreness/Hardcore For The Losers/Hesitation/Nothing Left/Overdrive Records/Piu Amici Meno Storie Records/Shove Records/Tatano Records/Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 14 Feb 2018


Tracklist:


1. Silen

2. Joy


Time's properly flying right now. I have this week off from the day job but it mostly consists of DIY (urgh!), which I'm ambitious but rubbish at. Thankfully the evenings allow time for me to write, while also running in my new hi-fi. I'm back on the Zegema Beach Records roster trail tonight, focusing on the 2018 release Doma by Italian post-black metal/emo band ['selvə]. This two song record was released on vinyl, cd and tape (as well as digitally) via a whole host of labels, including ZBR who pressed a run of tapes for Canada/North America, as well as further afield of course. 


['selvə] (or Selva) performs post-black/hardcore in such a sensitive and exciting way. Doma opener ‘Silen’ starts with a slow, atmospheric build-up that leads into blasting blackened screamo after about four minutes. Beyond that point, it doesn’t let up in it’s intensity. Even when things seem to settle down for a period of time, there’s still an underlying sense of unease, despite Selva’s beautiful musicianship and genuine vocal delivery.


Second song ‘Joy’ is immediately frenetic and bathed in a rawness that’s very endearing. Granted, it’s also very heavy, almost mesmerically so at times with the repeated riffs that sit atop the recording. It’s amazing how a band can produce a release that’s so involving in the space of just two songs. Selva was part of a three-way split CD last October, so hopefully there’s more to come from them this year or in the future.


Italy as a country provides surprise after musical surprise. From the often theatrical, to instrumental progressiveness and also it’s emotive metal/screamo community, it has it all if you’re willing to put the time in. Selva is a fantastic band. Nothing more needs to be said.


You can stream and buy Doma on vinyl, CD and digital formats directly from Selva below:-




Physical copies of Doma are still available from a couple of the OG releasing labels below:-


General Soreness - https://www.discogs.com/seller/General_Soreness/

Hardcore For The Losers - https://hardcoreforthelosers.bandcamp.com/album/selv-doma-lp


Cave Canem D.I.Y - https://www.facebook.com/CaveCanemDIY

General Soreness - https://www.facebook.com/generalsorenessrecords

Hardcore For The Losers - https://www.facebook.com/HardcoreForTheLosers

Hesitation - https://www.facebook.com/hesitationdiy

Nothing Left Records - https://www.facebook.com/NothingLeftRecords

Overdrive Records - https://www.facebook.com/overdrivesrl/

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

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

Sunday 26 February 2023

Mortuary Spawn - Spawned From The Mortuary


Labels: Brutal Cave Productions/Chamber Of Emesis/Dry Cough Records/Sewer Rot Records

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 23 Apr 2021


Tracklist:


1. Crepuscular Imperilment

2. 'Neath The Mounds Of Murids

3. Thorax And Abdomen

4. Odious, The Charnel Miasma

5. Spawned From The Mortuary


Back in 2020, a putrid old-school death metal band called Mortuary Spawn crawled into life; sharing members with Groak, Pest Control, The Afternoon Gentlemen and Belk (amongst many others). Their debut release Spawned From The Mortuary was initially pressed on tape in 2021 via Leeds UK underground label Chamber of Emesis, before Portuguese label Brutal Cave Productions and USA's Sewer Rot Records entered the fray with cd pressings (as well as a US tape pressing from the latter label). Finally, a vinyl pressing came from UK label Dry Cough Records and Sewer Rot in 2022, due to the ongoing pressing plant delays that hit post-Covid. Their first gig was in support of the mighty Demilich according to Metal Archives (can anyone point me in the direction of the flyer, because I'm a sucker for the artwork/layouts).


Mortuary Spawn’s death metal is as impact-laden as the music of the bands it shares members with, as evidenced neatly on EP opener ‘Crepuscular Imperilment’, which is a blasting and growling force to be reckoned with. More low-end is on show here than treble, but that’s to be expected. When the lead guitar does break out into a solo, it’s filled with screeching goodness. ‘’Neath The Mound Of Murids’ is a song title straight out of Yorkshire and the song that bares it’s name doesn’t hang about. Unapologetically straight-to-the-point.


There’s a nod to death metal’s infatuation with the human body on ‘Thorax And Abdomen’, which is a gnarly, fast-paced show of brutality that manages to stay on the right side of the more formulaic slam-death approach (to these ears anyway). Following it are the truly grinding opening bars of ‘Odious, The Charnel Miasma’. The rest of the song is filled with both grooving death metal verses and off-kilter madness, with plenty of unnerving atmosphere thrown in for good measure.


EP closer and title track ‘Spawned From The Mortuary’ keeps momentum high with it’s silly-fast tempo and belligerent heaviness. That pace never really lets up, as the bass provides a bluesy backdrop. Both the percussion and vocals keep up with each other’s fluidity, leaving only the feedback at the end to try and bring down your heart rate.


I’ve always tried my hardest to champion the amazingly broad and friendly underground heavy community that’s made Leeds so great musically. I’m also embarrassed to say that It’s been over half-a-decade since I’ve attended a DIY gig in the city. So many memories for me of gigs that were put on by members of Mortuary Spawn amongst many others. I’ll get back over one day. For now though, let’s hope there’s more to come from this quintet.


All physical copies are sold out at Mortuary Spawn's bandcamp page, but you can stream and purchase the EP digitally there below:-



Mortuary Spawn - https://www.facebook.com/mortuaryspawn


Vinyl copies are still available from the labels below:-


Dry Cough Records - https://www.drycoughrecords.com/product/mortuary-spawn-spawned-from-the-mortuary-12-dc60

Sewer Rot Records - https://mortuaryspawn1.bandcamp.com/album/spawned-from-the-mortuary


Brutal Cave Productions - https://www.facebook.com/brutalcaveproductions

Chamber Of Emesis - https://chamberofemesis.bandcamp.com/

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

Sewer Rot Records - https://www.facebook.com/sewerrotrecords

Thursday 23 February 2023

Greed Worm/Blackwater Sniper - Dance Tonight! Decomposition Tomorrow! Split


Labels: Tomb Tree

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 11 Jan 2023


Tracklist:


1. Greed Worm - Project Sunshine (feat. Z from WastedInkk)

2. Greed Worm - Gary Webb

3. Blackwater Sniper - Blunt Force Negotiation

4. Blackwater Sniper - He Calls Me Friend


Some of you might remember my review of Chicago hardcore/grind band Greed Worm's their Hell Is Real last April. That EP went hard! Well... they released a split tape in January alongside fellow Chicago powerviolence band Blackwater Sniper, via Tomb Tree (limited to a mere 79 copies). Two songs from each band, as well as a not so subtle nod to Orchid!


Something tells me this split isn’t going to be laid-back. Greed Worm’s side flies right out of the traps with ‘Project Sunshine’ and what can only be described as utter pandemonium. Screamo, panic chords, mathcore, grind and everything heavy makes the cut here. Even windpipes get some prime real estate as it closes! ‘Gary Webb’ sees Greed Worm lulling you into a false sense of security with an extended (for them) instrumental build up before unleashing more hardcore-infused madness. So enjoyable in it’s sheer brutality.


Blackwater Sniper are an unknown quantity to me and their opener ‘Blunt Force Negotiation’ leads down a glitchy, noisy, drum machine-led path filled with samples and electronic effects. I read that Spotify rejected their music because it was too fast. Spotify’s loss if you ask me! ‘He Calls Me Friend’ points towards Blackwater Sniper’s rejection of God and the music does nothing to dampen that notion. High/low vocals, guitar feedback and earth-shaking percussion show just how end-time inducing they can be. A brief but epic intro to the band.


I’m pretty sure I say this all the time but this split is too short! Greed Worm satisfy that love for mathy/violent hardcore while Blackwater Sniper cure the weirdness itch, while both together help to fill the void left by (the no longer active) Grindcore Karaoke net label. Grab a tape while they last!


Stream and purchase the split digitally below:-



Greed Worm Instagram - @greed_worm

Blackwater Sniper Instagram - @blackwater_sniper


Here's the video for 'Gary Webb' as well:-



Physical tapes can be purchased from Tomb Tree below:-


Tomb Tree - http://www.zegemabeachrecords.com/tomb-tree-tapes/tt089


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

Wednesday 22 February 2023

Torso - A Crash Course In Terror


Labels: APF Records

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 27 Jan 2023


Tracklist:


1. Heads Start To Roll

2. Pranks

3. Sinking Spell

4. Depth Charge

5. Precious Blood

6. Death TV

7. Circuit Breaker Breaker


The sound of multiple jets flying over (probably on routine training flights) sounds a tad ominous from the secure comfort of my flat, but I know that noise is about to be drowned out by the sound of London's newest horror-sludge (if that's even a sub-genre) band Torso. Torso was formed out of the ashes of heavy metal/stoner band Possessor and A Crash Course In Terror is the band's debut album, having been released in late January by APF Records from Manchester.


A Crash Course In Terror is a trip of very different proportions. The keyboard tones that open ‘Heads Start To Roll’ sound like they’ve come straight from the eighties and the ripping music that follows from Torso is filled with just as much swagger. Torso is a solo-project that’s been created by former Possessor member Graham Bywater, though here keyboards are provided by Wayne Adams (on tracks 2, 4 and 7), who also recorded, mixed and mastered the album.


There’s an uneasy feeling about ‘Pranks’, which is essentially an ambient instrumental, slowing the momentum that follows the album’s first song but also providing great anticipation for the rhythmic, garage-like ‘Sinking Spell’. It’s the verses that borrow from garage-punk, while there are much heavier passages that contain harsher vocals and industrial percussive blasts as well. The variation so far is awesome. You definitely won’t get bored.


The interspersing of longer tracks with shorter interludes (if you like) is a little off-putting if you were expecting all seven songs here to hit full throttle, but then again you shouldn’t let it put you off. ‘Depth Charge’ signifies the horror aesthetic that Torso portrays, without losing any catchiness.’ Precious Blood’ is that bizarre mix of jarring, off-kilter tempos and classic/glam rock flair. It works unbelievably well when Torso’s grooving with abandon. The latter half of the song ushers in psychedelic guitar flourishes that rain light down on the record. Perfectly placed and performed. 


It follows immediately on to ‘Death TV’, which acts as the album’s final instrumental, with it’s space-age melodies and percussive effects. A Crash Course In Terror closes with the ominous sounding ‘Circuit Breaker Breaker’. The opening sample, that’s been a theme throughout the album, offers no respite before Torso’s sludgy/heavy sound becomes awash with grunge and punk. It all hits like a crazy mash-up of Perturbator, Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin, Ghost and Melvins. 


However you approach this album and whomever you draw comparisons too (if you even need too), A Crash Course In Terror is brilliant and acts as the perfect cleanser from today’s constant white noise.


You can stream and purchase A Crash Course In Terror on all physical formats (as well as digitally) below:-



Torso Instagram - @here_lies_torso

APF Records - https://www.facebook.com/apfrecords

Monday 20 February 2023

The Ultimate Screamo Band - Tout Est Fini


Labels: A Fond d'Cale/Dingleberry Records/Dasein Records/Friendly Otter/Polar Summer/Sunsetter Records/Ultimo Violence/Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 26 Feb 2018


Tracklist:


1. Tout Est Fini

2. Thanatophobe

3. En Consequence

4. Un Cri de Défaite

5. Combien

6. Téméraire Et Timoré

7. D'enfant Fragile

8. Ne Change Rein

9. A L'article de L'amour

10. Inconditionnel Passe


Having previously reviewed both the 2015 7"/Tape EP La Saison Du Champignon and the 2017 split 7" with Lora as part part of my ongoing ZBR roster review series, I was eventually going to come up to The Ultimate Screamo Band's 2018 (and final) release Tout Est Fini, that was pressed as a single-sided 10" record in February 2018. Released through the collaboration of 8 DIY record labels, it was limited to 300 copies featuring 3 differently coloured covers. 10 emoviolence songs on one side of wax. Perfect.


Being able to keep up with and review a record where most of the songs last less than sixty seconds is tough. Tout Est Fini is made up of exactly that, starting with the title track ‘Tout Est Fini’, which features a lengthy sample leading to a latter half that’s filled with brief but chaotic emoviolence, that set’s the stall out for this release. ‘Thanatophobe’ starts as it’s predecessor finished but with a more post-hardcore/metal vibe.


In fact, all of the songs here make up one whole and ‘En Consequence’ shows TUSB’s song-writing to be more than just maddening screamo, as it features more sensitive musical elements and a slightly calmer influence as a result. ‘Un Cri de Défaite’ is a varied listen with fast/slow dynamics working really well. TUSB must be considered champions of the French-Canadian screamo community and if they’re not, it’s a travesty.


The sheer moments of beauty that flow from this record are subtle but brilliant, as evidenced on ‘Combien’ with it’s almost Coilguns/Knut/The Ocean post-metal riffage that seems to almost slow the tempo down, without actually doing so. Being followed up by the no-holds-barred ’Téméraire Et Timoré’, it feels like a world away.


The record’s shortest song blends into it’s longest song and with that, ‘D’enfant Fragile’ is a fuzzy guitar instrumental that bursts into a furious explosion of raw energy from the band. It exhibits their true love of anticipation inducing build-ups, which has been there all along to be honest and is used one again on ‘Ne Change RIen’ to accent the latter halves madness.


Penultimate song ‘A L'article de L'amour’ is more straight-forward in that it hits hard a lot sooner, though TUSB’s off-kilter hardcore approach later on brings about a beaming smile that lasts into closer ‘Inconditionnel Passe’ thanks to the repeated riff that bridges the two. It’s a dramatic way to end but also a true showing of the band’s ability to generate atmosphere and emotion. 


There you have it, the final release from The Ultimate Screamo Band (probably). It would have been amazing to hear the band go in a more expansive direction, but that’s just me talking. What has been left is still and always will be amazing.


You can stream Tout Est Fini and purchase it as a name-your-price download below:-



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


Sunsetter Records - https://sunsetterrecords.limitedrun.com/the-ultimate-screamo-band-tout-est-fini


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

Dasein Records - https://www.facebook.com/SadReactRecords

Friendly Otter - https://www.facebook.com/friendlyotterrex

Sunsetter Records - https://www.facebook.com/SunsetterRecords

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

Monday 13 February 2023

Cages - Second Thoughts


Labels: Long Legs Long Arms/Middle-Man Records/Shove Records/Through Love Records

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 21 Oct 2022


Tracklist:


1. How Quickly We Forget

2. A Sight For Sore Eyes

3. Every Dog Has It's Day

4. Someone Who's Working Really Hard On Being Someone

5. Sleepwalking In Potemkin Cities


In a sort of response to Edie Quinn's comment under the recent Drei Affen/Coma Regalia split review, I'm gonna be dropping some additional reviews over the coming weeks because I need to be less rigid in following my own schedule, but also because there's always so much amazing music that goes by me due to time and constantly catching up. This LP is a fine example of that. Cages are a band from Germany (featuring ex-members of We Had A Deal no less) and their debut EP Second Thoughts was released back in October of last year though some very fine labels, including Edie's own Middle-Man Records. On a completely separate note, this year's Brit Awards completely passed me by (don't ask) but from what I gather I didn't miss much.


With the combined experience and history of the members that make up Cages, Second Thoughts is a special release. ‘How Quickly We Forget’ plays very much on the band’s 90s emo/screamo influences without stepping into more modern-day emoviolence territories, thanks to mid-paced tempos and uplifting guitar work. The vocals do their bit as well, bringing to mind Refused and their historic album The Shape Of Punk To Come (A Chimerical Bombination In 12 Bursts) from the late 90’s.


‘A Sight For Sore Eyes’ is very emotive (an obvious point to make!) without being overly so. It reminds me a bit of when I first heard Russian band Ensslin’s Thumbsucker EP. It’s brilliantly simple from beginning to end, just really enjoyably emocore delivered in a way that comes naturally to European bands in general. That above point is demonstrated by ‘Every Dog Has It’s Day’ with it’s engrossing lead-guitar that stands tall at the forefront of the song, giving a listening experience that’s hard to find amongst many releases of a similar mould currently.


Penultimate song ‘Someone Who’s Working Really Hard On Being Someone’ starts with a sample that’s very apt for the current socio-political climate in which we live. It also mirrors the song as a whole, which seems to gain empowerment as it goes, alongside a great punk/screamo charm and Turnstile-esque positivity. I’m absolutely loving it! The pent up angst of closer ‘Sleepwalking In Potemkin Cities’ provides the closest glimpse of hardcore you’re gonna get on this release and the slightly harsher vocals are perfectly delivered without requiring the instrumentation to deviate from it’s blueprint sound.


The ears of Edie and also of those behind the other labels involved in this release can’t be faulted. If there was to be a shift in the current emo/screamo/post-hardcore community sound-wise, Cages would be leading it without a doubt. Hopefully this is the opening of a totally new rabbit hole.


You can stream and purchase Second Thoughts from the band on both physical, and digital formats below:-



Cages - https://www.instagram.com/cages_band/


Physical copies can also be ordered from the labels below:-

 

Middle-Man Records - https://middlemanrecords.storenvy.com/cages-second-thoughts-12

Shove Records - https://shoverec.bandcamp.com/album/second-thoughts

Through Love Records - https://shop.throughloverec.com/cages-second-thoughts


Long Legs Long Arms - https://www.facebook.com/3LAdisc

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

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

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

Sunday 12 February 2023

Vaughanstrosity - Memes And Dreams


Labels: Self-Released
Formats: Digital
Release Date: 27 Jan 2023

Tracklist:


1. Fl0w

2. Friday Night

3. When The Party Ends (Feat. Ethan Beattie)

4. Broken Hearts And Empty Bottles


I have no idea what to expect from solo project Vaughanstrosity. The brainchild of Ruaidhri Houston (bassist in So Long Until The Seance), his debut EP Memes And Dreams was digitally released only a couple of weeks ago. Vaughanstrosity is said to be influenced by everything from Don Broco to Shania Twain to Devin Townsend. If you have any clue about what's to come, then you're better than me! The EP features the drumming of Brett Martin (of Nomadus) and added vocals from Ethan Beattie (of EB and The Deadlights).


I have a feeling this is gonna be a bit outside of my wheelhouse but let’s see. EP opener ‘Fl0w’ switches between heavy hardcore/metal and clean vocals, with subtly placed samples. It’s cleverly performed and produced for sure. Classy percussion, crunching guitars and the addition of modern electronic flourishes sit very well alongside the vocals. The closest I can come to in terms of a comparison as ‘Friday Night’ kicks off is Asking Alexandria. Maybe that’s a bit unfair but the electronics pull me in that direction. It’s an up-tempo song that hits really hard when the metal’s allowed to do the talking. If I’m being honest, the synths don’t really do it any favours (but then again I’m older now and maybe a bid jaded at times).


‘When The Party Ends (Feat. Ethan Beattie)’ is more laid back initially, before it morphs into a heavy ballad of sorts, not short of American influence. It hits hard and shows a different side to Vaughanstrosity that’s more dramatic, and meaningful. EP closer ‘Broken Hearts And Empty Bottles’ borrows from Euro-dance/techno, building up to a repeating chorus and auto-tune that makes sense in context. When Vaughanstrosity regains a sense of heaviness, there’s a joyous feel about this release. 


I always try to approach reviews with an open mind and most of the time I know roughly what’s coming. In the case of the EP, I had know idea. It’s catchy, well-written and played. I’m not going to shy away from the fact that I’m a bit long in the tooth (in my mid-late thirties) but I can see why this release will appeal to many people, no matter their musical persuasion. 


You can stream Memes And Dreams via various outlets here - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/vaughanstrosity/memes-and-dreams


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

Thursday 9 February 2023

Gyaos:Diabolical - In Accordance With The Prophecy


Labels: Self-Released

Formats: CD/Digital

Release Date: 13 Jan 2023


Tracklist:


1. Destroy 2000 Years Of Culture

2. Fight Or Die

3. Null Pointer Exception

4. Burn The World

5. Beware! American Taliban!

6. Shadow Is The Damned

7. False Flag Fury

8. Against All Gods

9. Relentless Hatestream

10. Katahdin Is Risen


Life often throws up the unexpected these day and none more so than mysterious US thrash/digital hardcore band Gyaos:Diabolical. In Accordance With The Prophecy is the band's second album and it was released just under a month ago, following the 2021 album Let The Vultures Speak. It's billed as being an angry mix of Cryptic Slaughter, Iron Reagan and Atari Teenage Riot.


Wearing influences proudly on their sleeve, Gyaos:Diabolical kick things off with a cover of Atari Teenage Riot’s ‘Destroy 2000 Years Of Culture’. If ever there was a statement to be made on an album opener, this would be it. It’s extreme in both instrumentation and vocals yet it sounds less industrial to my ears. When Gyaos:Diabolical isn’t covering genre luminaries, they’re writing and performing thrash metal with a true, honest rawness. ‘Fight Of Die’ is straight-up aggression distilled into a short barrage of noise and neck-snapping rhythms. 


That’s the cue for what the rest of this album holds, as the grooves of ‘Null Pointer Exception’ take over. More thrashing power mixed with higher-pitched vocals that cross the line towards black metal. Bass-heavy and percussion-driven, it has a martial atonal quality to it. ‘Burn The World’ doesn’t pull any punches, sometimes invoking the blasts of Slayer. ‘Beware! American Taliban! Is where Gyaos:Diabolical’s song-writing comes to the fore with a mix of black-thrash and off-kilter tempos, coupled with authoritative riffs. Mainly instrumental, it’s a true musical head rush.


The album’s second half is ushered in by ‘Shadow Is The Damned’, which shows that some lighter melodic moments do exist here, albeit very subtle ones in what is a pummelling horror infused headbanger. I have to admit that I would like to hear some more progressive elements on In Accordance With The Prophecy as ‘False Flag Fury’ bursts in, destroys everything and disappears out of sight; but then that’s not really what this record’s about.


It’s a show of dissent against religion, society and the government that’s meant to shock, and displease. ‘Against All Gods’ does all of that with aplomb. ‘Relentless Hatestream’ is the best descriptor for both this album and for Gyaos:Diabolical, as the hate that streams out of the record is indeed relentless, even if in this case it’s laced with upbeat punk bass lines. Album closer ‘Katahdin Is Risen’ takes the band’s intense sound and spreads it out over nearly seven minutes. That’s a long time to keep up the same up-tempo pace but Gyaos:Diabolical persists, hammering home their incendiary thrash once more. 


There’s most definitely a place in today’s extreme metal landscape for Gyaos:Diabolical. Heavy, fast and with a serious message underneath all the rage. Sometimes you just need something straightforward and hellbent on aural destruction. In Accordance With The Prophecy is exactly that.


You can stream and purchase the album both physically, and digitally below:-



Gyaos:Diabolical - https://www.facebook.com/gyaos.diabolical

Monday 6 February 2023

Coma Regalia/Drei Affen - Split 7"


Labels: Adorno Records/Dasein Records/Dingleberry Records/Discos Finu/Krimskramz/Middle-Man Records/Muerte Matar Records/Pifia Records/Producciones Tudancas/TimTam Records/(We Built The World And) Miss The Stars Records/Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 13 Feb 2018


Tracklist:


1. Coma Regalia - The End Result

2. Coma Regalia - Ever More Over

3. Coma Regalia - Cease Seeking Closure

4. Drei Affen - Dejadme Sonar Despierto

5. Drei Affen - Lluvia


I can't promise a lot this week in writing terms (there's a lot going on and not much time) but it's much better to focus on the time I do have. I think this is my tenth review to feature US screamo band Coma Regalia, which is pretty mad and testament to their productivity. It's the second time I've featured Spain's Drei Affen, whose discography is somewhat smaller than their split-mates, but of the best quality. This 7" was released five years ago next week though a collaboration of twelve DIY labels.


Coma Regalia’s music is known for (more often than not) being on the faster, more violent side of screamo, while still being melodic and their opener ‘The End Result’ exhibits that description perfectly with all of the right elements. Piercingly energetic screams, riffs full of urgency and percussion that’s often on the ragged edge. ’Ever More Over’ begins with a more pensive approach of clean-ish singing and mid-paced instrumentation, before launching back into more familiar territory thanks to the harsher vocals. The instrumentation remains more restrained through to the end, where it pauses and draws you into their final song ‘Cease Seeking Closure’, which is very much a mix of the previous songs. The thing that strikes you here is the preciseness of the guitar melodies and the impact they bestow on Coma Regalia’s music.


Drei Affen contribute two songs to this split and their opener ‘Dejadme Sonar Despierto’ is a powerfully seething hardcore song filled with higher-pitched screams and all-encompassing instrumental work that doesn’t let up, even when they slow the pace down. Split closer ‘Lluvia’ goes even harder, pushing Drei Affen’s intensity deeper into your synapse. The short playing time afforded to this format is actually beneficial here, as the split’s impact is much greater due to the immediacy of both bands. 100% would recommend!


You can stream and purchase the split digitally below (as well as from Drei Affen via their bandcamp page):-



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

Drei Affen - https://www.facebook.com/dreiaffenband


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


Adorno Records - https://adornorecords.bandcamp.com/album/split-2

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

Discos Finu - https://discosfinu.bandcamp.com/album/drei-affen-i-coma-regalia-split

Krimskramz - https://krimskramz.com/produkt/025-drei-affen-coma-regalia-split-7/


Dasein Records - https://www.facebook.com/SadReactRecords

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

Discos Finu - https://www.facebook.com/discosfinu

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

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

Muerte Matar Records - https://www.facebook.com/MuerteMatarRecords

Pifia Records - https://www.facebook.com/pifiarecords

Producciones Tudancas - https://www.facebook.com/ProduccionesTudancas

(We Built The World And) Miss The Stars Records - https://www.facebook.com/missthestarsrecords

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

Sunday 5 February 2023

This Noise Is Ours: January 2023 Spotify Playlist

I thought I'd do something new this year as I've finally got a Spotify account. I don't use it often but the playlist option is something I've been keen to make use of, as an extra promotional tool to help share the bands and music I've featured.


I wrote about 13 bands and 11 releases in January, so I've put together a playlist featuring a song from each of them (well, those that are on Spotify anyway!). You can give it a listen below:-


For those bands that are not on Spotify, I've included bandcamp streams below:-


 

 

 


Let me know what you think of this idea. I will be putting more playlists together as the year progresses, including some special ones that I'm currently planning.


Terrible As The Dawn - https://www.facebook.com/terribleasthedawn

Morrow - https://www.facebook.com/morrowpunx

Chaoseum - https://www.facebook.com/chaoseum

Massa Nera - https://www.facebook.com/MASSANERANJ

Rancid Cadaver - https://www.facebook.com/rancidcadaver

Flash Forward - https://www.facebook.com/flashforwardband

Thisismenotthinkingofyou - https://www.facebook.com/timntoy

Yo Sbraito - https://www.facebook.com/yosbraito

Ef’Il - https://www.facebook.com/efil.mys

Dust Prophet - https://www.facebook.com/dustprophet

Lurking - https://www.facebook.com/lurkingmetalofdeath

Descubriendo A Mr. Mime - https://www.facebook.com/descubriendoamrmime

Achachak - https://www.facebook.com/achachakband