Coltsblood - Obscured Into Nebulous Dusk

Labels: Translation Loss Records/Dry Cough Records

Formats: Vinyl/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 05 May 2025

Tracklist:

1. Until The Eidolon Falls

2. Waning Of The Wolf Moon

3, Transcending The Immortal Gateways

4. Obscured Into Nebulous Dusk

Seeing monolithic UK doom band Coltsblood find a home on the roster of US institution Translation Loss Records for their latest album was so wholesome,  but seeing that they also chose to release it via UK underground legends Dry Cough Records made it even more so. They have a long association with the Manchester-based label though, as Dry Cough helped to release their 2014 album Into The Unfathomable Abyss. Obscured Into Nebulous Dusk was released in May on vinyl (Translation Loss), on tape (Dry Cough) and digitally. 

It feels like an age since I have featured a proper UK doom record here. As the nights draw in and the Autumn equinox is behind us, now feels like the right time (though it wasn’t planned this way). Coltsblood deliver four songs in just over forty minutes, beginning with ‘Until The Eidolon Falls’, which exhibits why their epic and heavy take on doom is so highly regarded. The bone-shaking bass, smattering of cymbals, waling feedback and subtle guitar melody slowly leads to rhythmic instrumental atmosphere. All of these elements build slowly over the next five-or-so-minutes before the vocals finally show themselves in all their deep and menacing glory. The remaining time is spent wallowing in deep furrows before the realisation that actually they’re endorphin inducing highs,

I referred to highs as a way of describing how it makes me feel when listening to music this heavy; which is obviously very at odds with the music itself, especially on ‘Waning Of The Wolf Moon’. It’s way more instant in delivery early on but it too contains plenty of breathable passages where Coltsblood allow themselves space to be more expansive and musically expressive at the same time. Obviously, there are those moments where up-tempo blasts and spurts of death metal take hold as well; adding to the body of influence and nuance that grows through this release. 

While the previous song may have seemed short, being just under ten minutes in length (only joking of course), there’s nothing to worry about on ’Transcending The Immortal Gateways’. It’s another expansive, almost cinematic take of doom metal that builds with spellbinding attention to detail and musicianship. I got lost in this song for way too long, which is kind of the point right? Being forever shackled to social media and feeling the constant need to swipe or scroll on the next video is killing attention spans. Listen to albums, not songs!

Closing with title-song ‘Obscured Into Nebulous Dusk’, the ominous sound of church organs ring out, almost providing context to the album’s artwork, which features the ruins of one such place of worship. Nothing about this song offers peaceful solace though, unless you fully allow it to envelope you in it’s unholy warmth. That warmth comes from the everflowing melody for the lead guitar, while the bass/percussion that sits underneath provides the perfect backdrop for those deep vocals to flourish once more. 

I’m sure it’s been said already but this album has all the hallmarks of doom album of the year. That’s a bold and somewhat subjective statement I know, but Coltsblood are consistently growing into a doom band that lead by example. I hope this release heralds a greater resurgence in UK doom.

You can stream and purchased Obscured Into Nebulous Dusk digitally from Coltsblood below:-

Physical copies can be purchased via the links below:-

Translation Loss Records - https://translationloss.com/products/obscured-into-nebulous-dusk-lp

Dry Cough Records - https://www.drycoughrecords.com/product/coltsblood-obscured-into-nebulous-dusk-cassette

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

Translation Loss Records - https://www.facebook.com/TranslationLossRecords

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

Saat - Saat

Labels: Polar Summer

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 10 Jul 2017

Tracklist:

1. Raindrops

2. Falling

I had an unexpected encounter on the Interweb a week or so ago. I was prowling Discogs with the aim of filling in some gaps in my collection when I messaged a collector who turned out to be the person behind Polar Summer. In my reply, I mentioned that I was (slowly) reviewing the label's release catalogue but I haven't yet received a response to that. That doesn't matter though as it's still amazing to have been able to converse (even briefly) with them. 

That leads me to the reason I'm writing this evening, the self-titled 2017 EP from Russian emo/shoegaze band Saat, which I'm also lucky enough to own on tape. To date this is the only release from Saat and I don't have a lot of other information to share. 

Saat have been described as a midwest emo/indie/shoegaze band. Those descriptors aren’t entirely wrong as ‘Raindrops’ rings out. Melodic vocals and guitars, coupled with grittier bass and percussion make it a joy to listen to. It reminds me a little of hearing Ensslin for the first time. Uplifting and honest at the same time.

‘Falling’ starts off with a marching-band style percussive approach before feedback and screams take over, showing a very different side to Saat. Melody isn’t far away though and when it takes hold, it’s glorious. Saat only delivered two songs here but they’re both excellent.

You can purchase this EP digitally from Polar Summer via bandcamp below:-

Mourn Recif - Mourn Recif EP

Labels: Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 25 Jun 2025

Tracklist:

1. Dear Deers... This Is Getting Redundant

2. Harmonics Harm Onix's's's

3. Slow Reign

I'm moving ever closer to pulling the (financial) pin and getting my old trusty iPod Classic modded so I can use it again. I just want to fill it with music that I own on physical formats, as well as so much more of the great music I have been sent and indeed continue to be sent. Music like this, which appears on the debut EP from new Canadian screamo band Mourn Recif.

It's a little bit significant this one, as it features none other than Dave Norman on guitar (as well as vocals) for what might be the first time in a recorded form, but it's also been released via ZBR. There are many other reasons beside those though, so let's jump in shall we?

Life is coming at me fast but there’s still time to regain some of the (writing) ground I’ve lost in recent months. Mourn Recif are here to help me do that with their debut self-titled EP. Starting with a mix of emo guitar melody and more abrasive screamo vocals, joined later by energetic percussion and almost bluesy bass work, ‘Dear Deers… This Is Getting Redundant’ is over all too soon.

The very cleverly titled ‘Harmonics Harm Onix’s’s’s’ has a very (and noticeably so) modern sound to it’s intro before the full band kicks in. I’ll let you argue amongst yourselves about the sound and who I’m referring too. Any such comparisons are quickly banished though as Mourn Recif deliver an emotive and raw slab of classy post-hardcore. 

Ending with ‘Slow Reign’, which is the EP’s longest song but not it’s slowest by any means, the quartet becomes more expansive. Listening to this even through a laptop speaker makes you feel like you’re in the room with them, which is down to the excellent and organic recording, mixing and mastering. It’s a banger in every sense of the word!.

After having a Turnstile song stuck in my head almost all day (pretty sure you know the one), it’s refreshing to finally be able banish it with something a little heavier and more DIY. Can’t wait to here more from Mourn Recif. Great work from Jason, Branden, Dave and Ron.

You can stream and grab it as a name-your-price download below:-

As I write this, tape copies are very limited. Your best bet is to head straight to Zegema Beach Records via the links below to get a copy:-

CAN/INTL - http://www.zegemabeachrecords.com/zegema-beach-releases/mournrecif

USA - https://zbrusa.com/collections/zbr-releases/products/mournrecif

Mourn Recif - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558260430705

Zegema Beach Records - https://bsky.app/profile/zegemabeachrecords.bsky.social

Relics Of Humanity - Absolute Dismal Domain

Labels: Willowtip Records

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Digital

Release Date: 31 Jan 2025

Tracklist:

1. Omen Apollyon

2. Summoning Of Those Who Absorbed

3. Taking The Shape Of Infinity

4. In The Name Of Ubiquitous Gloom

5. Paralyzing The Light II

6. Absolute Dismal Domain

7. Smoldering Of Seraphim

8. His Creation That No Longer Exists

9. Dominion

I'm using all of the restraint I possess to refrain from ranting (too much) about the state of our island nation right now. Politically and financially we are heading for the abyss, but those in charge are constantly telling us that things are stronger than ever. The political party system in the UK is not fit for purpose anymore and should be defunded, and disbanded. 

My idealogical views aside, it's time to dive back into the wonderful escapism that is extreme music again, while pretending that I have my finger on the pulse. I say that because tonight I am writing about the latest full-length from Belarussian death metal band Relics Of Humanity, which was released via Willowtip Records in January (and I'm well aware that it's now September).

The downtuned opener ‘Omen Apollyon’ acts as a precursor, while being more than an intro, as Relics Of Humanity don’t just employ their instrumentation to help build atmosphere but also vocals too. All of those early elements lead straight into ‘Summoning Of Those Who Absorbed’, which immediately hits hard with up-tempo percussion. That immediacy is replaced shortly after by a mix of both slow OSDM that crosses into brutal/slam death territory later on. So far so brutal and I’m only two tracks in!

‘Taking The Shape Of Infinity’ is that sweet mix of downtuned death metal and brutal slam that really hits the spot. The percussion takes over somewhat later on but that’s kind of to be expected given the organic/raw production and mastering of the album. I’ve been digging further into the brutal death metal scene of late, as it has been a sub-genre that I kinda shied away from for a time. As my tastes have changed (much like the seasons) I’ve found the technicality filling a gap I never knew was missing.

So far the songs on Absolute Dismal Domain have grown in playing time and ‘In The Name Of Ubiquitous Gloom’ is no different as it drags you to the album’s midway point. Longer song lengths don’t necessarily mean slower tempos or noodling progression though, as Relics Of Humanity prove. After an oddly stuttering end where they bleed into ‘Paralyzing The Light II’, they recover quickly with the heaviest tones and atmosphere so far.

Atmosphere is obviously a big part of the sound that Relics Of Humanity craft and nowhere is it more prevalent than on the album’s title-track ‘Absolute Dismal Domain’. Once again it’s subtly downtempo in it’s delivery, as the instrumentation is given plenty of space and the vocals are used more sparingly. ’Smoldering Of Seraphim’ is all percussive blasts and deep vocals, with the guitars sitting deeper in the mix at times.

Penultimate song ‘His Creation That No Longer Exists’ provides one final look at the more expansive sound performed by Relics Of Humanity. I use the term “expansive” a bit loosely though as it’s still driven by extremity and brutality. Closing with ‘Dominion’, you’re presented with what initially sounds like an interlude before the vocals come in, adding depth to what is an ambient and moody ending. It’s honestly hard to sum up this album without retracing well-trodden ground. It’s epic yet down-to-earth as well. 

If you like death metal in any and all of it’s forms, then you’ll undoubtedly enjoy this album. Relics Of Humanity have laid down a new marker all of their own.

You can stream and purchase the album digitally below, where it's also available to buy on both physical formats:-

Relics Of Humanity - https://www.facebook.com/relicsofhumanity

Willowtip Records - https://www.facebook.com/willowtip

Trudger - Void Quest

Labels: Floodlit Recordings

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 29 Aug 2025

Tracklist:

1. Merciless Sabre

2. Occupied Frequency

3. Illusory Path

4. Tethered System

5. God Rest

6. Battle Hardened

7. Wind Cleaver

8. Sleep Purge

9. Bile Elixir

Reading the press release earlier this year confirming that Barnsley's Trudger were retuning with a new album wasn't something I ever expected. The early to mid-2010's saw a continuous wave of excellent heavy bands making their way out of the deepest underground and Trudger were one such band. They released their debut EP Motionless In Dirt (in 2012) and followed it up with their debut full-length Dormiveglia (in 2014), before disappearing. 

Eleven years have passed since that debut album and with the help of rising UK independent label Floodlit Recordings, they have recently released their second full-length Void Quest. Describing their sound as neo-crust sci-fi death-sludge, they conjure up all kinds of genre-splicing sounds. That reminds me; they're not the only heavy band from Yorkshire to return of late but more on that later!

I’ve been eager to listen to this album and while I missed it on release day (29th August), my intention was for it to be the next release I would write about and here we are. Opening with ‘Merciless Sabre’, Trudger’s sound is a more condensed, almost evolutionary step up from their more introspective/post-metal approach on Dormiveglia. Prominent and off-kilter percussion/guitars do the hard yards while the vocals are filled with genuine low-end growling rage. First impressions mean a lot in this overly-stimulated society. That first impression is overwhelmingly good.

From the slightly more progressive opener to the crustier ‘Occupied Frequency’, Trudger move from blasting up-tempo crust-laden passages to much more distilled periods of dissonance and progression. The undercurrent of death and sludge is present here but it’s slightly hidden behind Trudger’s experimentation. As I say that though, ‘Illusory Path’ provokes with it’s early down-tempo approach. Sludge fills the speakers before things take an acute turn, as metallic riffs rule the airwaves alongside crustier textures.

There are occasional ambient/introspective endings to songs that provide moments of calm before the storm. One such moment is the brief few seconds that close out ‘Illusory Path’ and open ‘Tethered System’, which instantly explodes into one of the heaviest songs on Void Quest. It’s Trudger at their most unapologetic, though there are some elements of post-hardcore present as well (to my ears at least), that come as a surprise. 

‘God Rest’ slots itself in as the album’s mid-point and while other bands might have used it as a bridge or interlude, Trudger continue on with their marauding, metallic quest (sorry!). Given the sci-fi/fantasy visuals that adorn the album’s cover art and it’s song-titles, the music is certainly not of that same ilk; especially if you were expecting some sort of folky/pagan/power metal. ‘Battle Hardened’ contains more beefy slabs of off-kilter instrumentation that are really engrossing. Coupled with the consistently strong vocals, this is a joy to listen to if you like your metal heavy and dark.

The fact that Trudger can pull off longer, more progressive songs alongside the urgent shorter numbers like ‘Wind Cleaver’ shows that their time away hasn’t been wasted at all. Often when bands resurface after such a length of time, new releases can feel forced or rushed. It’s not the case with Void Quest at all. The further in you get the more exciting it becomes and before you know you’re deep into penultimate song ‘Sleep Purge’, which grows into it’s heaviest song almost instantly. 

Closing out their triumphant return with ‘Bile Elixir’ (which is an equally triumphant song in it’s own right), Trudger raise the bar for the UK underground. Void Quest is excellent all the way through. Nothing more need be said.

Void Quest is available to stream and purchase digitally below, where you can also grab physical copies on vinyl and tape (CD copies are now sold out):-

Trudger - https://www.facebook.com/trudgeruk

Floodlit Recordings - https://www.facebook.com/floodlitrecordings