Light/Moongazer/A Rose Dying In The Rain - Sundrowning 3-Way Split

Labels: Self-Released/Fiadh Productions

Formats: Digital/Tape

Release Date: 06 Dec 2024

Tracklist: 

1. Light - Everflowing Rivers

2. Moongazer - Lilac

3. A Rose Dying in the Rain - Starry Eyes Like Late Sunset

In December of 2024, three blackgaze/ambient black metal bands joined forces and released a split together. Italy's Light, Moongazer from the US and Mexico's A Rose Dying In The Rain put said release online digitally for both streaming and purchase. Prolific US label Fiadh Productions announced a tape release via press mail-out earlier this year and feature the split on their Soundcloud page too; however, after scouring their socials and bandcamp, it doesn't appear to have materialised yet (please correct if I'm wrong and have missed it, or if it's still due for release!). Whatever the situation, I feel it's only right to champion these bands and their split.

This is an epic split release. One that’s typical amongst underground metal bands, especially those who lean towards black metal. It begins with the song ‘Everflowing Rivers’ by Italy’s Light, which is also it’s longest song. Gentle, soothing guitar melodies open the split in glorious fashion, in some ways reminiscent of compatriots like Earth And Pillars, Falaise and others besides. As it builds with additional layers of percussion and ambience, you’re encouraged to relax before Light unleashes harsh yet uplifting black metal vocals upon you. Amongst the backdrop of the vast cinematic instrumentation, it’s hard to feel anything but adulation for what’s coming out of the speakers. 

The latter half of the song is filled with so many layers; from the aforementioned guitar/ambient melodies, to the throat-scraping vocals and beautifully executed choral singing too. As opening songs go, this is gonna be hard to beat. I feel so energised after that, especially as the sun in coming out around me after such a grey and miserable day here. It’s apt though that America’s Moongazer are up next, as we head ever closer to evening darkness. ‘Lilac’ is also truly beautiful, with even more swathes of melody and ambience. The dissonance from the guitars may shock at first, but it soon nestles comfortably within Moongazer’s enthralling sound.

The further you get into this release, the greater it becomes. There’s a huge feeling of positivity about it, which aligns with how I feel in general right now. I hope it makes you feel the same. To close out this split, Mexico’s A Rose Dying In The Rain provide the cosmic, synth-laden ’Starry Eyes Like Late Sunset’. It’s heavily instrumental and when the band’s vocals join the mix, they’re slightly deeper. Their position doesn’t do any harm at all though, as there’s an authentic and organic feel to the whole song. There isn’t really anything else I can say to describe this release at this point.

All three bands are breathtaking and deserved of any attention they receive. I know a lot of people will pour scorn on so-called “blackgaze” bands but in an environment where genres are constantly getting blurred, they definitely have their place. If you’re still unsure, give this a chance. Light, Moongazer and A Rose Dying In The Rain deserve greater attention after this.

You can stream and purchase the split below:-

Moongazer's bandcamp:-

A Rose Dying In The Rain's bandcamp:-

Moongazer - https://www.facebook.com/moongazerofficial / Instagram - @moongazerofficial

A Rose Dying In The Rain - https://www.facebook.com/aroserainofficial/ / Instagram - @aroserainofficial

Fiadh Productions - https://www.facebook.com/fiadhproductions

máu - Anthesis

Labels: Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 15 Nov 2024

Tracklist:

1. Sunder

2. Disheartening

3. Internalized

4. Restrain

New Californian screamo quartet máu released their debut EP Anthesis last November and it was released pressed on 10" vinyl through Zegema Beach Records. This physical release was so eagerly anticipated that it's already sold out! The band spent loads of time honing their sound live, playing with the likes of Loma Prieta, State Faults (and many others) before even releasing any music online. In July, they're supporting Beau Navire! Is it too hyperbolic to call this the new golden age of screamo?

máu don’t just play typical screamo, as their sound is an amalgamation of emoviolence, metallic hardcore and even subtle blackened tones on EP opener ‘Sunder’. The vocals are frenetic, as is the percussion. The guitars are where the majority of their melody comes from and they’re absolutely spot on, without being too melodic or clean sounding.

By now, we’re used to either pensive/atmospheric or furious openers and to be honest ‘Sunder’ sits in between. ‘Disheartening’’; however, is a lot more violent in it’s delivery early on, before máu treats us to some more post-hardcore/almost metalcore layers, which slow the tempo down somewhat. 

We’re currently at the back end of a heatwave, which is still pretty rare for the UK, so it’s very humid. The intensity of Anthesis does nothing to clear the air as ‘Internalized’ leads into the EP’s latter half in superfluous fashion. The layered instrumentation really hits the spot, as the vocals are used sparingly but powerfully at the same time.

The feedback that closes out ‘Internalized’ leads straight into the final track ‘Restrain’. At the same time, the sky around me goes really dark (as if it’s in tune with what I’m listening too!). I said earlier on in this review that I think we’re in another golden age of screamo and I stand by that as máu take us from abject heaviness to gentle emo and slowly back again.

Four epic songs delivered in just over ten minutes from a band that’s full of talent. I’ll admit that sleeping on the physical 10” release hurts (but it was my own fault). máu leave an instant impression musically with this EP. Keep your eyes peeled for more, hopefully…

You can stream and purchase Anthesis digitally from máu below:-

máu Instagram - @mau_band

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

Genune - Infinite Presence

Labels: Consouling Sounds

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Digital

Release Date: 17 May 2025

Tracklist:

1. The Sun Will Always Shine

2. Little Fountains

3. Stay a Little Longer

4. Infinite Presence

5. To Not Grow Old

6. I Want You Here

The dust has barely settled following Download Festival (I wasn't there) but it's impossible to escape all of the articles about anonymous/masked bands. I like intrigue and mystery as much as the next music fan, though I also like to look deeper; seeking out bands that deserve more of the spotlight. I vow to get better at this and tonight's review was chosen by the heart and not the usual schedule. 

Genune are a black metal quintet from Bacău/Cluj-Napoca, Romania and might only be the fourth band from the country alongside Bastos, Siculicidium and Void Forger that I've featured here. Genune started life in 2012 with their self-titled demo. It was followed by a further demo called Inner Depths, as well as two full-length albums called Cern sol and Inert & Unerring. Following the release of their third album, Genune are due to play their first live show at Romania's Dark Bombastic Evening festival alongside the likes of A Swarm Of The Sun and Year Of No Light, amongst many others in August.

I purchased a black metal album (a complete blind buy) from my local record store over the weekend, though it’s probably on the other end of the spectrum compared to this album from Genune. After the initial heaviness that opens ‘The Sun Will Always Shine’, you’re greeted with clean vocals and shoegazey instrumentation. To be fair, the band do describe themselves as more of an atmospheric/post-black metal band. 

That said, they do furious black metal really well, without any hint of parody. It both punctuates and integrates itself with the band’s melodic approach brilliantly during what is a lengthy opener. It’s already noticeable that Genune prefer expansive dynamics over instant gratification and it’s a joy to hear as piano adorns the ending alongside angular guitar riffs, and percussion.

The band’s metallic tones are even more prevalent on ‘Little Fountains’, alongside an uplifting mood that’s created by their instrumentation as a whole. Black metal can be uplifting and emotive, as Genune proves here. Instrumental for nearly three minutes, when the vocals do kick in, they do nothing to ruin the mood. After a brief period of abrasiveness, you’re plunged into silence before yet more exquisite musicianship.

A foreboding atmosphere drifts over you during ’Stay a Little Longer’, in what is Genune’s heaviest song on Infinite Presence so far. Really expansive and expressive music has been my go to this year so far, and that could cover all manner of bands or genres I know but maybe my tastes are changing again. With instant gratification comes a rush but only a short one. It’s much better to saver these memories.

The album’s title-track ‘Infinite Presence’ is acoustic, which catches you off guard slightly. It is loverly though and soothes the soul with it’s gentle melody. The sound of the fingers sliding up and down the strings/frets somehow adds to the feel as well. That brief moment of calm is quickly dispensed with as Genune launches into penultimate song ’To Not Grow Old’. Thankfully though, it’s not all fire and brimstone as the quintet adds in classy melodic passages complete with gothic-style clean singing. It’s also the first time (at least to these ears) that Genune makes use of electronica, which by the way is used perfectly.

Album closer ‘I Want Your Here’ is also it’s longest song and it continues the affair (or relationship with) metallic black metal. Containing all of the elements that make this album so listenable, it grows with every bar. Easily the most majestic piece of this record, that may well usher in a new era when it comes to Romanian heavy music. People have compared the band to Deafheaven et al but they’re so much more than that.

With my attention being constantly drawn to so many different bands and releases, I get overwhelmed. Spending precious moments discovering and listening to bands out of nowhere (like Genune) is more than worth it though. Infinite Presence is brilliant and if it hits you like it hit me, please check out their back-catalogue too.

You can stream and purchase the album on all formats from Genune below:-

Physical copies can also be purchased from Consouling Sounds here - https://store.consouling.be/collections/new/consouling-sounds

Genune - https://www.facebook.com/genunebm

Consouling Sounds - https://www.facebook.com/ConsoulingSounds

Dromos - Dromos

Labels: Dry Cough Records

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 13 Dec 2024

Tracklist: 

1. Caveat Emptor

2. Memorial Moss

December last year saw the release of the debut EP from UK funeral doom band Dromos, via Dry Cough Records. Dromos is made up of four experienced musicians with international roots, plying their trade in a corner of the doom metal genre that's synonymous with the UK while also being underrepresented in favour of other forms of extreme music. As festival season kicks off, don't forgot that darker/colder nights are approaching and with them come the likes of Dromos.

This self-titled EP features two songs, one of which is an instrumental. ‘Caveat Emptor’ opens in slow-building fashion with low riffs, feedback, down-tempo percussion and deep vocal bellows. All of those ingredients form the basis for Dromos and their funeral doom, but there’s more to their sound than that. Clean (almost chant-like) vocals present themselves alongside the subtle murmuring of death metal’s influence. Those more up-tempo moments reveal more about their individual experience as musicians but as we know, music constantly shifts, moving in cycles. 

If we didn’t have those shifts and cycles, musicians would just stay in their lane, forever producing the same thing (I could name a few very established bands doing that to this day). Doing so doesn’t harbour creativity and variation though, which is why listening to Dromos excites me as instrumental closer ‘Memorial Moss’ weaves a melodic path through acrid darkness. It’s sound is full of warmth and filled with old-school textures,  though those aforementioned textures are reimagined, not rehashed.

As a debut this EP is outstanding. It’s always great to hear a new band hitting the ground running (or more appropriately, crawling), even if it’s made up of experienced hands. I’m looking forward to what may come from Dromos in the future.

You can stream and purchase the EP digitally below:-

Tape copies can be purchased from Dry Cough Records here - https://www.drycoughrecords.com/product/dromos-dromos-cassette

Dromos - https://www.facebook.com/dromosdoom

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

Sinema - After The Flatline

Labels: Ds//fp records/Ephyra Recordings/Home To Heart/Self Versed Records/Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Vinyl/CDr/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 29 Nov 2023

Tracklist:

1. Stutter

2. ...and You Already Forgot

3. Hard To Get By

4. Speak Your Mind

5. I Can't See Through The Mirror

So there's a whole wave of bands coming through, being championed by labels that include Silverback Gorilla Records, Wax Vessel, ds//fp, Zegema Beach Records and a whole bunch I'm forgetting. The latter two have both had a hand in releasing After The Flatline by Texan emocore band Sinema. Following it's initial digital release in late 2023 via Ephyra Recordings, a 2024 tape pressing followed via Self Versed Records (alongside a repress earlier this year), as well as a super limited CDr release via both Ds//fp records and Home To Heart. 

ZBR has now swooped in with a vinyl pressing of the band's debut EP, which is crazy considering Sinema's members are still in school but then again not that surprising given that they recently appeared at ZBR Fest in Chicago. If you're struggling to keep up with the amount of stellar releases in 2025 so far, look away now.

Self-control is both a wonderful thing but also a brutal mistress. As I alluded to above, there are so many incredible bodies of music being released this year that it’s hard to keep up with and hard to resist hitting that order button on. I know because last month I received twelve releases I had ordered and I’m still awaiting another twelve. Enough of the trumpet blowing though and on with the show. Hearing Sinema for the first time takes me right back to first hearing bands like Underoath, Funeral For A Friend and Silverstein on opener ‘Stutter’.

It’s so full of energy and emotion. Music filled with both introspection and belligerent heaviness, while nostalgic clean singing rubs shoulders with piercing post-hardcore/emo-violence screams. ‘… and You Already Forgot’ features beautifully played guitar, that’s sensitive to Sinema’s calm approach before they switch things up again. It really feels like we’re going full-circle and though I might be rocking up late to the party, it’s welcomed.

I was so mesmerised by what I was hearing that I didn’t even realise it had progressed into ‘Hard To Get By’. Sinema’s flair for art/math-rock additions alongside their already amazing post-hardcore is hard to ignore in truth. Sometimes, we all need to just take some time away from reality, to unload and even compartmentalise what’s going on around us. This song and this realise helps us do that.

‘Speak Your Mind’ is a reminder that freedom of expression is vital and needed. I’ve not always been the best at speaking mine when it counts, but I’m getting older and bolder now. That may or may not have anything to do with this actual song though, which is filled with a mix of genuine rage and heart-on-the-sleeve honesty. Closing with ‘I Can’t See Through The Mirror’, Sinema push forth their most urgent and honest performance on this EP. Everything before was just as heartfelt but the shorter song length gives it a bit more of an edge.

Before hitting play on this, I was thinking it was going more abrasive and instant. Don’t know why I thought that. Sinema has shown that the emocore era isn’t dead and is in fact growing new roots with new bands. This is nothing short of excellent. Please don’t assume, just listen. 

You can stream and download the EP via ZBR below:-

At this point I need to mention that Sinema recently changed their name to I Promised The World, for reasons outside of their control. You can find them on Instagram at - @ipromisedtheworld.

digital and physical copies are available from the links below:-

Ephyra Recordings - https://4ephyra.bandcamp.com/album/4e022-after-the-flatline

Home To Heart - https://www.hometoheartrecords.com/product/sinema-after-the-flatline-cd

Ds//fp records - https://www.facebook.com/dsfprecords

Ephyra Recordings Instagram - @4ephyra

Home To Heart Instagram - @hometoheartrecords

Self Versed Records Instagram - @self_versed_records

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

Кальк (Kalk) - Кальк (Kalk)

Labels: Hardcore For The Losers/JanML Records/Maya Von Lobeck/MarderschadenDIY/Polar Summer/Tadzio Records

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 09 Mar 2017

Tracklist:

1. Напалм

2. Черный Пес, Темный Лес

3. Привет, Героиня

4. Панк-рок Еще Дышит

5. Пыльная Звезда

6. Шлюха Из Бутово

7. Завтра Было Вчера

8. Метаморфоза

9. Зефир

10. В Радуге Столько Красивых Цветов, А Ты Выбираешь Говно

11. Отпуск В Панаме

It's taken what seems like an age but I'm revisiting my Polar Summer review series again. The Russian label has released (and continues to release) music by many obscure but exciting bands from across Europe and further afield. I'm trying to these reviews in order of release and this evening I've focusing on the label's 11th, which was the self-titled album from Germany's self-proclaimed feminist synthie screamo punks Кальк (Kalk). Their name nor their song-titles are in German and I wouldn't like to guess where they're from. This album came out in March 2017.

I own a copy of Кальк’s 2020 follow-up to this record, which is how I first heard them. Going back to their first album is a treat and opener ‘Напалм’ definitely sits in the punkier/noisier screamo camp, where simple and very effective percussion is joined by low bass/guitar riffs, really pissed off vocals and synths that completely change the tone of their sound, in a really unexpected way. They’re use is upbeat and they really fit with the music.

Кальк’’s songs aren’t long here and ‘Черный Пес, Темный Лес’ flies by in a wall of melody and rabid emoviolence, which in turn is drenched in feedback. I was in need of a midweek pick-me-up and man have I found it. ‘Привет, Героиня’ goes properly hard right from the off. The way everything is layered, especially with the addition of the synths keeps it from sounding disjointed or cheesy. I sometimes wince when I read about or listen to bands that use synths in their music but I can get behind their use here.

My fixation with the “s” word stops now, as ‘Панк-рок Еще Дышит’ starts with some warningly familiar melodic guitar before Кальк up the ante. They may not be spitting razors or blasting their way through this album but sometimes it’s better when a band does their own thing. This is unique. There’s a slight mid-tempo feel to ‘Пыльная Звезда’ yet that’s probably due to the punk vibe that flows through it. 

Before what seems like a blink of the eye, it’s onto the album’s second half and the sub one-minute song ‘Шлюха Из Бутово’, which is amongst it’s fastest and heaviest. It leads into ‘Завтра Было Вчера’ pretty much instantly and the mood shifts again, as even with the slightly jovial synths, the undertones are more unnerving. 

That said, the digital-esque opening salvo on ‘Метаморфоза’ continues throughout it’s entirety, allowing some light to permeate through the intensity that governs much of this release. ‘Зефир’ pokes hilarious fun at traditional matrimony and even includes some semi-clean vocals! I’m all for digs at society’s conservative/religious populous, so this song made me smile.

Penultimate number ‘В Радуге Столько Красивых Цветов, А Ты Выбираешь Говно’ drags everything back in a more furious direction. The occasionally chunkier riffs work great alongside the stomping tempos/drumming towards the end. Ending with ‘Отпуск В Панаме’, Кальк go from gentle guitar to pure post-hardcore brilliance in a split second and round out their self-titled record in epic form. 

People are often too scared to approach a band or a record that’s new to them. While Кальк are not new to me, their debut LP was. I’m here to tell you that you shouldn’t be afraid and that you should embrace that which you have not heard before. This album was released over eight years ago now but it still leaves an indelible mark. All I ask is that you give it a go.

You can stream and purchase the album both digitally, and (still!) on vinyl via Кальк's bandcamp page below:-

Кальк - https://www.facebook.com/kalknoise

Copies can also be purchased from the labels below:-

Hardcore For The Losers - https://hardcoreforthelosers.bandcamp.com/merch

MarderschadenDIY - https://marderschadendiy.tumblr.com/

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

JanML Records - https://www.facebook.com/JanmlRecords

MarderschadenDIY - https://www.facebook.com/marderschadenDIY

Polar Summer - https://polarxsummer.bandcamp.com

Tadzio Records - https://www.facebook.com/tadziorecords/

Häxkapell - Om jordens blod och urgravens grepp

Labels: Nordvis Produktion

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Digital

Release Date: 17 Jan 2025

Tracklist:

1. Satans rötter

2. Metamorfos

3. Urgravens grepp är hårt och kallt

4. Hem

5. Vindar från förr

6. Den sanna modern talar

Swedish black metal project Häxkapell released their second full-length in January via Nordvis Produktion, also of Sweden. The band revolves around founding member Oraklet, who is joined by contributors JM on drums and IPU on violin, viola and additional vocal duties. This album follows Häxkapell's debut album Eldhymner, which was released in 2021.

It was Fortress Festival in Scarborough (North Yorkshire) this past weekend and I regret not going. The fact that a black metal festival held in a Northern seaside town exists and it’s not held in the depth of winter is brilliant. Before you say it, I am aware that Fortress Festival has been going for sometime now. In fact, it would be the perfect UK festival to host Häxkapell one day, if the band ever were to play live.

Their latest album Om jordens blod och urgravens grepp begins with ‘Satans rötter’, which is filled with choral shanty-like vocals, exquisitely played melodic instrumentation and crushing black metal. It’s layered with introspection and gentle ambience, which breaks up the extremity beautifully. I’ve often overlooked the folkier end of black metal previously and I don’t know why. Maybe my musical palette is changing again because this is really enjoyable so far.

There’s no such build-up on ‘Metamorfos’ as Häxkapell just launch straight into some scathing black metal complete with metallic guitar riffs. The production, mixing and mastering cannot be ignored either, as it gives this album the space and soundstage it deserves. None of that hissing, feedback-laden BM here. It’s fantastic to listen to.

‘Urgravens grepp är hårt och kallt’ moves in a slightly more unnerving direction thanks to it’s slower-ish tempo, but there’s always a defined pace that’s prevalent in this form or black metal and it’s more than welcome. The strings provided by IPU here fit perfectly, as does JM’s pummelling drum work. Oraklet’s vocal and guitar delivery is epic, just as it is throughout the whole album.

The sounds of the landscapes and land-dwellers of old are brought to the forefront on ‘Hem’, with it’s traditional/acoustic musicianship and gently sung vocals. It offers a bit of calm before the storm to follow. I call it a storm, but it’s one that’s slow to build as ‘Vindar från förr’ initially takes the form of another mid-paced folk laden hymn. It does contain flourishes of more chaotic heaviness at times though.

Closing the album with the eleven+ minute epic ‘Den sanna modern talar’ sees the band delving deeper into their musical arsenal, providing a barrage of cold black metal alongside warming layers of strings once again. It’s just the ending I was hoping for, as it shows off how expansive Häxkapell can be. This album provides an exciting glimpse into the current Swedish black metal community, while also showing that Nordvis know what they’re doing (not that there was ever any doubt!).

You can stream and purchase the album on all formats below:-

You can also buy copies directly from Nordvis here - https://www.nordvis.com.

Häxkapell Instagram - @haxkapell

Nordvis Produktion - https://www.facebook.com/nordvis

Blue Youth - Defeatist

Labels: Grind Central Records/The Ghost Is Clear Records/Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 15 Apr 2025

Tracklist:

1. Defeatist

2. T.K.Y.I.T.H.Y

3. Patient Patient

4. Lost, Spinning In Time

5. Modern Lover

6. Hell Is Empty

7. Redacted

8. JLB

9. Two Faces

10. These Hands

Canadian noise-rock/post-hardcore/punk band Blue Youth released their newest album Defeatist last month. It comes almost seven years on from their previous album Dead Forever. We're honestly being truly spoiled this year with new releases, including from bands that seemed forever dormant. I could others that I'm excited about but I don't want to draw attention away from this album. I'm hoping that the trio's sound still features the catchy rock/noise-rock sensibilities of previous releases.

I’m writing this in a very sleep-deprived state. My sleep pattern has been all over the place for the past few days and I swear (to whatever non-religious, free-thinking idol) that my neighbours aren’t helping by slamming every door they have at lest twice it seems. I’m just venting though and it’s distracting me from another banger of an album. Seeing both the album/song title ‘Defeatist’ instantly makes me think of Hatebreed, but that’s just weird brain stuff as Blue Youth are a world away sound and attitude-wise. 

Yes, they’re heavy but in a discordant/noisy way, as opposed to a youth crew/tough guy hardcore way (if you get what I mean). ‘Defeatist’ is a slow burner to start, with a mix of semi-clean vox/harsh screams, off-kilter instrumentation and odd melodic/dissonant guitar/bass. I say odd because I don’t really know how else to describe it. As openers go it definitely grabs the attention.

’T.K.Y.I.T.H.Y.’ sees Blue Youth heading in the opposite direction and delivering some excellent and genuine noise-rock that conjures up a whole mix of different bands, whom I’ve probably compared them to in previous reviews. I’m thinking of the likes of The Hives, The Bronx, Refused and also Franz Ferdinand (for their melody not their penchant for indie/post-punk). Comparing bands to other bands isn’t going to win me any awards I know, as it’s all subjective.

There’s a certain guitar sound that really hits the spot during ‘Patient Patient’ and I’m not sure why it does. Maybe it’s because I’ve spent too long in my late teens/early 20’s listening to some of Blue Youth’s compatriots. This song does sound way more rooted in post-hardcore and could even be a slight nod to nu-metal of old, maybe?. Sorry, the nu-metal reference was meant in the best way as this song it genuinely killer!

Damn, I might have to trim this review back a bit as I’m already four paragraphs deep and only three songs in! ‘Lost, Spinning In Time’ is a quick one though, with minimalist guitar, bass and drums meaning that it acts as a kind of instrumental/interlude leading into ‘Modern Lover’, which uses more noise elements alongside it’s danceable rock. If ever there was a song that highlighted Blue Youth’s breadth of song-writing delivery; this is it.

Another instrumental song is ‘Hell Is Empty’, which has a subtle hint of groove and (almost) stoner too it. Again it’s a short one but it’s filled with psych, which spills over into ‘Redacted’. Blue Youth occasionally turn towards weirder riffs on Defeatist and that’s no bad thing at all, especially when standing up alongside their noisier post-hardcore. Everything just fits together perfectly.

‘JLB’ gives off ambient, slightly unnerving vibes as it ushers in the closing section of the album. It’s gentle guitar fades and gives way to ‘Two Faces’ with an instantly more jarring demeanour. Blue Youth once again find their true loud pedal. Exactly on the money at three minutes, it’s a mainstream radio station’s/record label’s dream. Secretly, I hope they don’t get sucked up into that vacuum (though they deserve any and all success that comes their way!).

Album closer ‘These Hands’ sounds like a Brit-rock/pop song at times, but only as it kicks off (and probably only in my head!) as it’s a lot harder and heavier later on. It carries on in that heavier vein for a bit before dropping into a slightly introspective mid-section that then builds in layers again, getting louder right up to the inevitable end. 

As I reflect on listening to this album in it’s entirety, I have no regrets about the eight paragraphs above. Blue Youth have come back with an album that’s beyond excellent and beyond expectation. If that’s not worth talking about then I give up.

You can stream and purchase Defeatist digitally from Blue Youth below:-

The Grind Central Records website doesn't seem to be working properly currently, but you can grab physical copies of the album from the labels below:-

The Ghost Is Clear Records - https://theghostisclearrecords.limitedrun.com/products/866551-blue-youth-defeatist

Zegema Beach Records CAN/INTL - http://www.zegemabeachrecords.com/zegema-beach-releases/defeatist / USA - https://zbrusa.com/collections/zbr-releases/products/defeatist

Blue Youth - https://www.facebook.com/blueyouthsk

Grind Central Records - https://www.facebook.com/grindcentralrecords

The Ghost Is Clear Records - https://www.facebook.com/TGICRECS

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

Pariah - Violence Is A Curse

Labels: Cursed Monk Records

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Digital

Release Date: 28 Feb 2025

Tracklist: 

1. Life/Redemption

2. Parasite's Refrain

3. Within My Skin

4. Endless Circles

5. The Swarm

Fifteen years into this blog and it feels like I've moved further away from what I started. Heavy music in the UK was the backbone and discovering new bands was the purpose. Life gets in the way though and there isn't a day that goes by where I don't long for the connections I had and the visceral emotions I felt at gigs/festivals. 

This all leads me to Pariah. A quartet of musicians that released their debut record in February. A band that both benefits from and adds to the rich history of the UK scene. They released five honest, crushing songs via Cursed Monk Records, who in turn is a proud supporter of UK heavy music.

Pariah’s sound is mired in unnerving noise and heavy metallic hardcore, reminiscent of what used to come out of the CoF stable back in the day. ‘Life/Redemption’ is filled with chunky riffs, shattering percussion/bass and bile-filled vocals. The song’s tone and atmosphere highlights a lot of anger and that emotion spills into ‘Parasite’s Refrain’, which leaves the band’s sludgier/slower tempo behind in favour of faster metallic hardcore. Frantic and brilliant.

‘Within my Skin’ is filled with palpable intensity and energy. Pariah’s metallic sound shines through again here, alongside a gnarlier aggressive edge. The switch between nastier, slower songs and those that are much faster keeps anticipation levels up as ‘Endless Circles’ (despite the name) sees the quartet going about their business in succinct fashion. Closing with ‘The Swarm’, Pariah level everything and everyone with sheer heaviness. It’s sound is in some ways familiar but also refreshing too. 

This EP has been moulded from a blueprint that was forged by Northern England’s heavy music community. A wide network of people, bands and gig promoters that support each other. With the return of revered UK festival Ghostfest this year, Leeds venue Boom rising like a Phoenix out of almost nowhere and of course Pariah (with help of co-conspirators Cursed Monk Records), there’s plenty of reasons to be excited.

You can stream and purchase Violence Is A Curse on physical/digital formats from Pariah below:-

It's also available to buy on vinyl from Cursed Monk Records here:-

https://cursedmonk.bandcamp.com/merch. 

No news on CD copies (unless I've missed an announcement) but keep an eye on the band/label pages below:-

Pariah Instagram - @pariahnoise

Cursed Monk Records - https://www.facebook.com/cursedmonk

ANDTHECANARYFELL - Alluvium (feat. Gabe Reasoner) Premiere

May 26th (next Monday) will see the release of the new EP As The Ice Melts by Minnesota, US emotional hardcore band ANDTHECANARYFELL. It's being released as a run of 81 tapes via Tomb Tree and this evening It's my pleasure to be able to premiere the song 'Alluvium', which features Gabe Reasoner (of fellow Minnesota band Careful Gaze, if my intense last-minute Googling is correct!). 

You can stream the song on YouTube below:-

ANDTHECANARYFELL were kind enough to provide some insight into the song and the EP as well:-

“ 'Alluvium' is the fourth track off our upcoming EP 'As The Ice Melts'. Each song on the EP can be interpreted as a different perspective of an apocalyptic scenario. One interpretation of 'Alluvium' can be the way flora and fauna succumb to a disaster, but there are many human layers to the lyrics, as well. This is also the first atcf song that musically starts with fierce intensity rather than a crescendoing intro."

I’m not going to give too much away about the full EP, but what I can say is that it’s going to surprise you a lot with it’s atmosphere and downtempo heaviness, while at times sounding resolutely upbeat. ‘Alluvium’ itself as a song has a more blackened-hardcore/emoviolence sound going on, though ANDTHECANARYFELL close it out with more grandiose heaviness.

Keep your eyes peeled for incoming pictures of the tapes from Tomb Tree on Instagram at @_tomb_tree_. 

Also, keep up to date with ANDTHECANARYFELL here - https://linktr.ee/andthecanaryfell.

Physical tape copies will be available on May 26th via ZBR/Tomb Tree's web stores below:-

CAN/INTL - http://www.zegemabeachrecords.com/tomb-tree-tapes

USA - https://zbrusa.com/collections/tapes