This Ends Here - The Last Hundred Years

Labels: Self-Released

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 21 Dec 2019

Tracklist:

1. The Beast Is Dead

2. The Last Hundred Years

Wherever you're reading this, I hope you're safe and that your ensuring the spread of the virus is reduced as much as possible. If I didn't have to go to work, I'd be doing exactly the same. Sadly though I do, which means that while I'll still be posting reviews here, there won't be as many as I'd like. The band and also the music I'm writing about this evening seems very apt though. Bristol (UK) blackened post-metal/hardcore band This Ends Here released a new tape back in December, featuring two new songs. It's been over two years since their last material (the split with Wolfbeast Destroyer), so it couldn't come at a better time.

The Last Hundred Years sees This Ends Here writing and performing more expansive music. Their crust-like sound has been joined by atmospheric post-metal and lengthier instrumental passages. ‘The Beast Is Dead’ is nearly twelve-minutes in length and as such, it’s a slow building collage of heaviness, with vocals sitting deeper within it. It’s best turned up as the volume of the recording is a little quiet, but that doesn’t let it down at all. I can’t really compare it to anything else, as nothing similar springs to mind at this point. What I can say is that for someone that hasn’t listened to a great deal of music over the last couple of weeks due to lack of energy (both physically and mentally) this release is exactly what’s needed.

If first song ‘The Beast Is Dead’ was more on the sludgy side then the title track ‘The Last Hundred Years” takes more from the band’s crust influences that bring added tempo to the music in parts. It’s still cinematic, but the edge that’s afforded by that punk music is obvious to hear. It’s strange to say that despite the heaviness on show, there’s something very relaxing about this release, which must come from it’s atmospheric backbone. There’s plenty of music nestled within these two tracks, meaning there’s enough to get you through even the loneliest of nights. Great stuff!

You can stream The Last Hundred Years below, where you can also purchase it on tape and digitally:-

This Ends Here - https://www.facebook.com/thisendshere/

0N0 - Cloaked Climax Concealed 7"

Labels: Transcending Obscurity Records

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 03 Mar 2019

Tracklist:

1. The Crown Unknown

2. Hidden In The Trees (Sail This Wrecked Ship)

I'll be reviewing some lengthier releases on Sunday and into next week, but this evening is made for something shorter. "Cloaked Climax Concealed" is the latest release from Slovakian industrial doom/death trio 0N0. It was released on limited vinyl back in March of this year and it adds to the band's already impressive discography, which spans two full-lengths, four EPs (including this one) and a digital-only single. 

This is both glorious and spellbinding in equal measure. 0N0’s doom/death metal backbone on first song The Crown Unknown is heavy, atmospheric and off-kilter all while being totally cohesive. The mix of clean and harsh vocals that sit slightly within the mix balance out the eclectic textures that are weaved by the instrumentation, while it actually sounds like there’s a real human playing the drums (they are programmed). 

Second song Hidden in The Trees (Sail This Wrecked Ship) is no easy ride either, with death metal taking more of a lead in proceedings. It makes me think of the maddening noise of Fluerety twinned with the accessible melody of Astronoid. I appreciate that they are probably bizarre comparisons, but somehow they seem to work (in my opinion).

“Cloaked Climax Concealed” is brief in length but it demonstrates exactly what 0N0 is trying to do as a band. It shows off the entity’s instrumental genius and the bravery it has to do something different. I always get slightly worried when I see the term “Industrial” used to describe a band but here it works in subtle ways. Definitely a band worth your time and another fantastic addition to the Transcending Obscurity roster.

You can stream "Cloaked Climax Concealed" and purchase it on both physical and digital formats below:-

0N0 - https://www.facebook.com/0n0band

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

Coldawn - ...In The Dawn

Labels: Flowing Downward

Formats: CD/Digital

Release Date; 31 Jan 2018

Tracklist: 

1. Spectral Horizon

2. My Escape

3. The Essence

4. Only Moments

5. La Primavera No Llegara Esta Vez

6. ...In The Dawn

7. This: Over

8. My Destiny

Tonight's review features the first band whose music was released by Avantgarde Music sub-label Flowing Downward. The new imprint started releasing music in early 2018, with an ear for black metal with a difference. Coldawn (formerly Beyond The Dawn) began life in 2016 and crafted what would become "...In The Dawn", Coldawn feature guest musicians that previously formed part of Austere and Annorkoth respectively (as well as other bands), but that's not all...

I approach Coldawn’s music without any pre-conceived notions whatsoever and that pays off immediately, as Spectral Horizon greets with it’s acoustic guitar melodies that sound alive and welcoming. When My Escape takes over the speakers, it’s just as enjoyable with an atmospheric sound that move far beyond black metal. The instrumentation sits up top while the bleak vocals nestle beneath, giving the music and melody space to breath and envelope you. Further sensitive acoustic passages take you further into post-metal territories. The closest similarity I can find would be the music of Astronoid, but that’s not to say that Coldawn are mere followers. They are very much an entity filled with originality.

Another element of their sound in the keyboards and they come through during The Essence. It’s obvious that Coldawn find’s comfort at the ambient side of extreme metal, if you could even call it that here. It’s glorious, emotive and I have no idea why it’s taken me till now to discover it. The piano work that graces the The Essence is expertly played and leans more towards the baroque-era of classical music (if I’ve got my classical periods correct). Mid-way through, the full band breaks out of the shadows but the keys still remain ever-present. At times, it sounds like “…In The Dawn” could be a more commercial attempt at black metal but that would be an unfair assumption. If you think of the music created by Dark Tranquillity, Tiamat and Poisonblack in the past, then there’s a fair chance that Only Moments will appeal to you, as will the whole album. They are loose comparisons though, so apologies if you think I’m way off here. 

The band’s South American lineage shows itself on La Primavera No Llegara Esta Vez, with Spanish spoken-word samples and dreamy music. It’s incredible and creates a truly uplifting feeling when coupled with Coldawn’s heavier side. The breadth at which they vary their songs is obvious when the classical tones of the title-track begin. If the previous song sounded too modern for you then you’ll be at peace with this. More dramatic piano eases you into more foreboding surroundings with an ever increasing tempo and a reward at the end made up of their trademark take on black metal. It’s anthemic in all the right ways. 

There’s a sense of urgency to This: Over that’s not been present until now and clean female vocals that are siren-like against it’s backdrop. These dynamics all add up to the majestic noise that’s created ad expertly delivered. My Destiny seems to be the perfect song to end on as it allows one last euphoric glimpse into Coldawn’s world and it’s one that shines brightly. I cannot believe that I’ve gone so long without knowing about or listening to this album. If ever you want your perspective of heavy music changing, then this should be the album and indeed the band that does it. Coldawn is breathtaking. 

You can stream "...In The Dawn" below, where it's also available to buy on cd and digitally:-

Coldawn - https://www.facebook.com/Coldawnband/
Flowing Downward - https://www.facebook.com/flowingdownward/