Drei Affen - Seguimos Ciegxs

Labels: Left Hand Label/Moment Of Collapse Records/Pifia Records/Through Love Records/Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Digital

Release Date: 13 Jun 2019

Tracklist:

1. Seguimos Ciegxs

2. Llama Viva

3. Como Un Mar Violento

4. Gritos Sordos

5. El Último Aliento

6. Heridas

I'm currently trying to work out the number of releases I have reviewed that I actually physically own. Maybe it's in vain but there is a compulsiveness inside me that says "I need to have them". I'm getting there slowly but surely. That leads me into this, the latest in my ZBR roster review series (another thing that I'm slowly but surely progressing with) and it just so happens that I do have a copy of this glorious LP from Spanish screamo band Drei Affen.

After being self-released digitally by the band in mid-June 2019, Seguimos Ciegxs was released on both CD and single-sided vinyl later on in that same month. The vinyl pressing came on three different colours (gold, red and natural white) with a screen-printed b-side. My copy is the gold pressing that came from Left Hand Label.

I took some time earlier this week to get out of my four walls (I’m currently on annual leave, re-decorating) and by doing so, I re-connected with somebody I haven’t seen for over ten years. It was pretty wholesome to be honest, even though it was brief. It got me thinking about my relationship with music too and more importably, the physical music that I’m lucky enough to have in my collection. While our relationships with music and people may be detached, they’re not so far apart in reality.

Drei Affen’s 2019 release Seguimos Ciegxs is an embodiment of art and catharsis. The title-track is a case in point. After an ambient intro featuring both a sample and calm guitar tones, things get somewhat heavier. Instrumentation hits with almost Neo-crust/emoviolence intensity while the dual-vocals leave no room for peace.

‘Llama Viva’ continues where that opener left off, albeit with a more melodic approach. That’s not to say that it’s any easier on the ear though, as it isn’t. It shows prominently how beautiful and stark Drei Affen’s sound can be. ‘Como Un Mar Violento’ instantly blasts into life next. There’s no time for breath at all, as Drei Affen tear through space and time in belligerent fashion.

‘Gritos Sordos’ follows the same structure and delivery that has been present so far on Seguimos Ciegxs. That’s no bad thing, especially when the song is as expansive as it is here. I haven’t spun this release as often as I should have in recent times and doing so again has made me realise what I’ve missed.

It’s now the EP’s latter half and 'El Último Aliento’ is brimming with dark atmosphere created in part by Drei Affen’s great guitar work and just the quality of their musicianship as a whole. The Spanish lyrical delivery makes the harsh vocals sound even more emotive too. Ending with ‘Heridas’, you’re treated to one final superb blast of controlled intensity. 

The crustier end of screamo/post-hardcore doesn’t always grab me but when it hits. it hits hard. Seguimos Ciegxs is perfectly formed. It’s long enough to get lost in but also short enough that it doesn’t burn out.

You can stream and purchase the EP digitally below:-

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

You can still pick up physical copies (the remaining CD copies) from the link below:-

Moment Of Collapse Records - https://shop.momentofcollapse.com/products/drei-affen-seguimos-ciegxs-cd

Left Hand Label - https://www.facebook.com/lefthandlabel

Moment Of Collapse Records - https://www.facebook.com/momentofcollapse

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

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

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

Tenue - Arcos, Bóvedas, Pórticos

Labels: Chaina Records/Cintas Juan/Last Time You'll See Me/LongLegsLongArms Records/Pifia Records/Tormentas Records/Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 01 Aug 2024

Tracklist:

1. Inquietude

2. Letargo

3. Distracción

4. Enfoque

5. Unión

Spanish post hardcore/emo/crust quartet Tenue recently released their newest album Arcos, Bóvedas, Pórticos via the above labels. It follows their 2018 debut Anábasis and their 2021 album Territorios. Tenue have been mentioned in the same breath as bands like Respire, Birds In Row and Infant Island. This should be a great listen!

Bringing a unique flair to their record with the classy trumpet work of Gabriel Saito, Tenue’s opener ‘Inquietude’ on Arcos, Bóvedas, Pórticos starts off in surprisingly bright fashion. That’s not to say that what follows isn’t bright, but you all know about the harshness that’s invoked when anything screamo/hardcore-adjacent takes over. That said though, the melodic and almost anthemic delivery of Tenue’s crust-laden music leaves plenty of reasons to stick with it (as if you needed any anyway!). 

Being over nine-minutes in length, ‘Inquietude’ is not only a fantastically engrossing opening song, but it’s also an impressive intro for anybody who is new to Tenue as a band. It’s fast and slow sections call out other influences from post to black metal, but ultimately sub-genres don’t matter when the music is this good.

‘Letargo’ is much more frenetic right from the off with mathcore-like panic chords and time signatures gracing the song’s first sixty seconds, before Tenue retreats to a more laid-back emo base. It’s performed really well and sounds super uplifting. Even when things get heavier during it’s mid-section and beyond, things don’t stray to far from Tenue’s melodic blueprint. 

‘Distracción’ is where things hit full black/crust on this record, especially in the vocal department. The instrumentation does lean that way too but again, it’s delivered in a more melodic and punk-like fashion. The breadth at which Tenue performs their music is unbelievable really. Even during the song’s first three minutes, there’s more music than most bands can fit on lengthier albums. 

Penultimate song ‘Enfoque’ has a lovely ambient tone nestling in the background as it’s gentle percussion and guitar work builds. Cinematic post-metal envelopes you as Tenue shifts from that gentle intro towards a heavier approach, albeit subtly. When the tempo switches up, so does the heart rate. Naming similar bands at this point is a completely futile exercise, as Tenue forge their own path. 

’Unión’ closes out the album in breathtaking style, switching between so many different sub-genres almost interchangeably. Once again, the pace is insane yet the music itself is controlled and extremely well played. Honestly, I don’t know what else to say about this record. Maybe the gap between this an my last review has given me a clearer head but whatever, listening to this album has been so much fun. Tenue make astounding music that should be heard by a much wider audience for sure.

You can stream and purchase this release vinyl and digital formats below:-

Tenue - https://www.facebook.com/tenuepunx

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

LongLegsLongArms Records - http://longlegslongarms.jp/music/index.php

Zegema Beach Records - CAN/INTL - http://www.zegemabeachrecords.com/zegema-beach-releases/tenue / USA - https://zbrusa.com/collections/zbr-releases/products/tenue-1

Chaina Records - https://www.facebook.com/ChainaRecords

LongLegsLongArms Records - https://www.facebook.com/3LAdisc

Pifia Records - https://www.facebook.com/pifia.rcs

Tormentas Records - https://www.facebook.com/tormentasrecords

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

Devil's Gateway - Promised Land / No Escape

Labels: Iron Corpse

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 03 May 2024

Tracklist:

1. Promised Land

2. No Escape

After a day of work frustrations and a massively lacklustre performance from England at the Euros this evening, only something truly heavy will suffice. Finland's Devil's Gateway fulfils that need with their latest EP Promised Land / No Escape. Containing two songs and coming off the back of their September 2023 full-length Eternal Grind, it was released on tape through Iron Corpse Records alongside a digital release. It's well worth mentioning that this is the duo's third offering in just over twelve months. Productivity like that deserves much closer attention!

Crusty, hellish death/doom with tones of rawness is what’s on offer here. Devil’s Gateway sound just like their name on ‘Promised Land’. Dual-vocals, bass-heavy guitar, crashing cymbals and all manner of murk take you on a ride that goes deeper than you would have anticipated. The overriding sound is that of death/doom but the crust is there later on, adding extra dystopian gloom.

Second song ‘No Escape’ is even more dank and heavy, if that were possible! The sludgy bass threatens to drag it in a powerviolence-esque direction but instead Devil’s Gateway continue on their slow, downtempo trajectory. It’s absolutely perfect in it’s chaotic, distorted droning beauty. It’s a fine way to end this little EP and the yearning for what’s to come is real.

Once again Iron Corpse manages to help unearth another Finnish band that builds on the insanity that the country already delivers musically. I’m a massive fan of Finland’s heavy music community and If you’re reading this review, you probably will be too. If you’re new to it, dive right in. You won’t regret it.

You can stream and purchase the EP on both digital and limited tape formats from Devil's Gateway below:-

You can grab tape copies from Iron Corpse here too - https://www.ironcorpse.com/?product_cat=ironcorpsereleases

Devil's Gateway - https://devilsgateway.bandcamp.com

Iron Corpse - https://www.facebook.com/cultoftheironcorpse

Cara Neir - Portals To A Better, Dead World

Labels: Broken Limbs Recordings/Halo Of Flies/Fiadh Productions

Formats: Digital/Vinyl/Tape

Release Date: 31 Oct 2013/05 Jan 2024

Tracklist:

1. Peridot

2. Closing Doors

3. Red Moon Foreboding

4. Dust Collector

5. Forlorn Love (Henry And Karen)

6. Exalting The Shadow Proprietor

7. 3,380 Pounds

The band Cara Neir, formed in 2008 by Garry Brents and Chris Francis, explored everything from black metal to grindcore and hardcore, as well as 8-bit video game and chiptune sounds later on in their discography. They called it a day earlier this year (according to Metal Archives, so that may not be correct) but not before US label Fiadh Productions released their third full-length Portals To A Better, Dead World on tape. It was originally released back in 2013 digitally and on vinyl with the help of Broken Limbs Recordings and Halo Of Flies Records. I own a copy of this album on vinyl yet I have never written about it here. It's time to change that.

I’ve listened to this album many times over the years and each listen gives me a new perspective on it. Opener ‘Peridot’ is a lot more metallic than I remember and Cara Neir’s full-blooded delivery means business. It’s great that this release has been made available on a physical format once again. ’Closing Doors’ blooms right from the first note with off-kilter instrumentation and frenzied vocals. The riffs and percussion standing out on the recording, which is still one of the album’s many qualities. 

There’s a heaviness that really takes hold on ‘Red Moon Foreboding’, especially in the vocal delivery. It just has this extra layer of bitterness to it, though that bitterness doesn’t effect the instrumentation, which still remains melodic and expressive. The further you get into this album, the greater it becomes. Age doesn’t seem to affect records in the same way it once did and ‘Dust Collector’ is a fine example of why. It’s simplistic introduction and early build-up provides plenty of atmosphere that gives way to excellently played post-hardcore, with an added touch of crust. In truth, both of those elements have been there all along but they seem to jump out here.

‘Forlorn Love (Henry and Karen)’ is the briefest of songs that tells it’s own story. As with previous songs, it provides eery, angsty atmosphere that leads into the album’s closing songs. The first of which is ‘Exalting The Shadow Proprietor’ and it’s the lengthiest one so far. As has gone before, Cara Neir pepper it with so many musical layers. There’s even a nod to Scandinavian metal in the guitar work.

Album closer ‘3,380 Pounds’ goes into full-on story mode during it’s ten+ minute playing time. After the extended build-up, which is unnerving to say the least, you’re greeted with a mix of both harsh vocals and distant clean tones set amongst gentle guitar. Less straightforward than the earlier songs on Portals To A Better, Dead World, it’s one that you can truly become immersed in.

Both Chris and Garry produced something brilliant here, which laid the way for musical endeavours to come. The guest vocal/instrumental appearances of Jan Siezak, Drew Weston-Ball, Leon Perkin, Dominique Patton and Blake Turner added to it’s mystique too. Nearly eleven years on, this is still epic.

You can stream and purchase Portals To A Better, Dead World digitally below (where you can also subscribe and receive all existing/future related releases below):-

Cara Neir - https://www.facebook.com/caraneir

Tape copies from Fiadh Productions and vinyl copies from both Broken Limbs Recordings/Halo Of Flies are sold out.

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

Broken Limbs Recordings - https://www.facebook.com/brokenlimbs

Halo Of Flies - https://haloofflies.bandcamp.com

While you're here, please visit Shape Of Storms Records (the label that spawned from the ashes of Halo Of Flies) - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551099554247

Morrow - The Quiet Earth

Labels: Alerta Antifascista Records/The Plague Of Man Records

Formats: Vinyl/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 24 Mar 2023

Tracklist:

1. Rejoice This Quiet Earth

2. Totemic

3. To The Fold

4. Fugue Plague

5. Our Right In Rest

6. Of Sermons And Omens To Mend

Four days into the new year and it's high-time I wrote about a 2023 release. While The Quiet Earth was self-released by Morrow back in March 2022, it's due for a double LP release via Alerta Antifascista Records and The Plague Of Man Records this coming March. This album is the third release from the London, UK emo-crust/sludge band following 2016's Covenant Of Teeth and 2017's Fallow, and features guest appearances by vocalists from a whole host of bands including; Archivist, Drei Affen, His Hero Is Gone, Dimlaia, The Makai, Autach and so many more.

Morrow’s name may be known to a lot of you already, but if not then don’t worry because they will no doubt make waves this year thanks to quality of this release. Musically, their combination of emo, crust, d-beat and sludge, coupled with the addition of strings and different vocalists, hits you straight away on ‘Rejoice This Quiet Earth’. After that blistering opener, ‘Totemic’ builds at a slower rate with a bigger post-metal/sludge feel. That’s no surprise given that it’s the first of two songs to reach past the ten minute mark. The multi-vocal approach employed by Morrow and their guests is one that breeds depth into the album and is way more dramatic than it might first seem. Another element that makes this song so immersive is the melody that’s woven into it. At times it’s folk-like, providing an organic layer to the music even when it’s surrounded by dissonance and heaviness. 

Morrow’s sound becomes even more haunting and grandiose on ‘To The Fold’, as the percussive tempo slows snd the riffs become more metallic before hardcore takes over, presenting an old-school side to the band. This album is utterly brilliant so far and I can see why it took them almost five years to finely craft it. ’Fugue Plague’ is filled with so many different vocalists that it’s hard to keep up but it’s such a rewarding song because of them. Again, the tempo doesn’t let up throughout and there’s such a great togetherness between all contributors. People who don’t understand the underground metal/punk communities don’t see just that, the community and friendship between people who share a bond through the music. A bond that’s exhibited on this album more than anywhere.

Penultimate song ‘Our Right In Rest’ is filled with ambience and calming instrumentation that leads you into album closer ‘Of Sermons And Omens To Mend’, which provides one more opportunity to lose yourself in Morrow’s beautifully crafted music. Irrespective of what camp you sit in, whether you’re a metal/punk purist or somebody who appreciates experimentation and the blurred lines it creates, it’s hard to ignore how good The Quiet Earth is. Here’s to an outstanding year for Morrow and for music in general!

You can stream and purchase The Quiet Earth directly from Morrow digitally below:-

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

Tape copies from last year are long sold out; however, pre-orders from the LP pressing are now live from the below stores:-

Alerta Antifascista Records - https://doomrock.com/music/lp/1474/morrow-quiet-earth-2xlp-2.-versions

The Plague Of Man Records - https://theplagueofman.bandcamp.com/album/the-quiet-earth-2

Alerta Antifascista Records - https://www.facebook.com/alertaantifascistarecords

The Plague Of Man Records - https://www.facebook.com/theplagueofmanrecords

Sleep Torture - Carrying Water For Rats

Labels: Self-Released/Shirley Road Records

Formats: Digital/Tape

Release Date: 05 Mar 2022

Tracklist:

1. Bateman

2. Blood Profit

3. Praying To God Just To Lose

4. Void

5. Carrying Water For Rats

It's Friday evening and I have next week off, so it's time to party with "the world's least dangerous band" Sleep Torture. I use the term party loosely, because I doubt many people will consider a mixture of grind/crust/hardcore as party music. The North Carolina (USA) trio have only recently released their third EP earlier this year, though it's official release was yesterday thanks to a tape release from Shirley Road Records. Fresh from their Baby Shark Live support slot (read their socials!), here's Carrying Water For Rats. 

Any band that counts Cult Leader, Gaza and the like as influences sound more than good to me! Starting with ‘Bateman’, Sleep Torture provide an incredibly noisy, sludgy take on powerviolence. It’s got a decent hardcore edge to it with pinpoint drumming, intensely loud riffs and proper harsh vocals. ‘Blood Profit’ adds to the mayhem present in Sleep Torture’s sound by flying out of the traps before settling into a second-half full of breakdowns and groove-laden instrumentation. Also, I have to mention that sick bass tone! 

The momentum of ‘Blood Profit’ continues on into ‘Praying To God Just To Lose’, which is properly sludgy, in a way that only powerviolence can be. If you dig early Full Of Hell or UK band Famine, you’ll know what I mean. Even when they pick up the pace later on, their sound is still thick. I couldn’t think of a better title for a song on this EP than ‘Void’, because when it hits it’s stride, you’ll be staring into exactly that. Panic chord-like pitch from the guitars add to the extremity of Sleep Torture’s sound and it’s a mighty soundstage at that!

The continuation runs right through to the closing title track and ‘Carrying Water For Rats’ crams so much into it’s sub-three minute playing time. Those huge, pit-inducing riffs keep coming, while the overall feel is one of sensitive and controlled rage (if that’s even a thing!). This EP will completely level you. There’s really nothing more to say about it. If Sleep Torture themselves hadn’t contacted me directly, I probably wouldn’t have heard this. That’s the beauty of the Internet I guess (in spite of it’s obvious ills). Go and give these guys a listen, and if you enjoy their wares, grab a tape or download. 

For Fans Of: Cult Leader, Gaza, Geist, Wake and Famine

You can stream and purchase Carrying Water For Rats from Sleep Torture directly, on tape or via digital download below:-

Tapes copies can also be picked up via Shirley Road Records here - https://shirleyroadrecords.com/

Sleep Torture - https://www.facebook.com/SleepTortureNC

Shirley Road Records - https://www.facebook.com/shirleyroadrecords

Noise Aholic - Narcissistvarld

Labels: Elitbolaget

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 25 Mar 2022

Tracklist: 

1. Förlägen och förevigt vilsen (feat. KjellHell, Jacob Björnfot and Matias Löfman)

2. Du är ingenting värd (feat. Mathias Lillmåns)

3. Vakna upp

4. Vad fan har ni uppnått?

5. Allt handlar om dig (feat. Dario Kåll and Otto Kaalikoski)

6. Bortkastad, hatad och ensam

7. Alla jävlar lider

8. Ignoransens ansikte (feat. Marco Lindholm)

9. Avskild och förglömd (feat. La55e Dog, Otto Kaalikoski and Matias Löfman)

10. Narcissistvärld (feat. KjellHell and Matias Löfman)

Long story short, I was supposed to write about this album on the night of it's release on March 25th, but I forgot. That isn't like me at all and for that reason I would like to apologise profusely to Owe Inborr of Noise Aholic and also Matias Lofman of Elitbolaget, who originally reached out to me about it. Narcissistvarld is the debut album of Owe Inborr (also of Dispyt and Ondfodt) from Finland. For the album, Owe enlisted a large number of musicians and friends from various bands, including Bob Malmstrom,  Dispyt, ...and Oceans, Kvaen and many more. It features 10 songs filled with crust punk and d-beat.

Narcissistvarld isn’t an album that hangs around long, which is good because it’s not the norm for an album where a solo artist is joined by a lot of guests. Most are quite long and self-indulgent from previous experience but not here. Album opener ‘Förlägen och förevigt vilsen’ sets out Noise Aholic’s stall for the night with a rip-roaring clash of rabid punk and hair-swinging heavy metal flair, packaged up as only Finnish musicians know how.

‘Du är ingenting värd’ continues at exactly the same pace and it reminds me a bit of equal parts Turbonegro and Kveletak (and yes I know they’re both from Norway!). The music is incredibly uptempo and aggressive but also fun! There’s no time to dwell on that fact though as ‘Vakna upp’ immediately springs into life, once again proving that the precise drumming wasn’t just a fluke (I hope it’s not a drum machine after saying that!), while the guitar work is just as expertly played. The vocals are definitely routed in hardcore and the gang-sections are great.

‘Vad fan har ni uppnått?’ goes even harder than the songs it follows, with a greater sense of urgency and attitude. Punk has always varied greatly, sometimes even more so than metal and this album proves why. ‘Allt handlar om dig ‘ contains the most abrasive vocals so far, which seem to come from a place of black metal and terror. They add a new layer to the music, which is still utterly mental. Another fantastic guitar solo is added for good measure too, leading you head first into the album’s second half.

‘Bortkastad, hatad och ensam’ kicks it off without hesitation and with no change in approach from Noise Aholic, which is only a good thing. It’s hard to keep up but easy to listen to, if that makes any sense at all. ‘Alla jävlar lider’ brings to mind another comparison in the form of AFI for some reason. Noise Aholic is nowhere near as melodic but there’s something in the depths of their riffs that just hits me here. Not bad company to keep I guess, if comparisons even mean anything.

At this point we’re fast approaching the end of the album and ‘Ignoransens ansikte’ knows that, because it tears it’s way through just over two minutes of throat-ripping powerviolence/crust screams and screeching lead work. If this is how Monday evenings are gonna be for me now, sign me up! Penultimate blast ‘Avskild och förglömd’ is the longest song on the album, not that that means much. I swear the Finnish vocals keep getting better and I genuinely love the heavy metal vibes that flow through it all.

The album’s title track ‘Narcissistvärld’ ends it all in proper breakneck fashion. I can’t really say anything that hasn’t already been said at this point. If you’re looking for an album that’s just straight-up, no-nonsense punk in it’s most vicious form, then look no further. If you also like a bit of flair and some classic riffs, there’s some added flavour here too. I can’t think of a better band name than Noise Aholic to be honest. Does what it says on the tin.

I implore you to stream the hell out of this album below, where it's also available to buy on tape and digitally:-

Rumour has it there could be a vinyl pressing on the way, so watch the socials below:-

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

Gravehuffer - NecroEclosion

Labels: Black Doomba Records

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Digital

Release Date: 15 Jan 2021

Tracklist:

1. Custom Of The Sea

2. Hellhound

3. Sights To The Sky

4. Death Before Disco

5. Stingray

6. Smaller Than Death

7. Ghost Dance

8. Quarantine War Machine

9. Causes

10. Backpack

11. Madwolf

Back again tonight with another new release from Black Doomba Records (USA) and this time it's the third full-length from Gravehuffer, from Missouri. NecroEclosion was officially released last week and it captures eleven songs of all kinds, featuring thrash, grind, crust and doom along the way. Gravehuffer have been plying their trade in various forms since 2008 and this time they welcome guests from Voidvod, Annihiliator and Nevermore amongst others! 

This is a bewildering album, with opening song ‘Custom Of The Sea’ sounding like some kind of crazed thrash metal sea shanty, spliced with grind and death metal. The deep growls are pretty mean, while the instrumentation is menacing and fast, which, makes complete sense when up next to the higher pitched screams that also frequent the song. The samples Gravehuffer use definitely show that their roots are entwined in grind/punk and ‘Hellhound’ goes by super fast, thanks to it’s really upbeat tempo and gung-ho approach. There’s fun to be had with this record, trust me!

Gravehuffer’s influences stretch far and wide, and on ‘Sights To The Sky’ they come full circle thanks to a guest appearance from Voivod guitarist Dan ‘Chewy’ Mongrain, who helps provide a fantastic solo in a way that only he can. The overall song is dedicated to space and the Apollo mission, as you might have guessed from it’s intro. It’s really good and at times reminds me of the most recent songs from Total Fucking Destruction. From there, things get totally weird on ‘Death Before Disco’, where instead of metal you get an homage to The Bee Gees to start with before Gravehuffer flips the song on it’s head and returns back to their nasty, grinding best. 

It’s over all to quickly and you’re immediately dragged into ’Stingray’, which sees all band members providing gnarly vocals while also thrashing away with some real groove. The addition of a top notch solo from Craig Hecht helps raise the entertainment level up further. There haven’t been many opportunities thus far to hear their doom/sludge chops but ’Smaller Than. Death’ is where it’s at if you like it slow. The band do it really well too as it seems to get slower and slower during the first ninety seconds, before it becomes a chugging beast akin to L.D. 50-era Mudvayne, which is certainly no bad thing. There’s another guest appearance here, courtesy of Annihiliator/Nevermore’s Curran Murphy who adds a solo, which comes towards the end of the song and fits perfectly once again.

The second half of the album comes at you in seemingly no time at all and ‘Ghost Dance’ is a no nonsense rager, but one with an accessible groove, which seems to be a characteristic of Gravehuffer’s sound here. ‘Quarantine War Machine’ is the audible equivalent of what most of us are currently screaming in our heads at this moment in time and it’s just a straightforward smash through that metaphoric brick wall. It’s one of the best songs on NecroEclosion in my opinion. ‘Causes’ is another super slab of silly grind that will make you smile from ear to ear. The added horns from Doug Discharry are a super nice touch as well. 

It’s left to the final duo of ‘Backpack’ and ‘Madwolf’ to hammer home exactly what Gravehuffer is all about. ‘Backpack’ is another bouncy yet angry monster, while ‘Madwolf’, complete with additional horns, is more akin to a hardcore song to start with and is quite stirring, and oddly atmosphere-laden for something so brutal. Despite all of the different genres and bands mentioned above, it’s really difficult to truly place Gravehuffer here, so it’s best to take them as they are and enjoy their music, because they clearly do. I also want to shout out the added vocals of Stan Boman, as I realise I didn’t mention them further up due to not knowing where they slotted into the album. In conclusion, this is madcap but so enjoyable and I’m sure plenty of you will like it.

You can stream and purchase NecroEclosion below:-

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

Black Doomba Records - https://www.facebook.com/blackdoombarecords

Bob Malmstrom/Dispyt - Split 7"

Labels: Elitbolaget

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 10 Jun 2020

Tracklist:

1. Bob Malmstrom - Helsingfors Borgarmangel (feat. Jonas Ekroos)

2. Bob Malmstrom - Lat Pampen Sjunga

3. Dispyt - Min Sanna Van

4. Dispyt - Svept I Vita Lakan

I had a lot of fun putting my 10th anniversary compilation together. It made me realise that I've got to up my game though and so as I've also been asked to write some words about releases from many of the bands featured, there's no time like the present. I'm killing two birds with one stone here by featuring both Bob Malmstrom and Dispyt. Both bands are from Finland, one plays hardcore punk and the other plays crust/d-beat. They released a split 7" together in June via Finnish label Elitbolaget.

This split is one of three that Bob Malmstrom has released in 2020. They open it with the song ‘Helsingfors Borgarmangel’ (which, features additional vocals from Jonas Ekroos of Swedish hardcore band Tvarnitad). It’s filled with BM’s usual mad-cap hardcore-punk, with super-fast tempos from the percussion, equally ripping guitar-work and an exhilarating multi-vocal approach. BM’s second song ‘Lat Pampen Sjunga’ follows instantly afterwards in the same vein, but is more catchy and seems to encapsulate folk/rock elements especially in the melodies and backing-vocals at times. It’s a lot cleaner than their first song, but it’s no less entertaining.

Dispyt brings bass-heavy crust with their opening song ‘Min Sanna Van’. The extremity on show here is just what you’d expect and they even throw in some great sludge-like riffs that sit within the mix. It’s not slow like traditional sludge, but more like the kind you get from power-violence bands. It’s raging! Their second song ‘Svept I Vita Lakan’ is equally as noisy, this time with a snare/kick-laden groove and plenty of grinding attitude. The sound is very much DIY and that suits it too, as crust should never be ultra clean. Dispyt is allowed a bit more playing time on their side and they use it well.

Both Bob Malmstrom and Dispyt are great fun in different ways. Bob Malmstrom are the band you headbang to over the PA when you’ve had one-too-many post-gig beers. Dispyt are the band you watch intently at the gig, allowing their disparate crust to take hold. This split is over quickly but is worth your time.

You can stream Bob Malmstrom's split opener below:-

You can stream both tracks from Dispyt below:-

The best way to hear the whole thing is by picking up a 7" copy from Elitbolaget here:-

http://www.elitbolaget.com/bobmalmstrom/shop/shop.html

Bob Malmstrom - https://www.facebook.com/BobMalmstrom/

Dispyt - https://www.facebook.com/DispytBand/

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

Puro Odio - Puro Odio

Labels: Sentient Ruin Laboratories

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 10 July 2020

Tracklist:

1. No Es Un Juego

2. Pesadilla

It's a quick one tonight! A newish release from Sentient Ruin Laboratories, who worked with Spanish black metal/punk band Puro Odio to put out their 2019 self-titled EP on tape, as well as digitally. It was originally self-released by the band on 7" vinyl. This self-titled EP follows the band's 2018 demo and with new music planned, now is the time to check out them out if you haven't already. Get ready for an abrasive mix of black metal, Oi!, crust and punk.

This is going to require quick-fire typing skills! Opener ‘No Es Un Juego’ is as punk as you like, with fast-paced riffs, crazed percussive tempos and reverb-filled Spanish vox for good measure. The vocals are where the crust elements come in and with the added low-end bass rumble, it’s a hellish feedback-laden barrage to say the least.

Second song ‘Pesadilla’ comes across more mid-paced with a big nod towards death rock/post-punk thanks to the low riffs. About sixty-seconds in, Puro Odio launch back into life at full-throttle and level all with their nihilistic anarcho-punk. 

There are a lot of different approaches all rolled into one noisy whole here. Puro Odio kind of reminds of Sarcofago crossed with Amebix. The EP is over all too soon but it’s catchy in the right way so you’ll be going back to it over and over again.

You can stream and purchase Puro Odio below (but be warned, there are only three tape copies remaining!) :-

Sentient Ruin Laboratories - https://www.facebook.com/SentientRuin/

Fuck-Ushima/Fosforos - Split LP

Labels: Gate Of Deliria/Ramekuukkeli-Levyt

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 05 Jan 2020

Tracklist: 

1. Fuck-Ushima - We Are Doomed

2. Fuck-Ushima - Hervanta Acid Onslaught

3. Fuck-Ushima - Jazz Violence

4. Fuck-Ushima - Give Unto Suffering -

5. Fuck-Ushima - Merridew

6. Fosforos - Still Life

7. Fosforos - Welcome The Beast

8. Fosforos - Into The Horror

9. Fosforos - Let Go

At the same time as receiving the Frogskin/Taser LP that was released last October, Ramekuukkeli-Levyt was also kind enough to send me the 2020 split LP featuring Finnish PV band Fuck-Ushima and death/crust countrymen Fosforos. It's the first time I've come across either band, but you can pretty much put any Finnish heavy music in front of me and the chances are I'll dig it. This is the first vinyl release to feature Fuck-Ushima, as they've previously only released tapes after forming in 2012.  Fosforos formed a few years later in 2015 and prior to this they released a tape and a 7" EP. 

First up is Fuck-Ushima with five quick-fire ragers. ‘We Are Doomed’ is the most aptly titled song to kick things off with as it perfectly harnesses the helplessness and frustration that we’re all feeling right now. The music is crazy, feedback-laden PV/Sludge with growled dual-vocals. It’s all gloriously off-kilter and at times it could be considered anti-music but there’s lots to like about Fuck-Ushima’s racket. ‘Hervanta Acid Onslaught’ is a fast/slow beast that seems to run for longer than it’s actual playing time, as they put so much into it.

I was hoping that ‘Jazz Violence’ would be some really off the wall free-grind but alas it isn’t. It’s still great though and like the rest of the band’s music, it’s full of sludge that makes you feel anxious and occasionally nauseous, especially when the screaming guitar hits the front. You can tell it’s good when feedback is all that’s heard between songs, save for the very brief pauses. ‘Give Unto Suffering’ starts slow but then get’s fast, which is at odds with the rest of Fuck-Ushima’s songs so far. One thing’s for sure, this is intense especially this early in the day. Final song ‘Merridew’ is probably the grooviest, taking their sludge influence to further heights. The riffs are giant as is the overall atmosphere of it all. As first impressions go, these five tracks have left me floored. They’re not an easy listen by any means but that’s the fun of it. Nice one Fuck-Ushima!

Fosforos calls their side of this split The Horror Cycle, which is ominous. Their sound is more crusty and death metal influenced, genres with which Finland has a long and rich history. ’Still Life’ has the now recognisable crust-reverb applied to the deep growls, while the music is pretty melodic. ’Welcome The Beast” is more on the raw side, which is fine because crust was never supposed to over-produced and clean. There’s a lot of snotty punk attitude going on too, which adds to the energy of it. Fosforos slow’s everything down on the lumbering ‘Into The Horror’, which is more deathly and sludgy. It’s delivered in such a tortured way that it’s hard to feel energised when it’s playing, such is the crushing sense of dread that’s portrayed. 

Closing with ‘Let Go’, Fosforos demonstrates how they’re able to create varied songs with ease. It sounds almost funky at the beginning and it’s only the harsh vocals that remind you of what you’re listening to. It may sound like the vocalist is throwing up towards the end, but they’re not. It’s just annunciation and it fits perfectly. Again, first impressions are really good. Fosforos don’t seem to have a specific remit when it comes to their filthy noise, instead they just keep throwing different things into the mix. Great stuff for an unholy Sunday morning!

You can stream and purchase he Fuck-Ushima side of this split digitally below:-

The Fosforos side can be found here:-

Fuck-Ushima - https://www.facebook.com/sludgeordie/

Fosforos - https://www.facebook.com/fosforosheavymetal/

Physical copies can be purchased from the labels below:-

Gate Of Deliria - http://gateofdeliria.blogspot.com

Ramekuukkeli-Levyt - https://www.discogs.com/Rämekuukkeli

Gate Of Deliria - https://www.facebook.com/gateofdeliria/

Ramekuukkeli-Levyt - https://www.facebook.com/Rämekuukkeli-levyt