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

Mutagenic Host - The Genotoxic Demo

Labels: Self-Released/Dry Cough Records/Excarnation Records

Formats: Digital/Tape/CD

Release Date: 19 Jan 2023

Tracklist:

1. Mutagen

2. March Of Pestilence

3. Enforced Bodily Terror

4. Hive Unintelligence

5. Metaphysical Maladies

In January of last year a brand new international death metal band emerged. Made up of members from Finland, USA and the UK, Mutagenic Host self-released their debut The Genotoxic Demo digitally that same month, while UK label Dry Cough Records made not one but two pressings on tape. Fast-forward a year and Brazilian label Excarnation Records released the demo on CD with a slightly different cover (see below).

Opening the demo with the unnervingly ambient, sample-filled intro ‘Mutagen’, there’s no need to second guess whats to come. ‘March Of Pestilence’ does all the guessing for you with it’s filthy, riff-filled death metal. Metallic in places and with harrowing vocals, it takes a bit of time to truly get going percussion-wise but when it does, there’s no escape. 

The excellently titled ‘Enforced Bodily Terror’ conjures up images of unimaginable torture and I guess that’s what Mutagenic Host were going for when they wrote it. It’s very much mid-paced in delivery but to be honest, all of the best death metal is at the slower/sludgier end of the tempo spectrum imo.

‘Hive Unintelligence’ has that slam vibe going on straight from the off, though that vibe is ultimately misleading as the sound morphs into something much more old-school and grinding soon after. The mix of fast and slow tempos really work here as Mutagenic Host reach their true, gruesome stride. 

Demo closer ‘Metaphysical Maladies’ comes at you way too quickly (I feel like I say that a lot!), but in this case it’s definitely true. It’s all down to the pace and song-writing that’s employed by Mutagenic Host, as they bring this impressive first release to a crushing end.

Mutagenic Host align themselves with the NWOBDM (New Wave Of British Death Metal) and they’re in great company. Dry Cough Records, alongside other labels, have been championing the latest wave of British death metal bands lately (including but not limited to Slimelord, Mortuary Spawn, Atvm etc). The future looks decidedly murky and dank, much like state of the nation. It’s almost like it was meant to be.

You can download the demo for just £1 (or more) via bandcamp below:-

Mutagenic Host Instagram - @mutagenichost

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

Copies of the 2nd tape press from Dry Cough Records can be purchased from the link below:-

https://www.drycoughrecords.com/product/mutagenic-host-the-genotoxic-tape-2nd-run-dc67

Get in touch with Excarnation Records if you'd like a CD copy here - https://www.facebook.com/excarnrecs/

Lurking - Self-Induced Hysteria Demo

Labels: Everlasting Spew Records

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 15 Apr 2022

Tracklist:

1. Visions Of Certain Death

2. Self-Induced Hysteria

January's been a bit of a strange one and it's felt more like I've been winding back up to a more consistent pace, blog post-wise anyway. If I can post more than last year I'll happy. That's where this evening's review comes in, as it moves me past last January's number of reviews. It may be a short release, but Self-Induced Hysteria by International death metal act Lurking is perfectly formed. Having been the trio's first demo, it was released via Everlasting Spew Records last April on both tape and digital formats, promising to be a strong nod to old-school death metal. The retro cover art certainly does that claim no harm at all!.

Lurking is a simple power-trio but one that smashes it both technically and sensitively, in old-school death metal terms at least. Demo opener ‘Visions Of Certain Death’ is a rip-roaring song filled with blasts, deep growls, razor sharp riffs and stirring dual-guitar melodies. Laden with hints of thrash, there’s a lot to enjoy.

The demo’s title song ‘Self-Induced Hysteria’ sounds massive right from the off. It’s hard to believe that this is indeed Lurking’s first release, as it’s grandiosity and assured delivery takes hold. Plenty of low-end heft is on show here due to the bass and percussion, while the addition of menacing melodies from the guitars provide something up top that competes with the vocals; bringing the whole release up a notch or ten.

As demos go, two songs simply aren’t enough here. Lurking sound so mature musically. All three members have spent time in a number of bands, including Ars Veneficium, Ulvdalir, Drama and more besides. Let this be the start of something special.

You can stream and purchase the demo digitally below:-

Physical tape copies (of which only four remain) can be purchased from Everlasting Spew below:-

https://everlastingspewrecords.bandcamp.com/album/self-induced-hysteria

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

Everlasting Spew Records - https://www.facebook.com/everlastingspew

AngelBlast - Throne Of Ashes 7"

Labels: Edged Circle Productions

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 28 Jan 2022

Tracklist:

1. Throne Of Ashes

2. Tartarus

I'm not sure if there's been something in the water over the last fews days but both both my work life and blog life (if that's even a real thing) have been pretty damn good. Obviously, I've just jinxed it all but I'm going to press on regardless. It's time for another 7" review in the form of International death/black metal band AngelBlast and their latest EP Throne Of Ashes, which was released in late January on vinyl and digital formats via Norwegian label Edged Circle Productions. It's only the quartet's second release, following their 2019 7" EP Rotting Paradise, which was also released by Edged Circle. AngelBlast features members of In Aeternum, Necrophobic and Divinity (the Divinity from Calgary, Alberta to avoid confusion) amongst many others. 

There’s nowt like a midweek blast and tonight’s comes with extra spice from AngelBlast. The EP’s title track ‘Throne Of Ashes’ is a perfect slice of modern death/black metal that owes itself to the old-school. Now when I use the term modern, I’m not talking about the breakdown/deathcore style of death metal, but that somehow this sounds fresh without necessarily being so. Obviously, those behind AngelBlast know what they’re doing and are seasoned musicians, so creating something like this is no surprise at all. Percussion, bass, guitars and vocals are all top notch, while the addition of piano for atmosphere and melody does the trick too.

Second and final song ‘Tartarus’ is blistering right from the off. Raging kick-drums, blastbeats and solo work greet you within the first thirty-seconds, before AngelBlast throw themselves back into it. Orchestral/choral melodies sit in the background, while the technical prowess of the band is allowed to shine. There is a subtle murkiness flowing through both songs here, but as I say it’s only subtle and if anything it helps make things that bit dirtier. 

This is a real success of an EP. It’s good value musically at ten minutes in length and it proves that it’s better not to overdo things, in turn leaving listeners wanting more. Let’s hope for an album from AngelBlast soon though, as I can see both of their EPs getting worn out from all the spins!

For fans of: Necrophobic, Malevolent Creation, Divinity, Castrator and Inhuman Condition

You can stream and purchase Throne Of Ashes on both digital and vinyl formats below:-

AngelBlast - https://www.facebook.com/AngelBlast666

Edged Circle Productions - https://www.facebook.com/edgedcircleproductions

Calligram - The Eye Is The First Circle

Labels: Prosthetic Records

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Digital

Release Date: 10 Apr 2020

Tracklist:

1. Carne

2. Serpe

3. Vivido Perire

4. La Cura

5. Kenosis

6. Anedonia

7. Pensiero Debole

8. Un Dramma Vuoto E Insanabile

I last featured London's Calligram back in 2017 when I reviewed their Demimonde EP. Following the release of their second record Askesis in 2018 and fast-forwarding two years, they're now part of the seemingly ever-growing Prosthetic Records roster and have just (yesterday in fact!) released their latest work The Eye Is The First Circle. Despite that band having to cancel their April album-release tour for obvious reasons, they're still receiving plenty of support from afar.

Driving, blackened mayhem is what I think of when I think of Calligram and the band does not disappoint on The Eye Is The First Circle. The unnerving and downright defeated sound they create on opener ‘Carne’ is ridiculous. They’ve dialled up the black metal with blasting drums, almost-symphonic guitars and shrieking vocals that won’t just send chills down your spine, but will grab it and rip it out.

Calligram isn’t a band known for writing and performing songs that go by in the blink of an eye. Each song is a sonic journey that will either invoke madness or elation. ‘Serpe’ picks up where ‘Carne’ left off by once again painting the halls an unpenetrable shade of black. The multi-vocal attack takes it to the next level as well, sounding like demons coming up through the very soil that’s encased them.

Even when shorter songs like ‘Vivido Perire’ take hold, they do so with the same energy and raw evil that exists within the rest of the record. The intensity is even more noticeable as it leads into the dramatic majesty of ‘La Cura’, which contains melody that’s not so much comforting as it is menacing. The layers that Calligram are able to weave are nothing short of breathtaking, even for such a heavy and seemingly chaotic band. That being said, even the chaos seems to be reined in and controlled, showing how the band has matured and grown as song-writers.

You’re dragged into the second half of the album with no chance to breath as ‘Kenosis’ comes at you almost instantly and when it’s caught hold of you, it doesn’t let go. The grim spectre of death floating over you at all times, it’s blasting and blackened ferocity is constant, though it never feels like a test of endurance.

‘Anedonia’ is the longest song on The Eye Is The First Circle and it’s the most mournful, and the darkest due to it’s slower tempo and melody. It doesn’t stay that way for long as slowly the noise builds. First the drums come in and then the dissonance from the guitars add to fray. Mid way through it explodes into black metal that’s more atmospheric than it is icy and with subtle d-beat and crust, harking back to the bands earlier sound. 

You could call ‘Pensiero Debole’ pensive but only because the instrumental interlude builds nervous anticipation for album closer ‘Un Dramma Vuoto E Insanabile’, which itself is more of a march than a frenetic sprint. The pace is slower here and it has a kind of funeral-doom/industrial feel during the opener passages. That feeling is banished soon after and normal service resumes with abandon. It pummels you for it’s final minutes and you’re left paralysed in awe.

This is a masterpiece. It has all of the elements you want to hear in a chaotic, blasting blackened hardcore/metal album yet the atmosphere and ambience it contains helps to keep it grounded and constantly listenable. I think this will be on repeat for a long time to come!

You can stream and purchase The Eye Is The First Circle via Calligram's bandcamp page below:-

You can also buy on both CD and vinyl via the same page.

Calligram - https://www.facebook.com/calligrammusic/

Prosthetic Records - https://www.facebook.com/prostheticrecords/

Dead Man's Chest - Dear God 7"

Labels: Upstate Records

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 28 Feb 2020

Tracklist:

1. Dear God

2. United States Of Me

It's my last day of holiday before jumping back into the rat race. I've been doing some review planning so over the next couple of weeks you can expect slightly higher output from me. This brand new EP has been sitting in my inbox for a little while (as have a lot of other releases, as I'm behind) and I thought now would be a good time to check it out. It's the latest 7" from international hardcore band Dead Man's Chest, which was released by New York label Upstate Records on 28th February. Dead Man's Chest have been playing hardcore/crossover now for over a decade, since their first demo in 2008.

Here’s goes then. Opening with ‘Dear God’, which is a big slab of thrash-heavy hardcore, Dead Man’s Chest lay it on thick with growled vocals, mosh-heavy drums/bass and up-lifting riffs. The tempos aren’t super in your face but do bounce and you can see why Dead Man’s Chest have been so successful over the years. Their music is well-written and precise, while also having a decent amount of technicality as well.

Second song ‘United States Of Me’ dials up the metal side of the quintets sound, especially in the guitar riffs and melody. If you find current Hatebreed material a bit formulaic then Dead Man’s Chest and Dear God will be good to turn to. It’s proper hardcore and is definitely as step-up from a lot of modern beatdown in my opinion. 

It’s a short EP, which hopefully hints at more to come from the band this year but even as a standalone release it’s great. As mentioned above it’s up-lifting and will got your motivation flowing, which is perfect now that the days are getting longer. We all need more positive hardcore in our lives.

You can stream and purchase Dear God digitally and on vinyl via Upstate's bandcamp below:-

It's also available via other distributors and information can be found on the Dead Man's Chest Facebook page here - https://www.facebook.com/deadmanschest/

Upstate Records - https://www.facebook.com/upstaterecords/

Suspect Parts - You Know I Can't Say No 7" (Dirt Cult Records/Wanda Records)

Labels: Dirt Cult Records/Wanda Records

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 12 July 2019

Tracklist:

1. You Know I Can't Say No

2. Song For Sadie

3. Hundsgemein (Ideal Cover)

I was stood talking to a mate prior to a gig on Friday night and we were talking music, when the conversation turned to my blog and what I cover. I went along the lines of "you cover a lot of heavy shit, but you should feature more punk" or something like that. I agree, I should. Anyway, it's my last day of annual leave before I head back to work and in between scanning Discogs for some elusive gaps in my record collection, I felt the urge to write a review. Suspect Parts are a punk/power pop quartet featuring members from UK, Germany and America. They released this 7" via Dirt Cult Records and Wanda Records last year.

I’ll start this review by saying that I wrote the above intro yesterday, but never got around to completing this and I can’t be bothered thinking of a new one, so here goes. Suspect Parts play self-professed 70’s beach punk with a heavy US flair, mixed with 60’s power pop. The title-track ‘You Know I Can’t Say No’ is catchy and danceable, especially thanks to the vocal melodies and the un-fussy instrumentation. Punk and pop mix together without any form of pretence and plenty of retro appeal. 

The band’s second original on this EP is “Song For Sadie’ and it’s got more of a US Southern drawl going on amongst the band’s pop hooks. One thing’s for sure, Suspect Parts have got the whole three-minute hit thing nailed. Their songs on here are around that mark and they’re instantly hummable from start to end.

They close out their EP with a cover of ‘Hundsgemein’ by 80’s German pop band Ideal. I’m not familiar with the band but listening to the original online before listening to their version, it makes sense that they decided to cover it. The pace is slower and the German lyrics are delivered in a slightly rawer way, which at times is stark (but not because they’re harsh) as well as entertaining. 

Three songs delivered in three subtly different styles by a band made up of three nationalities. Suspect Parts are a great find and they make me nostalgic for punk that’s easygoing and sing-along in nature. Variety certainly is the spice of life. 

You can stream and download the EP below:-

If you're in the EU/UK especially, you can order a copy of the 7" from Wanda Records here - https://mailorder.wandarecords.de/.

USA/Canada orders can be placed via Dirt Cult Records here - https://dirt-cult-records.myshopify.com/.

Suspect Parts - https://www.facebook.com/SuspectParts/

Dir Cult Records - https://www.facebook.com/dirtcultrecords/

Wanda Records - https://www.facebook.com/wandarecords/

Meth Fetish - Meth Fetish EP

Labels: Dry Cough Records/Piss Gargler Records

Formats: CD/Tape/Digital (maybe, though it's not available yet)

Release Date: 01 Nov 2019

Tracklist:

1. Blinded To The Suffering

2. Wasted

3. 200 Ton Self Destruction

4. Incurable

5. Repeated

This is the 40th release from a label whose 1st release was a discography tape by US sludge/doom band Plague Survivors. That piece of detail is important because Meth Fetish is a similarly gnarly sludge band of that ilk. This international duo hasn't been around for very long and this is the band's first utterance, having been self-released in 2018. 

Here goes, a leap into the unknown (sort-of). Far from the drawn-out, festering riffs of the sub-genres current fave’s, Meth Fetish presents a filthy and sometimes death metal-laden take on sludge/doom. Blinded To The Suffering is a bass-heavy opener with crashing percussion and vocal shrieks that sound like they’re made of razors. Screeching feedback is also a fixture as you’d expect and it leads you into Wasted with barely a moment for your ears to rest from the ringing. Wasted feels and sounds a lot more claustrophobic this time, as the duo slows things down. It’s awesome.

The longest song on the EP is very aptly titled 200 Ton Self Destruction and destruction is exactly what Meth Fetish set’s out to achieve…mentally anyway. After it’s lengthy instrumental build-up it becomes more of a groovy beast, albeit one with undertones of menace and misery at it’s core.

Penultimate song Incurable has a minimalist feel to it early on, but with a tempo that seems to have slowed ever since the EP’s first song, it’s not gonna be all bells and whistles is it! Post-metal melodies seem to ring out amongst the feedback and the drumming keeps you guessing as to when it’s going to explode. It’s much more improvisational than you might expect and it never truly does explode, with the vocals coming in at mid-point and an off-kilter vibe flowing though it all.

Without releasing it you’re thrust straight into EP closer Repeated and this is where the gloom really takes hold. The spoken-word sample sets the tone somewhat and what’s left is aural torture of the best kind. It’s getting to that time of year where dusting off those sludge records makes sense. You can add this to the list of releases that will not only keep you warm during the winter months, but will also make others realise trying to socialise with you is futile. A belter of an EP from a band that will certainly become more than just a fetish to many extreme metal fans. 

You can currently stream the full EP via CVLT Nation here:-

Meth Fetish - https://www.facebook.com/methfetish/

Tape copies are officially released via Dry Cough Records this Friday, but you can pre-order your copy here - https://www.drycoughrecords.com.

There's no official word on the CD pressing yet but keep your eyes on Piss Gargler Records here - https://pissgarglerrecords.bandcamp.com/music.

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

Piss Gargler Records - https://www.facebook.com/Piss-Gargler

MRTEX - Riot/Mutiny

Labels: Akashita Corp/Larry Records/Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Vinyl/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 15 Apr 2019

Tracklist:

1. June And July, Life Over Die

2. Sectumpsempra

About to head back to the coal-face tomorrow. This two-song EP stands as the final release to come from dreamo duo MRTEX (though there is a comp on the way). From a discography made up of compilation appearances and split's, MRTEX carved themselves a little niche during their relatively short existence. Both members have played and still play in several bands of a similar ilk as well as running a label or two here and there (you probably know who already). "Riot/Mutiny" was release d earlier this year digitally, on tape and via limited 7" lathe-cut vinyl.

As a parting gift to fans, this tape achieves more within its two-songs than most bands do in their entire catalogues. MRTEX’s output has focused on quality over quantity and the intense beginning of June And July, Life Over Die gives way to calming emo instrumentation with screams sitting between it. It’s very moving. The duo’s musical violence is epitomised on Sectumpsempra, but where most emo-violence bands would have ended the song at the fifty-second mark, MRTEX keep going with their serene instrumentation once again. 

I think we take music and bands for granted nowadays. It’s so easy to consume it and the longevity of it is sometimes fleeting, so taking moments to enjoy it is important. You can do that with "Riot/Mutiny" because even though it’s short in length, it still allows you time to switch off from your worries and from real life for a moment. It’s what’s needed. 

You can stream 'Riot/Mutiny" and buy it as a name-your-price download from MRTEX's bandcamp page below:-

MRTEX - https://www.facebook.com/mrtexrebellion/

Physical copies are available from the links below:-

Zegema Beach Records - http://www.zegemabeachrecords.com/zegema-beach-releases/mrtexriotmutiny

Akashita Corporation - https://www.facebook.com/AkashitaCorp/

Larry Records - https://www.facebook.com/larryscrammo/

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

夢遊病者 (Sleepwalker) - Ѫ (Yus)

Labels: Sentient Ruin Laboratories

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 26 Apr 2019

Tracklist:

1. First Utterance

2. Last Utterance

Ever since I reviewed their split with Sutekh Hexen earlier this year, I've had an itch that's been gnawing away at me. The heaviness that was contained on that split was epic and the black/Experimental noise of international band 夢遊病者 called me back. Now, I'm jumping back a month, give or take, to their latest solo release. Ѫ (Yus) was released on 12" etched vinyl by Sentient Ruin Laboratories in April.

The integrity that seeps though Sleepwalker’s music is unbridled. They’re keeping ancient themes alive while being rooted firmly in the modern day and on Yus, they’re focusing on contradiction that it’s meaning carries amongst different languages (I hope that's right, but kindly correct me if not). First Utterance isn’t so much black metal but more a layered musical piece, featuring elements of it alongside more traditional instruments. At times it does venture into more extreme territory, but those moments are short-lived and fade in and out, ensuring that melody is ever-present,

Last Utterance is very much a heavier prospect. There’s guitar riffs that move between traditional heavy metal and obscure, off-time jazz. The drumming is equally off-kilter and the vocal rasps are buried within the dissonance. That jazz element remains as Sleepwalker finds quieter moments, though their mind-bending extremity is never too far away. This song and indeed Sleepwalker in general demonstrate why you shouldn’t try to understand what’s inside the head of somebody who likes extreme music. Just listen for yourself and you’ll hear the artistry and genius that exists within it.

Stream and purchase Yus both physically and digitally from Sentient Ruin Labs below:-

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

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/

Sect Pig - Crooked Backs

Labels: Nuclear War Now! Productions

Formats: CD/Digital

Release Date: 15 May 2018

Tracklist:

1. Crooked Backs

This is the newest EP from the mysterious experimental black metal band Sect Pig. It features one lengthy track and follows on from their 2013 debut EP "Slave Destroyed" and their 2015 EP "Self Reversed. It's once again been released by Nuclear War Now! Productions. It promises a hallucinatory journey into the nether-reaches of black metal and extreme noise. 

The stark sample that begins “Crooked Backs” on the promo sent refers to the sterilisation of a young female and it doesn’t get any happier, as Sect Pig unleashes a disturbing take on extreme music, encompassing strange vocal contortions, electronic samples and discordant black metal, which itself uses melody to create unnerving feelings. It’s extremely hard to convey adequately what is going on here without using adjective that haven’t been overused before but needless to say, this is a tough listen. That said, it’s not without it’s (slightly) easier moments, where Sect Pig uses post-punk and death-rock, adding to the melody and overall textures within the music. 

You’ll find it hard to feel anything other than uncomfortable when listening to those samples due to their subject matter; however, they fit the release perfectly where Sect Pig is concerned. At times I’m not sure whether this is an experiment that tests the tolerances of the listener or if it is avant-garde music at it’s highest echelon. “Crooked Backs” is both an uneasy and an enthralling listen. One which will appeal to those who have a sense of intrigue when it comes to uncomfortable subject matter. 

You can purchase CD copies of "Crooked Backs" from Nuclear War Now Productions below:- https://shop.nwnprod.com/products/sect-pig-crooked-backs-cd

Sect Pig Last.Fm page - https://www.last.fm/music/Sect+Pig

Nuclear War Now! Productions - https://www.facebook.com/nwnprod/