The Names Of Our Friends/Poetry Of Torch - Split

Labels: Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 24 Jul 2026

Tracklist:

1. The Names Of Our Friends - All For You

2. The Names Of Ours Friends - Just For Us

3. Poetry Of Torch - 泥濘

4. Poetry Of Torch - 呼んでいる

What a difference a couple of days make! Honestly, I was floundering a bit towards the end of last month but after a couple of reviews already this month, I feel the excitement again. July was the month that Zegema Beach Records released this split between US band The Names Of Our Friends and Japan's Poetry Of Torch, on tape and also digitally.

Both bands play post-hardcore/screamo. If you were following the blog back in 2025, you might have read my review of Poetry Of Torch's split with Gil Cerrone. The Names Of Our Friends are once again another new band to me (I must get round to finishing that list of every band featured here!).

Today has been a day to forget work-wise. I’m drained and all I yearn for is some kind of escape. Nothing screams “escape” like screamo and The Names Of Our Friends, who provide such a blistering performance on their first track ‘All For You’. Piercing vocals that almost leap into emoviolence territory, alongside blistering percussion, off-kilter tempos and dramatic guitar work. Obviously, it’s over pretty quickly but it leads into their second track ‘Just For Us’ instantly, which is more introspective, while showing different sides to the band. Melodic vocals, chugging riffs and nods to The Mars Volta are all present. It’s a real treat and a great way to round out their side of this split.

Poetry Of Torch start their side with ‘泥濘’, which is short and sharp. Starting with a mix of warped noise and samples before exploding into the kind of crazed emoviolence that Japanese bands do so well. It’s short, so getting a true feel is hard but it’s not long before their second song ‘呼んでいる’ begins. It’s longer, so might be a better representation of their sound overall, which is fast, quite raw but also post-hardcore leaning. The vocals are shouted, the percussion sits deeper in the mix and the guitars provide a cacophony of different styles. Another example of Japan’s unique and brilliant approach to heavier music.

Even just listening to these four songs has reset my brain and I’m grateful for it. I wish this release had gone on longer though as both The Names Of Our Friends and Poetry Of Torch are fantastic song-writers/performers.

You can stream and purchase this split digitally from ZBR below:-

You can buy physical tape copies from ZBR here - http://www.zegemabeachrecords.com/zegema-beach-releases/tnoofxpot

The Names Of Our Friends Instagram - @the.names.of.our.friends

Poetry Of Torch Instagram - @poetry_of_torch

Zegema Beach Records Instagram - @zegema_beach

Barren Womb/Hylko - Split-Single 7"

Labels: Fucking North Pole Records/Captured Records

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 20 Mar 2026

Tracklist: 

1. Barren Womb - The Perils of Self-Improvement

2. Hylko - Green Spa (Cold Region Version)

I still love a good 7" single. I’ve been steadily picking them up, even though all of my record storage is taken up by LPs and they're now relegated to a crate (will be looking to change that soon!). That's what drew me towards this little split single from Norwegian noise-rock duo Barren Womb and Japanese stoner trio Hylko. It features one song by each band and was limited to just 100 copies, 50 on black and 50 on white vinyl, released by Fucking North Pole Records (or FNPRecords for short) and Captured Records.

It’s been quite sometime since I last reviewed a quick-fire release like this one. Barren Womb is a name I’ve seen pop up in various places over the last few years, though I didn’t realise they have been making music since 2011! Their song here ‘The Perils of Self-Improvement’ is a surprising mix of pop/melodic hooks and thundering heaviness. Dual-clean vocals, shouts, mid-paced percussion and guitar riffs that pivot between classy rock, and harrowing stoner-metal. The ending is especially worth waiting for, as Barren Womb literally grind their way to a halt.

Hylko are a completely new band to me and as they’re from Japan, I don’t know what to expect (apart from something unexpected!). The trio features a drummer, a vocalist who also plays a djembe drum and a bassist. Japan has a long history of producing great psych/stoner/noise bands and as the rumbling bass riff hits on ‘Green Spa’, another one is born in Hylko. Simple but noisy with beguiling Japanese lyrics that really bring out the psych influence, alongside the sounds of what is apparently a hot spring! 

Two totally different bands sharing a love for noise and rock, but interpreting both in their own way. Barren Womb show a lot of maturity but also a fraught side. Hylko are relatively new still (this is only their second release) but show great promise and ingenuity with their music. There’s a lot to like here.

You can stream Hylko's half of the split via their bandcamp page below, where the track is also available to purchase:-

You can also stream/download the full split from Barren Womb's site here - https://barrenwomb.org.

Barren Womb Instagram - @barrenwomb

Hylko Instagram - @hylko.stonerrock

Physical vinyl copies can be purchased via the pages below:-

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

Captured Records - http://captured.web.fc2.com

Poetry Of Torch/Gil Cerrone - Split

Labels: Zegema Beach Records

Formats: CD/Digital

Release Date: 16 Jun 2025

Tracklist:

1. Poetry Of Torch - 業 (Karma)

2. Poetry Of Torch - 一本花 (Lone Flower)

3. Gil Cerrone - Boardroom

4. Gil Cerrone - Chuck Steak

Zegema Beach Records continues the campaign for cd releases shocker! If I was only interested in posting clickbait, that would be the headline; however, I'm not and cd sales are actually increasing again. They take up less space than vinyl (wish I had figured that out before I got in too deep!).

This split features two tracks from Japanese emoviolence band Poetry Of Torch and two from Australian genre mates Gil Cerrone. Poetry Of Torch previously released a split with Agak via ZBR, while Gil Cerrone have an affinity with Tomb Tree, which is where the union between two of the newest additions to this generation of emoviolence was (possibly) formed.

After writing two intro sentences and then deleting them, I’m just going to focus on what’s in front of me. Poetry Of Torch start with ‘業 (Karma)’, which is an explosively raw yet endearing version of emoviolence with added Japanese flair and enthusiasm. I have always been in awe of Japanese bands and their philosophy when it comes to writing, and performing music. Their second song ‘一本花 (Lone Flower)’ is one filled with much more immediate violence. The screams are filled with more rage even though the instrumentation still has groove and subtle melody. Emotion is genuinely what you feel as these two songs come to a close.

Gil Cerrone hit hard almost instantly with ‘Boardroom’ and their much more aggresive take on the genre. Save for the odd occasion where they elope into a more introspective passage, their sound is ultimately more aggressive and attention-grabbing. Their second song ‘Chuck Steak’ makes me think of American hicks for some reason but that thought is quickly (and thankfully) banished by Gil Cerrone’s almost-blackened post-hardcore approach. It’s impossible to overlook how much it moves you and I can attest to that, especially after the day (or week) I’ve had.

Two fantastic bands coming together like this, releasing a split this good must be lauded. Obviously, releasing it with Zegema Beach Records helps a little bit too (or maybe a lot!). The Far East and the Southern Hemisphere are both coming to the forefront of emoviolence/screamo right now. It’s not a new thing but it’s still great to see and hear. Grab this split while you can.

You can stream and purchase the split digitally from both bands, below:-

 

 

CD copies are also available from Gil Cerrone's bandcamp page above, while also being available directly from Zegema Beach Records here:-

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

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

Poetry Of Torch - https://www.facebook.com/poetryoftorch

Gil Cerrone - https://www.facebook.com/gilcerrone

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

Crowning/Oaktails - Split

Labels: Self-Released/Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Digital/Tape (out soon)

Release Date: 11 Oct 2024

Tracklist:

1. Crowning - Jung Money, Freud Problems

2. Oaktails - Dazzling Dress

3. Crowning - Luxor Surrealism

4. Oaktails - Winter Call

US band Crowning have released a split with Japanese band and recent tour-mates Oaktails. It coincided with their tour and was released digitally in October; however, it's due for a tape pressing via Zegema Beach Records soon. Crowning features Dave Cullen (one half of ZBR) and also includes awesome people that play in Greed Worm (Trilly) and Iwan (Justin), not to mention Vanessa and Lowell.  Oaktails are a new name to me entirely, so I'm excited to listen to them too. Also, apologies to Dave if I've ever mixed him up with CanaDave in any of my previous Crowning reviews, because I'm pretty sure I have!

This split features two different takes on screamo. Crowning open things with ‘Jung Money, Freud Problems’, which is best described as a cross between mathrock and post-hardcore. Off-kilter at first before retreating into a more expansive sound that contains both brilliant atmospherics and subtle emotive sassiness.

Next it’s the turn of Oaktails and their first track ‘Dazzling Dress’. They draw influence from the screamo released by the likes of Level Plane and Ebullition. Their music leans towards emoviolence yet the lyrics and vocal delivery are coupled with a heap of the now traditional Japanese approach.

‘Luxor Surrealism’ is Crowning’s second and final song. It follows on perfectly from their opener, both musically and atmospherically, while also going by way too quickly overall. The dynamics amongst Crowning’s members show that they’re absolutely in tune with one another.

Oaktails end the split with their second song ‘Winter Call’. The Japanese lyrics/vocals immediately take hold, as their post-hardcore covers all manner of different sounds and corners of the sub-genre. A brilliant way to end this split and one that will be remembered.

We’re fast approaching year-end and the obligatory End-Of-Year list chaos; however, there’s still time to get in last minute listens to those 2024 releases you may have missed. This split is a perfect reason to live in the moment. Both Crowning and Oaktails are on excellent form. Their personal takes on post-hardcore/screamo are refreshing and enthralling.

You can stream and purchase the split as a name-your-price download from Crowning's bandcamp page below:-

Keep an eye out on the Zegema Beach Records website for news on that tape release (I hope I haven't missed it) - http://www.zegemabeachrecords.com/

Crowning - https://www.facebook.com/crowningband

Oaktails Instagram - @oaktails

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

Impending Annihilation - Idiopathic Osteonecrosis Of The Femoral Head EP

Labels: Gore House Productions

Formats: CD/Digital

Release Date: 19 Apr 2024

Tracklist:

1. Rapidly Destructive Coxarthropathy

2.  Idiopathic Osteonecrosis Of The Femoral Head

Death metal has taken influence from a whole host of pathological/morbid subjects ever since it's inception. From the early days of Carcass when death and grind mixed to the guttural technicality of Cannibal Corpse, the gory side of the sub-genre has always been pushing forward. There are many reasons for that thanks to labels like New Standard Elite, Pathologically Explicit Records and of course, Gore House Productions.

Gore House released the newest two-song EP from Japanese tech/brutal death metal duo Impending Annihilation in April, after what was a seven year hiatus for the band. Starting out in 2015, they self-released a demo, an EP and an album before their sudden halt. With their second album on the way, this release acts as a mere sliver of what's to come.

Reading about Impending Annihilation before writing this review got me all excited. I love old-school death metal and won’t turn my nose up at slam/brutal death metal either; however, I’ve grown to really love technical music over the last few years and this ticks all the boxes. The EP’s first song ‘Rapidly Destructive Coxarthropathy’, while ostensibly being a brutal song, is chock full of excellently played virtuoso guitar/bass work. The percussion is utterly smashing while the vocals are pretty much as you’d expect, gnarly and thankfully on the right side of becoming pig-squeals.

The title-track ‘Idiopathic Osteonecrosis Of The Femoral Head’ is an even briefer affair at one-and-a-half minutes. Despite it’s short length, it’s chock full of technical riff-wizardry and general extreme intensity. Before you even have time to settle in, the EP is over. Impending Annihilation definitely know how to tease the listener as these two tracks really don’t seem like enough. Clever ploy though and one that does work. 

Chances are (and correct me if I’m wrong), you’ll be unfamiliar with Impending Annihilation. With a brand new album on the horizon it’s a perfect time to discover them, especially if you like your death metal fast and technically tight. It only take four minutes to realise what you’ve been missing.

You can stream and purchase the EP as a digital download from Gore House Productions below:-

Impending Annihilation - https://www.facebook.com/impending.annihilation

CD copies are available from Gore House here - https://store.gorehouseproductions.com/collections/cd/products/impending-annihilation-idiopathic-osteonecrosis-of-the-femoral-head

Gore House Productions - https://www.facebook.com/GoreHouseProductionsOfficial

Cape Light - A Discography

Labels: Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 31 Jan 2019

Tracklist:

1. Senbou

2. Sei-shinka

3. Mushisareru

4. Chigai

5. Yowatari

6. Mukishitsu

7. Kotaewohitsuyoutosurusekainiikiru

8. Machigaeteirunohaitsumobokuda

9. Tooihiwakasundeikizanzoudakeganokoru

10. Nanimokaesukotonodekinaibokuwowaraudarouka

In January 2019 Zegema Beach Records released a limited tape of the discography by Japanese emo/post-hardcore band Cape Light. The tape gathered together songs from their initial 3songs cdr, their split tape with compatriots 5000 and four songs that made up their newest (last?) EP back in 2018. I'm only learning now that members of Cape Light, 5000 and Careless formed Komuso; a band whom I first discovered thanks to Left Hand Label (the sister label of Dog Knights Productions). The tape release was limited to just 50 copies with 40 on grey and 10 on platinum silver shells. 

Ten quick-fire post-hardcore songs with all of the Japanese flair and intensity are dropped here. A perfect way for those unfamiliar with Cape Light to hear their output. Opener ‘Senbou’ has everything from raw, organic percussion to angular yet anxiety-inducing guitar work and typically harsh vocals. There’s an obvious reason why ZBR jumped on this.

‘Sei-shinka’ follows without as much as a pause, continuing the momentum and intensity while adding more melody, as well as greater pensive post-hardcore tones. It’s dramatic in the way that only Japanese bands seem to be. Excellent stuff so far. ’Mushisareru’ was the final track from Cape Light’s early 3songs EP and it’s genuinely wild. Filled with modern punk-like guitar/percussion and shout-along vocals, which kind of remind me of Funeral For A Friend’s ‘The Art Of American Football’ 

Next you’re propelled straight into the songs from the 5000 split starting with ‘Chigai’, which is instantly faster in tempo and chaotic in tone. There’s no let up during ‘Yowatari’ either. After what sounds like an intro played using pots and pans (of course it isn’t, it’s just the live recording), Cape Light turn up the heat with treble-heavy riffs and fast/slow dynamics throughout. Add in pulse-raising screams and you’ve got something really special.

‘Mukishitsu’ featured as the last song on Cape Light’s split tape with 5000, which was their second and last physical release (if Discogs is to be believed). Emoviolence of the utmost insane is coupled once again with exceptional use of melody and post-hardcore/metal, in typically bright fashion.

The final four Cape Light songs pull no punches as ‘Kotaewohitsuyoutosurusekainiikiru’ kicks off instantly with off-kilter tempos that are way more obvious than before. Maybe it’s the short song-length but it’s mathiness alongside the raw recording make it very addictive to listen to. 

‘Machigaeteirunohaitsumobokuda’ is another song-title I’m not even going to try and pronounce (out-loud anyway). Cape Light harnesses so much beauty within their heaviness. Groovy, punk-like rhythms sit side-by-side with noxious riffage at times. You’re definitely not far away from dissonance and chaos.

Cape Light’s explosive take on screamo really comes into it’s own on penultimate song ‘Tooihiwakasundeikizanzoudakeganokoru’. It goes by way too quickly if I’m being honest. If you get distracted and take your ear off this song for all of a second, you’re missing out big time. Subtle nods toward Envy make themselves heard during the song’s latter half and the mix of quiet/loud dynamics just work really well.

Discography closer ‘Nanimokaesukotonodekinaibokuwowaraudarouka’ hits you square in the face as Cape Light delivers their final blast. Listening to this release in full is the best way to appreciate it. Unfortunately, due to life getting in the way I haven’t quite been able to do so. I’ll be righting that wrong in the not-to-distant future. What I can say for certain is that this deserved such a release, albeit limited. Does it deserve a repress? Definitely. Will it get one? Only time will tell.

You can stream and purchase the discography as a name-your-price download below:-

Discography tapes are long sold out.

You can also stream and download their releases from Adabana Records here - https://adabana.bandcamp.com

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

Komuso - Luck Will Be On Your Side This Week 7"

Labels: Adabana Records/Left Hand Label/Zegema Beach Records/Zilpzalp Records

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 14 Oct 2018

Tracklist:

1. Still

2. Forgotten People

3. Extension

I've well and truly taken my foot of the gas recently. Life and work have sapped my energy but after taking some time to recharge the batteries, I feel ready to go again. Cue this beautiful 7" EP from Japanese screamo band Komuso. It was released a mere six months after the band's self-titled debut (self-released on tape and digitally by Komuso, while also being committed to tape by Damnfinetapes! and Zegema Beach Records). Luck Will Be On Your Side This Week was released digitally again by Komuso, while the 7" pressing came from Adabana Records, Left Hand Label, Zegema Beach Records and Zilzalp Records collectively.

This release is special to me due to it’s Dog Knights Productions connection (Left Hand Label is DKP’s sister label after all). Released shortly after Komuso’s self-titled EP in 2018, it stands as one of three physical releases from the band to date (according to Discogs). Opener ‘Still’ is a minimalist song that builds slowly in  the instrumental/vocal department until it’s closing sixty seconds, where Komuso kicks on with greater volume and dissonance. 

‘Forgotten People’ continues on in pensive fashion musically, just like the opener did. It’s very hypnotic/entracing, while also being musically outstanding. Way more post-hardcore influenced and progressive than you might have expected. The twin guitars of final song ‘Extension’ come as a surprise initially, and while up to now Komuso’s music has been somewhat gentile, harsh vocals finally make their appearance midway through. It’s a great way to end the EP, alongside ringing feedback. 

I don’t know whether Komuso plan to release any new music (beyond their 2020 split with Setsuko), but if they do it’ll be eagerly anticipated.

You can stream and purchase the EP digitally below, where it's also available as a name-your-price download:-

Komuso - https://www.facebook.com/komusotokyo

The final few 7" copies can be purchased from ZBR below:-

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

Adabana Records - https://adabana.bandcamp.com

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

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

Zilpzalp Records - https://zzdiy.bandcamp.com

Also stand by because I'll be reviewing some more recent music over the next few days (I promise).

Sans Visage - Moments

Labels: Asian Gothic/Dog Knights Productions/Utarid Tapes/Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Vinyl/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 20 Dec 2017

Tracklist:

1. 22

2. Song 1

3. Song 2

4. Worthless

5. Denial

6. Alt

7. Barricade

8. Distance

9. Life

10. Sway

11. Past

Time's moving too quickly again, which in turn means I've been slowing down on the writing front (not through choice but because of tiredness). With that being said, slow progress is still progress and so I'm back with another ZBR roster review. It's another rare one this because it's about an album that I own on a physical format (I'm trying but I'm nowhere near owning everything). 

Japan's Sans Visage released their first demo in 2014, while their latest release to date is the 2020 split 7" with Look At Moment. Moments remains their only full-length so far, having been released on vinyl by Asian Gothic and Dog Knights Productions in 2018 following it's initial digital release in late 2017. Tape runs from both Zegema Beach Records in 2018 and Utarid Tapes in 2019 helped to spread their sound further.

Honestly, this week’s been a breath of fresh air so far. I’ve felt way more focused in my work life, though it hasn’t translated to the blog just yet. I still need to book some time off to truly get back on track with everything. The evening sun has caught me at the right time and so has this latest instalment of my ZBR roster review series, especially as I hold a lovely maroon vinyl copy of Moments in my personal collection. I’ve been listening to mathcore on my way to and from work today too, so the slower tempo of opener ’22’ is a welcome change of pace. A fantastic piece of Japanese screamo that typifies just how good the island nation is when it comes to heavy music where melody is king.

‘Song 1’ is misleading (and you don’t need me to tell you why) but it still feels like it has a completely fresh sound, such is it’s higher tempo and immediacy. ‘Song 2’ follows on, much more in the vein of Sans Visage’s countrymen Envy, subtly. Spacey, earthy post-hardcore with quieter passages interspersed between more fractious ones. Brilliant! The song ‘Worthless’ is anything but. It’s filled with genuine and heartfelt emotion that only comes from music, and musicians that you have an affinity with. You’ll know what I mean when you listen to that song or artist that you hold in such high regard. That one that reminds you that things are good. There’s even some loverly math-like riffs gong on to.  

‘Denial’ goes in a more angsty direction, though it’s also amongst the album’s most melodic songs (instrumentally). Again it’s not a long-player by any means but it doesn’t need to be. Sans Visage hit the nail on the head perfectly. The sub one-minute ‘Alt’ is an example of controlled chaos. It’s fraught but not frenetic if you get my drift. I’ve always admired Japanese bands for their ability to be sensitive even at their most intense. I think it has a great deal to with their character as individuals. Sans Visage bring about a shift during the second half of Moments with lengthier songs, starting with ‘Barricade’. It’s a shift that creeps up on you somewhat, especially when there’s an injection of euphoria during ‘Distance’.

Progressive/slightly bluesy tones greet you on ‘Life’. For the ninety seconds that make up the song’s intro, you’re whisked off to a place of instrumental freedom before the layers build and crescendo in typical post-hardcore fashion. What comes later on mixes harsh vocals with cleans that sit on top of the recording beautifully but also somewhat desolately too. Penultimate number ‘Sway’ brings the band’s instrumental prowess to the fore once again in a very understated way. You’re forever waiting for an explosion of dissonance and energy, but that wait only conspires to frustrate as Sans Visage remain measured to the last.

Album closer ‘Past’ stands with abundant grandeur, such that no additional words can describe what this music feels and sounds like. It’s incredibly hard to believe that Moments was/is still the first full-length album from Sans Visage. Their maturity and sensitivity flows through the music. They deliver it all in such a neatly packaged way too. If ever there was a reason for abandoning mainstream music (that’s almost always dumbed down), this is it.

You can stream and purchase Moments as a name-your-price download from Sans Visage below:-

Sans Visage - https://www.facebook.com/sansvisagetokyo

Physical copies can still be purchased from the labels below (apologies if I've missed anyone):-

Dog Knights Productions - https://dogknightsproductions.com/collections/12-dk/products/dk119-sans-visage-moments-12-lp

Dog Knights Productions - https://www.facebook.com/dogknights

Utarid Tapes - https://www.facebook.com/utaridtapes

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

Cady/Majorel/Agak/Coma Regalia - Desolate Hands Move The Hour 4-Way Split 10"

Labels: Cyllene Records/Dance Happy Doom Crew/Kakusan Records/MeatCubeLabel/Middle-Man Records/Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 21 Apr 2018

Tracklist:

1. Cady - Diamond Dust

2. Cady - Beyond Being Seen

3. Majorel - Negation

4. Majorel - Surrounded By Heartbeats

5. Majorel - Behind Glass

6. Agak - 焦燥

7. Agak - 衝動

8. Agak - 選択

9. Coma Regalia - Avalon

10. Coma Regalia - Edara

11. Coma Regalia - Pangea

The 10" vinyl format is a much misunderstood format in my opinion. It takes up less space than a 12" yet it's more engrossing than a 7". I've been expanding my 10" collection slowly and when I realised that this split was next on my ZBR Roster review list, I had to dig out my clear w/white haze copy  again.

The split features eleven songs from four bands who call the US, UK and Japan home. It's one of a few releases to feature a UK band (alongside Big Machine, Komarov and Wreck Of The Minotaur if my memory serves me correctly), alongside Japan's Agak and USA's Majorel and Come Regalia. An International line up of labels helped with it's release too.

This 10” split is chock full of utterly insane screamo/emo-violence, starting with the UK’s own Cady and ‘Diamond Dust’. It’s a song filled with dual high/low screams, blasts and a latter-half that builds in emo vibes right the way up to grooving punk and a crescendo of heady screamo at the end. What a way to kick things off. Cady’s second song ‘Beyond Being Seen’ is a much more introspective take on screamo, with a subtle blackened nod, showing just how varied the UK skramz community is. 

Next it’s the turn of the USA’s Majorel and their gloriously melodic ‘Negation’, which features so much raw emotion and genuinely inspired musicianship. It’s also artsy without being artsy. ‘Surrounded By Heartbeats’ takes a slightly more traditional screamo approach but only briefly, as it builds in intensity. Their final song ‘Behind Glass’ provides one last glimpse into their complex yet endearing sound. 

Japanese bands have always intrigued me with their unique approach to music in general, let alone extreme music. Agak’s sound is no less unique with their truly harsh vocals and atmospheric sound on opening track ‘焦燥’. There’s no time for rest as ‘衝動’ brings panic chords and metalcore influences to the party. It’s everything I expected and more. Agak’s closing song ‘選択’ is a reminder of just how dextrous and gentle they can be, while also being utterly intense at the same time.

This 4-way split concludes with the familiar tones of Coma Regalia (also from the USA), though ‘Avalon’ is way more melodic and clean than I remember their sound to be. Either way, it’s lovely. ‘Edara’ snaps back into emo-violence territory,  with a lashing of melodic riffs for good measure. Such a fulfilling piece of music. Their final song ‘Pangea’ is also their fastest and therefore their most intense. I love how they go through different musical patterns only to end up back at heavy again.

This split is exceptional in every way. From it’s packaging to the vinyl variants and of course, the music contained within it’s grooves. If you haven’t picked up a physical copy yet I implore you to do so. Help sell this thing out because it deserves it.

You can stream and purchase Desolate Hands Move The Hour digitally below:-

Physical copies can be purchased from the labels below:-

Dance Happy Doom Crew - https://dhdc.bandcamp.com/album/desolate-hands-move-the-hour-4-way-split

Kakusan Records - https://kakusanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/kar06-cady-majorel-coma-regalia-agak-split-10

Middle-Man Records - https://middlemanrecords.storenvy.com/desolate-hands-move-the-hour

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

Cyllene Records - https://www.facebook.com/cyllenerecords/

Dance Happy Doom Crew - https://www.facebook.com/DanceHappyDoomCrew

Kakusan Records - https://www.facebook.com/kakusanrecords

MeatCubeLabel - https://www.facebook.com/meatcubelabel

Middle-Man Records - https://www.facebook.com/middlemanrecords

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