Piri Reis - Ritma

Labels: Framecode Records/Long Legs Long Arms/Memori Records/Moment Of Collapse Records/Polar Summer/React With Protest/Shove Records/Slow Down Records/Smoothie Records/Utarid Tapes/Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 03 Jul 2022

Tracklist:

1. Merentap Sayap Malaikat

2. Burden By Beauty

3. Pusara Atas Langit

4. Heimlich Manoeuvre Tiger Suplex

5. Cigarette For An Actor

6. All Is Well, Mr. Hildebrandt

7. Arsitektur Yang Gagal

8. Curse On Pasumpahan Island

9. Berkelana ke Kelana Jaya

10. Untuk Kimi

I recently did something that's bordering on slightly irresponsible (but not criminally irresponsible, so it's okay!). To be more precise and honest, I've purchased an expensive record. That confession has nothing to do with this review though, so I'll move swiftly on. 

Talking of records though, I do own a copy of Ritma by Malaysian screamo/emoviolence band Piri Reis.  Originally released in 2022 across all formats worldwide, it received further cd and tape pressings from almost all corners of the world in 2023 and 2024. Piri Reis have been consistently pushing boundaries and pushing their music to more screamo fans globally, and while this album is a few years old now, it's still fresh.

September was another month of limited activity purely due to life, work and the universe getting in the way. I had planned for this review to round things out yesterday but what can you do! ‘Merentap Sayap Malaikat’ opens Ritma in surprising fashion, as it’s intro sounds more akin to what you’d hear in a doctor’s waiting room. That boring image is banished soon after though by layers of rabid percussion and bass, melodic/atmospheric guitars and screeching vocals. 

‘Burden By Beauty’ is more laid back and introspective for the most part, as Piri Reis temper their emoviolence with sombre post-hardcore and even some metallic/metalcore-esque touches. Frenzied outbursts of chaos are not far behind though, as the closing bars show. ‘Pusara Atas Langit’ follows with an intro of plane noise and guitars buzzing into life before things hit that high gear again. It’s not all emoviolence and madness though, as Piri Reis again use gentler vocals and instrumentation throughout. Kind of reminds a bit of Rolo Tomassi.

The excellently titled ‘Heimlich Manoeuvre Tiger Suplex’ goers for a straight-up rock/post-hardcore sound instrumentally, which doesn’t build along with the intense vocals until much later on in the song. It’s very real and oddly gut-wrenching all the same. After a few songs that have seemed more expansive, Piri Reis begin to dip back into more explosive surroundings on ‘Cigarette For An Actor’. The way they craft their music, allowing everything to work together and to exist in it’s own space is excellent.

The sampled intro on ‘All Is Well, Mr. Hildebrandt’ is hilarious (though I feel slightly guilty for saying so). It leads to another song of many faces; from post-punk riffs to blasting drums, groovy bass and raging screams. It has everything and has that song-of-the-album feel too. ‘Arsitektur Yang Gagal’ is very much a blink and you’ll miss it piece, as it flies majestically through ninety seconds of stark screamo.

This album’s great and thankfully there are still a few songs to go. ‘Curse on Pasumpahan Island’ gently ushers you in with spoken-word vocals and lightly plucked guitars before it descends into chaos once again. The lyrics are what really leap out at you here. You’ll understand what I mean when you listen to it. Penultimate song ‘Berkelana ke Kelana Jaya’ makes you want to dance (or maybe it’s just me!). The rhythms just have that aura but the rest of the band has other ideas once again, pivoting back in a more familiar direction.

Closing Ritma with ‘Untuk Kimi’, Piri Reis call time on their only full-length to date in gloriously distorted fashion. Just guitars, subtle feedback/white noise and minimalist vocals/samples cleanse the ears, leaving you feeling very uplifted. It’s emotional in the best way. It reminds me that I need to spend more time with the records I own, as the more I inevitably buy (it’s becoming a proper habit), the harder it is to choose one to put on.

Stream and grab the album digitally from Piri Reis below, where tape and cd copies are also still available in limited quantities:-

Piri Reis - https://www.facebook.com/pirireispunx

 

You can also purchase Ritma on various formats below:-

Longlegslongarms - http://longlegslongarms.jp/music/products/

Memori Records - https://memorirecords.bandcamp.com/album/mr-002-piri-reis-ritma

Moment Of Collapse Records - https://shop.momentofcollapse.com/collections/piri-reis

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

React With Protest - http://www.reactwithprotest.org/store.php

Shove Records - https://shoverec.bandcamp.com/album/ritma

Slow Down Records - https://slowdownrecords.bandcamp.com/album/sdr-31-piri-reis-ritma

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

Framecode Records - https://www.facebook.com/framecoderecords

Longlegslongarms - https://www.facebook.com/3LAdisc

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

Shove Records - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100062967532917

Slow Down Records - https://www.instagram.com/slow.down.records/?igshid=ZDdkNTZiNTM%3D

Smoothie Records - https://www.instagram.com/smoothie_recs/?hl=en

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

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

Nionde Plagan - Reflektion

Labels: Damnfinetapes!/Moment Of Collapse Records/Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 22 Feb 2019

Tracklist:

1. Bekannelser

2. Rex

3. Prestationer

4. Trots Allt!

5. Premisser

6. Maskinerna

7. Alienation

8. Diskrepans

It's mad to think that Swedish post-rock/screamo merchants Nionde Plagan have been making music for over a decade now. Reflektion was released in early 2019, though physical versions seemed to come earlier in 2018. It followed their 2017 split with The World That Summer and proceeded their latest full-length Transformation, which was released a year ago. Tape copies that accompanied Nionde Plagan on tour were provided by Damnfinetapes!, while the vinyl pressing was handled by Moment Of Collapse (who also masterminded the CD release) and Zegema Beach Records, though ZBR aren't credited on Discogs for some reason.

Storm Babet is currently making it’s way across the UK and people have been advised to hunker down. I’m keeping warm and dry with a glass of red and the friendly tones of Nionde Plagan’s 2019 full-length Reflektion. Album opener ‘Bekannelser’ is a song that best demonstrates just how beautiful Swedish screamo can be. Composed and delivered with great sensitivity. ‘Rex’ moves and shakes like all great modern day indie-rock songs, while the vocals lay to rest any notion of the band easing off, thanks to the pure emotion they convey.

The slightly muddier sound of ‘Prestationer’ only comes about because of distortion in the guitars. It adds a rawness to the music that’s not been prevalent so far. There’s more urgency and drive throughout the song, with abundant melody keeping pace as well. The songs so far have hovered around the four+ minute mark but there’s always room for something more expansive. Enter ‘Trots Allt!’, which is the first of two songs that break the ten minute barrier, demonstrating NP’s post-metal side. When I talk to people (who only know mainstream chart music) about lengthier songs like this, I tend to get the same response. One of confusion and sometimes fear. I’m not a gatekeeper by any means, I just appreciate thought provoking music such as this. 

‘Premisser’ signals the second half of Reflektion and it’s more immediate. Tempo-wise, it’s not any faster but I guess the shorter length makes it seem that way. I kind of wish it was longer though. The way ‘Premisser’ flows straight into ‘Maskinerna’ without a pause, reveals superbly precise drumming and big riffs. The vocals sit slightly deeper in the mix here, though probably not be design. They’re just a tad buried by the sheer heft of the musicianship, which is absolutely epic.

Again, what is it with the extremely catchy rock influence that takes over penultimate song ‘Alienation’! It’s so infectious and masks NP’s screamo in such a way that it could even fool casual rock fans, as least that is until the song’s latter half when it takes a much heavier turn. Final song ‘Diskrepans’ goes long just as ’Trots Allt!’ did earlier. Even sitting here with the volume turned up I can still here the faint the sound of the wind outside, which only adds to the atmosphere that Nionde Plagan weaves. Undeniably brilliant from start to finish. Note to self: don’t take an extended break halfway through writing a review. 

You can stream Reflektion below, where it's also available to purchase digitally or on one of the five remaining CD copies (you should definitely purchase one) via Nionde Plagan's bandcamp page:-

Nionde Plagan - https://www.facebook.com/NiondePlagan

Physical copies are also still available from the label stores below:-

Moment Of Collapse Records - https://shop.momentofcollapse.com/

Zegema Beach Records - https://zbrusa.com/

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

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

Republic Of Dreams/Autarkeia - Split 7"

Labels: IFB Records/Moment Of Collapse/React With Protest/Suspended Soul Tapes And Records/Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 09 Jun 2015

Tracklist:

1. Republic Of Dreams - Dooh Nibor

2. Republic Of Dreams - Would You Like Some Sauce...

3. Republic Of Dreams - No Pretense

4. Republic Of Dreams - Don't Live By Any Letter

5. Autarkeia - A Constant

I feel like I need to make more of this month, as I've been seriously off my writing rhythm over the last two or three. I have loads planned but it's just a case of finding the time and having the mental energy to see it through. That being said, I stated a few posts back that I wanted to fire out some quick ZBR roster reviews so I'm making good on that intention with a write-up about the 2015 split 7" featuring German hardcore band Republic Of Dreams and US heavy emo/post-hardcore band Autarkeia. This EP brings you four extremely fast songs form Republic Of Dreams and one lengthier track from Autarkeia. The pressing for this release consisted of 500 copies on black vinyl, with a really nice (possibly screen-printed?) sleeve, via the labels listed above.

Tackling Republic Of Dreams and their four songs first, opener ‘Dooh Nibor’ is a fast, off-kilter emo-violence song with loads of chaotic melody, similarly erratic drumming and those characteristic harsh vocals that make ROD such an intense listen. Screeching feedback is always a feature with emotive hardcore and it provides the lead-in to ‘Would You Like Some Sauce…’. It’s another fast one, though there are also subtle riffs that straddle the mid-paced line (they are very subtle!). I feel that there’s a Scandi influence to ROD’s sound as well.

‘No Pretense’ is more mathy than anything else on the ROD side of this split. I thought it was nigh on impossible for a band to make their music swirl and grow in such a short time, but it does so here. The band’s closing tome, ‘Don’t Live By Any Letter’ is equal parts Dillinger and Cursed, while still retaining everything that Republic Of Dreams do so well. 

As mentioned above, Autarkeia’s sole contribution is their track ‘A Constant’ and it’s very far removed from that of their split mates. Slower in tempo, the vocals are delivered with a snarling abandon and are full of emotion. The instrumentation is more jangly, especially the guitars and there are elements of crust within the sound here. Autarkeia’s song-writing gives them a more restrained edge, and a cohesion that’s very obvious.

I have nothing bad to say about this split (not that I’d voice any such opinions without being at least constructive while doing so!). It’s a great listen and both Republic Of Dreams, and Autarkeia are still active as far I can tell (though feel free to correct me if I’m wrong), so if you haven’t check this split out yet for whatever reason, there’s never a bad time to do it.

Stream/buy it digitally below:-

Republic Of Dreams - https://www.facebook.com/republicofdreamsdiy

Autarkeia - https://autarkeia.bandcamp.com

Physical copies are available from the labels below:-

IFB Records - http://www.ifbrecords.com/distrolist

React With Protest - http://www.reactwithprotest.org/store

Suspended Soul Tapes And Records - https://suspendedsoultapesrecords.bigcartel.com/

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

IFB Records - http://ifbrecords.blogspot.com

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

React With Protest - https://www.facebook.com/reactwithprotestdiy

Suspended Soul Tapes And Records - https://www.facebook.com/SuspendedSoulTapesRecords/

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

Nionde Plagan - Frustration

Labels: Dingleberry Records/Epileptic Media/Friendly Otter/Let Them Die Records/Moment Of Collapse Records/Through Love Records/Unlock Yourself Records/Upwind Productions/Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 30 Oct 2015

Tracklist:-

1. Letargi

2. Oandligt

3. Van, I Forodelsens Stund?

4. Orkeslos

5. [mellanspel]

6. Nar Smafaglar Dor

7. Vida Horisonter

8. Samhorighet

9. Revolt

10. Leva Eller Do

It's been another chunk of time since I wrote one of these ZBR roster reviews. Time if flying and I've been in a state of flux recently, mainly down to work and lockdown fatigue. I'm trying to gee myself up though, so let's see how that goes. 'Frustration', the third full-length release from Swedish post-hardcore band Nionde Plagan was released in October of 2015. It was released on various formats with both Friendly Otter and Dingleberry Records putting it on tape, Moment Of Collapse releasing the cd version and a vinyl pressing coming from a huge collaboration of labels, featuring Dingleberry Records, Epileptic Media, Friendly Otter, Let Them Die Records, Through Love Records, Unlock Yourself Records, Upwind Productions and of course, Zegema Beach Records (info taken from Discogs, please inform me of any inaccuracies). 

As post-hardcore goes, Nionde Plagan’s stands out amongst the heaviest. The screams on opening song ‘Letargi’ are fierce, while the melody of the guitars seem at odds with how heavy and crushing they are. The percussion holds up well deeper in the mix, with cymbal crashes being the overriding layer. The abrupt ending to what is a cinematic intro song really sets the tone here.

‘Oandligt’ expands on NP’s sound, adding more melody and a signature Swedish sense of tone and song-writing, which brings to mind some of the country’s best known modern heavy bands, like Dark Tranquility, in the instrumentation sense anyway. It’s a truly expressive song that becomes hypnotic as it eventually fades out in slow and dramatic fashion.

The cross pollination of screamo and black metal in recent years has been much the same as any other union of sounds, but it seems as though NP might have been early-adopters in a sense. The high/low pitched screams on ‘Van, I Forodelsens Stund?’ certainly prove that. Now I know that name-dropping so many sub-genres can be boring, but there are certain reference points within them that I find comforting when writing. Needless to say, there’s much more to Nionde Plagan’s sound than comparing it to other forms of heavy music.

It’s becoming increasingly common for me to take a couple of days to write a review now. Usually, I can write one and publish it within a couple of hours but sometimes it takes longer. Not because the album in question isn’t grabbing me, but because I don’t feel I can do it justice in one sitting. I think Frustration is one of those albums. ‘Orkeslos’ takes the crown of being the album’s lengthiest song and it epitomises the atmospheric, almost-blackened post-hardcore/metal approach of Nionde Plagan. It is instrumental for a large amount of it’s running time, with melody being used more subtly, in turn making it a lot darker.

‘Orkeslos’ is followed by a calming, sample-led song called ‘[mellanspel]’, which draws a line between the album’s two halves. It’s simple and relaxing. After a very short pause, ‘Nav Smafaglar Dor’ drives out of the speakers with it’s earthy post-rock riffing and more considered percussive rhythms. The screams are still hoarse and powerful. Considering the volume of Swedish bands that ZBR worked with prior to this release, it’s immense how unique they all were. ‘Vida Horisonter’ brings the tone/feel that’s present in Envy’s sound, that feeling of anticipation and the release that grabs your attention. 

There’s such a driving intensity about Frustration that it feels as though all of the songs on it could have just been woven into one long song and they would have still sounded perfectly balanced, and in place. ‘Samhorighet’ hypnotises you with repeating riffs throughout, only changing at points and into other sections. The melody layered over the top provides a great soundscape when sitting alongside the more distant screams of the song’s latter half and it ends abruptly, in startling fashion, giving way to penultimate song ‘Revolt’. ‘Revolt’ feels more frantic with emoviolence-esque urgency. It still captures NP’s formula but in a more intense way.

Final track ‘Leva Eller Do’ feels like a properly fitting conclusion to the album. It doesn’t divert from NP’s overall sound too much. Instead, it builds on it in a way that feels much more climactic and free. Chances are, you’re probably already more than familiar with this release given that it’s now over five years old, so I’m no doubt preaching to the converted. If you’re not though and you like your screamo on the heavier side, Frustration still holds up really well and is worth your time. Track a copy down if you can!

You can stream and download Frustration directly from Nionde Plagan's bandcamp page below:-

Nionde Plagan - https://www.facebook.com/NiondePlagan

Physical copies ares still available from the labels below:-

Friendly Otter - https://friendlyotter.bandcamp.com/

Let Them Die Records - https://letthemdierecords.bigcartel.com/

Through Love Records - https://shop.throughloverec.com/

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

Dingleberry Records and Distribution - https://www.facebook.com/Dingleberry-records-and-distribution

Epileptic Media - https://www.facebook.com/epilepticmedia

Friendly Otter - https://www.facebook.com/friendlyotterrex

Let The Die Records - https://www.facebook.com/letthemdierecords

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

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

Unlock Yourself Records - https://www.facebook.com/unlockyourselfrecords

Upwind Production - https://www.facebook.com/upwindisdead

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

Lytic/Amitie/Chivala/Pique - 4-Way Split (Moment Of Collapse Records/Shove Records/Zegema Beach Records/Larry Records)

Labels: Moment Of Collapse Records/Shove Records/Zegema Beach Records/Larry Records

Formats: Vinyl/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 04 Oct 2019

Tracklist:

1. Lytic - Insensible Losses

2. Lytic - Bless Your Tourist Heart

3. Amitie - The First 21 Years

4. Amitie - Perpetual Motion

5. Amitie - Overtoun Mink

6. Chivala - Materia E Memoria

7. Chivala - Retaggio

8. Pique - I

9. Pique - II

10. Pique - III

11. Pique - IV

12. Pique - V

I hinted a couple of weeks ago that my next set of reviews would be about four bands, who broadsided my consciousness with a 4-way split release recently. Those in question were US bands Lytic, Amitie, Pique and Italian band Chivala. This was that split. It was released towards the end of last year on vinyl via Moment Of Collapse Records, Shove Records and Zegema Beach Records, as well on tape via Larry Records. All fours bands form part of the ever growing post-hardcore/emo/screamo family that spans the entire globe. I must add at this point that some digital outlets state that this release contains eleven songs, while others state twelve songs. I'm reviewing all twelve songs, because I'd rather not miss one. 

First up it’s Lytic, who contribute two songs. Split opener ‘Insensible Losses’ is a chaotic and violent, but melodic piece of screamo that shows their collective experience (ex-Off Minor and Saetia, amongst others). Noisy percussion, emotive screams and guitar work that flits between dissonant and vulnerable. ‘Bless Your Tourist Heart’ is much more emo (sorry!) in delivery to begin with, before exploding into a stop/start collage of screamo/emoviolence. All the while, keeping you on the edge of your seat with musical twists and turns.

Amitie follow with three songs. The riffs and melody at the beginning of ‘The First 21 Years’ sound familiar, but I can’t remember why (or whom it sounds like) off the top of my head. The vocals and music that follows is super good emo/screamo that’s got an air of nostalgia about it. ‘Perpetual Motion’ is as atmospheric and emotive as Amitie’s opener. It’s a similar tempo as well, albeit slightly more on the moody side. It’s glorious though. Their final song here, ‘Overtoun Mink’ comes across like a mix of At The Drive-In and Incubus (perhaps). It’s not what you might expect but it shows that Amitie’s song-writing and delivery has plenty of maturity and thoughtfulness within it.

As with Amitie, this split was my introduction to Italian band Chivala and they bring two songs to  the party here. ‘Materia E Memoria’ has an unmistakable European flair and rawness to it. The lyrics in their native-tongue are perfect and sit them next to compatriots Ojne in terms of quality. Their sound is so clear on ‘Retaggio’, which strips away all of the chaos and dissonance in favour of instrumental majesty that builds but never overspills.

Closing out this split is Pique with five numerically named additions. ‘I’ is solid emoviolence/ambient post-hardcore at it’s best. It doesn’t last long, but then none of their songs do here. ‘II’ is menacing and sometimes sinister, especially thanks to the spoken-word sample within it. In fact, Pique takes an old-school approach slightly akin to From Autumn To Ashes when is comes to sample usage, which is absolutely fine. ‘III’ feels self-deprecating but sets the mood brilliantly without being over-complicated. On ‘IV’, Pique returns to the quick-fire post-hardcore violence once again, which leads into split closer ‘V’. It’s a fitting finale.

I’ve said it before but there split releases are absolute gems. All four bands here fit alongside each other effortlessly and yet they each have something unique to offer. If you haven’t done so already, pick this up and wear out the needle of your turntable, because you won’t be able to stop playing it.

You can stream the split below:-

Lytic - https://www.facebook.com/lyticnyc/

Amitie - https://www.facebook.com/amitiemo/

Chivala - https://www.facebook.com/chivalaband/

Pique - https://www.facebook.com/piquenyc/

You can buy the split on both vinyl and digitally from the labels below:-

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

Shove Records - https://www.facebook.com/SHOVE-records

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

http://zegemabeachrecords.storenvy.com / https://www.facebook.com/zegemabeachrecords/

Larry Records - https://larry187.bandcamp.com/music / https://www.facebook.com/larryscrammo/

Torpor - Rhetoric Of The Image

Labels: Truthseeker Music/Sludgelord Records/Moment Of Collapse Records/Smithsfoodgroup DIY/Medusa Crush Recordings

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 20 Sep 2019

Tracklist:

1. Benign Circle

2. Two Heads On Gold

3. Enigmatic Demand

4. Mouths Full Of Water, Throats Full Of Ice

5. Mourning The Real

It's been an honour for me to be able to write about Torpor's music over recent years. My first introduction to them was the 2012 tape "Bled Dry" that was released via Headless Guru Records. Then came their first full-length "From Nothing Comes Everything" in 2015 released via Head Of Crom on vinyl and Black Bow Records on tape (alongside a self-released CD version). A mere twelve months later came their "Split" LP with Sonance through Truthseeker Music and now they're back with a brand new full-length "Rhetoric Of The Image" where they once again team up with Truthseeker Music, as well as other like-minded labels for a double LP release. Everything they've put out thus far has been unique and has painted them to be one of the strongest sludge/doom bands in the UK.

Embarking on the journey that is “Rhetoric Of The Image” is a mixture of both the familiar and the unknown. Familiar in the sense that Torpor has built a truly enviable reputation with the noise that the trio creates but unknown because you don’t know the level of progression that faces you. Album opener Benign Circle is immediately heavy and intense, with a sound and a volume that’s beyond anything you’d expect from a three-piece and a groove that’s subtle yet also full of momentum. It’s gloomy and the bellowed vocals are deep, but the metallic additions add light. The lengthy instrumental mid-section is meandering (in a good way) as Torpor weaves ambience and atmosphere into the song before once again, your senses are assaulted by the rapturously bleak riffs and powerful percussion. What a start to the album!

Talking of ambience, Two Heads Of Gold is a prime example of how noise can co-exist with organic instrumentation in the most unnerving of ways. The spoken-word vocals that sit within the mix don’t make things anymore comfortable. If you were expecting a straight-forward sludge album, then you’re probably still wet behind the ears. The haunting soundscapes continue into Enigmatic Demand, which like the opener, passes the ten-minute mark and then some! The long build-up is now a characteristic of Torpor’s music and here its oddly soothing while also being climactic too. The groove is back at this point and as it reaches the mid-section, the explosive dissonance hits. The bellows are real and as painfully delivered as you’d expect. They even drown out the incessant helicopter noise outside (Harrogate is currently hosting a major global cycling event and I’m on the flight path). 

Torpor settles it all down slightly with penultimate song Mouths Full Of Water, Throats Full Of Ice. It’s another ambient song with melodic vocals that will penetrate even the darkest of souls. Closing song Mourning The Real is the longest of all five on “Rhetoric Of The Image” and its as mighty as promised. The low-end is as heavy as it’s ever been and the whole band seems to be at it’s most comfortable. There’s a lot to be said for momentum, but as mentioned above Torpor just deals with it. Once again the mid-section is filled with ambient instrumentation but it doesn’t detract from the overall feel and sound of the record. It adds to it and continues to show how much this band has grown over recent years. 

We’re racing head-on to the end of 2019 (at least that’s how it feels) but there are still many great reasons to embrace the music that’s been released so far this year. This album is one of those reasons and Torpor is to thank for that. UK heavy music for the win!

You can stream and purchase "Rhetoric Of The Image" digitally below:-

Torpor - https://www.facebook.com/torporsound/

Physical copies are available below:-

Truthseeker Music - https://www.truthseekermusic.com

Sludgelord Records - https://thesludgelord.bandcamp.com/merch

Moment Of Collapse - https://kollektif.eu/34-preorder

Smithsfoodgroup DIY - https://smithsfoodgroupdiy.bigcartel.com

Medusa Crush Recordings - https://medusacrushrecordings.bandcamp.com/merch

Truthseeker Music - https://www.facebook.com/truthseekmusic/

Sludgelord Records - https://www.facebook.com/SludgelordRecords/

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

Smithsfoodgroup DIY - https://www.facebook.com/Smithsfoodgroup/

Medusa Crush Recordings - https://www.facebook.com/medusacrushrecordings/

Shizune/Lytic - Split 7"

Labels: Zegema Beach Records/Moment Of Collapse Records

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 08 Jan 2019

Tracklist: 

1. Shizune - Greg è a Roppongi Con John MacAfee

2. Shizune - Occhiaie Metafisiche

3. Lytic - Greener Grass

4. Lytic - All Bleeding Stops Eventually

Lytic - Lugenpresse

Receiving a promo e-mail about this release the other day was a nice surprise. I've been a fan of Italian screamo band Shizune for a long time. I first heard their music on their 2013 split with Minus Tree and love em. New York's Lytic is a fairly (though not entirely) new name to me; however, their links to Off Minor and Saetia are exciting ones indeed. This split has been released by Zegema Beach Records (USA/Canada/International) and Moment Of Collapse Records (Europe).

Shizune’s side of this split features two songs. The first, Greg è a Roppongi Con John MacAfee is instantly attention grabbing, as their take on hardcore is joined by melodic guitars and energetic percussion, which matches their whole approach. The lyrics are in their native tongue and sound great delivered in their shouted way. Second song Occhiaie Metafisiche follows immediately afterwards, with no gap and continues to power on breathlessly. The closing bars may be atmospheric and calming to a degree but you’ll still yearn for them at their fullest.

Lytic’s sound on Greener Grass is as engaging as Shizune’s was, though it’s also rawer in a sense. Shorter songs means it’s harder for them to make an instant impression musically but they manage to pull it off with a mix of high intensity screamo and introspective passages. There’s an off-kilter/math-like technicality to their music, especially within the guitars on All Bleeding Stops Eventually, which also has some great emotive semi-clean singing going on. Final song Lugenpresse is their long-player and the jazz/blues influence looms large within the music. The subtle spoken word vocals lead you into an explosion of noise that starts and stops at various points throughout. 

Many people reading this will say that the golden era of screamo/post-hardcore is long gone but judging by what’s already been released and what’s due to be released, 2019 is proving to be right up there. Just to hammer that point home, I have the following coming over the next week or so:- Paper Hats - Might song premiere, a full stream of the new Albatros album (hopefully), a review of the newly released split between Yarostan & Aleska and more to follow no doubt. Keep screaming…

You can stream and purchase the full split digitally from Zegema Beach Records below:-

Shizune - https://www.facebook.com/weareshizune/

Lytic - https://www.facebook.com/lyticnyc/

Grab 7" copies from Zegema Beach Records here - http://www.zegemabeachrecords.com/ (Canada/International) and here - http://zegemabeachrecords.storenvy.com (USA).

I can't seem to find copies over at Moment Of Collapse right now but keep checking their store here - https://momentofcollapserecords.bandcamp.com/merch.

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

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

Premiering: Chivàla - Materia E Memoria (Exclusive Premiere)

I'm excited to be able to bring you a new song from Italian screamo band Chivàla. It's due to appear on a new four-way split record that will also feature US bands Lytic, Amitie and Pique. No release date has yet been set for the split, but it will be released via Zegema Beach Records (Canada/US), Moment Of Collapse (Germany) and Shove Records (Italy).

Chivàla continues the long tradition of great Italian screamo bands (Raein, Shizune, Ojne etc) and this is the quartet's first new song since the release of their debut EP last year. You can stream their new song Materia E Memoria below:-

You can also hear exclusive songs from Lytic, Amitie and Pique via the publications below:-

Captured Howls - https://capturedhowls.com/check-out-brand-new-intense-screamo-glory-from-lytic-exclusively-right-here

Open Mind/Saturated Brain - https://openmindsaturatedbrain.blogspot.com/premiering-stop-2-amitie.html

Sophie's Floorboard - https://sophiesfloorboard.blogspot.com/4-way-split-premiering-pique.html

Lytic, Amitie and Chivàla are all playing at this year's We Built The World And Miss The Stars Fest VI in Germany on May 10th. Check out the event page here - https://www.facebook.com/events/.

Amitie and Chivàla are then due to play Ultimate Scream Fest '19 in Poland on May 12". The event page is here - https://www.facebook.com/events.

Last but not least, both Lytic and Chivàla are teaming up for a tour around Italy in June, check out the tour flyer below:-

Keep your eyes peeled on the below pages for more news on the split:-

Chivàla - https://www.facebook.com/chivalaband/

Lytic - https://www.facebook.com/lyticnyc/

Amitie - https://www.facebook.com/amitiemo/

Pique - https://www.facebook.com/piquenyc/

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

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

Shove Records - https://www.facebook.com/Shove