On War - End and Means Demo

Labels: Self-Released

Formats: Digital

Release Date: 15 Jan 2021

Tracklist:

1. Definition

2. End and Means

How the hell did it get to May so quickly! I've got some serious catching up to do, but then again I always say that. I've decided to focus my first review of the month on a new band that's just starting out and I settled upon Slovakian solo thrash/death band On War. The band's debut demo was released in January via digital platforms and features two songs, which were influenced by the book 'Vom Kriege', which was written by Prussian general Carl von Clauswitz after the Napoleonic wars between 1816-1830 and discusses war, and military strategy. I'm sure there will be some historians amongst you who're familiar with his work. I'm not, but I'm eager to hear this all the same.

Even though listening to a new band sometimes feels like a voyage into the unknown, when you’re talking about metal and it’s sub-genres, there’s often a common ground. On War’s common ground is the incredible musicianship that comes out of nowhere. Demo opener ‘Definition’ features some truly awesome, grooving thrash guitars and percussion. The clean vocals have been put through some effects and as such they sound robotic/electronic in delivery, though the screams sound anything but. Jozzo’s growls are definitely real.

The demo’s title-track ‘End and Means’ is instantly enjoyable, in the same way that modern thrash/metal bands such as Unearth and Trivium are. I think it’s worth noting that Jozzo isn’t completely new to recording and performing, having been in Slovakian bands Feel A Curse, Embalmed and Desecrated Dreams as far back as 1996. I think that experience has really benefitted this new project.

End And Means comes and goes very quickly yet it’s infectious tones, both musical and vocally, make it so much fun to listen to. In spite of it’s harsh subject matter, there’s something really catchy about this release. Fingers crossed for more from On War in the near future.

You can stream and purchased End and Means as a name your price download below:-

On War - https://www.facebook.com/OnWarBand

0N0 - Cloaked Climax Concealed 7"

Labels: Transcending Obscurity Records

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 03 Mar 2019

Tracklist:

1. The Crown Unknown

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Malokarpatan - Cesta Podzemnými Sálami Kovovlada EP

Labels: Sun & Moon Records

Formats: Vinyl

Release Date: 08 Apr 2019

Tracklist: 

1. Cesta Podzemnými Sálami Kovovlada I

2. Cesta Podzemnými Sálami Kovovlada II

Following my review of the latest EP from Romanian black metal band Siculicidium last week, I wanted to pay attention to the second promo that arrived at the same time. This one features Slovakian black metal band Malokarpatan and it once again comes courtesy of Sun & Moon Records. This EP has been released on 7" vinyl having been re-mastered following it's earlier digital release last year. Both songs here also featured on the 2017 "Samhain Celebration MMXVII" compilation tape that was released by German label Heimat Musik.

You’re greeted by bubbling, unnerving ambience on Cesta Podzemnými Sálami Kovovlada I. The ambience continues as it’s joined by folk elements and the odd smattering of guitar feedback. It’s all very intriguing as you wonder when Malokarpatan’s black metal will take hold. Cesta Podzemnými Sálami Kovovlada II is where that intrigue crescendo’s, as Malokarpatan’s heavier side bears fruit in a reverb-drenched way. The tone is lo-fi but obviously creative and the vocals are terrifying, being made up of deep bellows. The tempo is mid-paced and it sometimes draws from doom and even drone. There is groove within their music though and the addition of choral singing adds an extra occult layer to their sound.

This EP is another example of the avant-garde nature of black metal within Eastern Europe. Malokarpatan’s sound may be a little hard to palette for those who are anything but genre lifers, though their appeal is obvious. They serve up something once again unique and worthy of attention.

The full re-mastered EP can be streamed via Youtube below:-

You can buy vinyl copies from Sun & Moon Records here - http://www.sunandmoonrecords.com/.

Malokarpatan - https://www.facebook.com/malokarpatan/

Sun & Moon Records - https://www.facebook.com/sunandmoonrecordstransylvania/