Huron - The Dead Stay Dead

Tracklist:-

1. The Ark Of Deucalion

2. The Dead Stay Dead

3. Santa Muerte

4. Psychosis

5. Murder Hole

6. Despina

7. Bastard King

8. The Spirit Of Hate & Vengeance

9. Bokanovsky's Process

10. Solace

11. Flesh & Thorns

If it's one sub-genre of metal that the UK has been synonymous with it's thrash metal. From Onslaught in the 1980's to the New Wave Of British Thrash metal in the early 00's, where Evile and Gama Bomb got music fans and the press talking alike, it's always been a mainstay. Huron are hoping to carry torch for thrash in 2016 with a re-release of The Dead Stay Dead, an album that originally saw the light of day in mid-2015. It seems they've got big plans for this year!

Huron plays modern metal that’s full to the brim with melodic thrash. The Ark Of Deucalion shows a band with confidence. Confidence that only comes with playing both Download and Bloodstock festivals. This record’s title-track leans more towards European metal, bringing to mind bands like In Flames. It’s refreshing to hear a band not looking to ape the sounds of their American cousins in order to gain credence with younger listeners. Santa Muerte is heavy! An obvious statement when you hear those intro riffs really but I was hoping the rest of the record would be like this up to now. Personal quibbles aside, this is a great listen. The frenetic instrumentation during the song’s second half is neck-snappingly good fun and you can’t help but headbang along to it. Thankfully Huron retains that heaviness during Psychosis. The shorter song makes them sound more urgent and angry, with extra help coming from the clear production. One thing’s for certain, they know their way around a guitar solo! From Psychosis on, The Dead Stay Dead hits another gear entirely. Murder Hole is brilliantly catchy and even the semi-clean vocals don’t come across as being cheesy. Despina is a blaze of blast beats and crazed lead work, which is becoming a staple part of Huron’s sound. Huron leave no prisoners with Bastard King. It’s a violent song that has to be heard to be believed. It certainly propels the band into more extreme territory. Things get groovy on The Spirit Of Hate & Vengeance. The rhythms here remind a little of old Fear Factory (which isn’t a bad comparison), while there are hints of Soilwork in Bokanovsky’s Process. In my opening paragraph, I talked mainly about thrash but there is more to Huron than just one genre. They weave modern metal and even death metal textures into their music, which keeps it fresh. The final two songs on the record are more progressive and at time even slightly sombre. Solace (while suggesting peace and calm) is anything but. Solace flows almost straight into Flesh & Thorns, which rounds out the record with one final high-intensity barrage. I’m not embarrassed to say that this record was a lot better than I was expecting. Huron are excellent and with the maturity and professionalism that they show on record, they really should be bigger. I reckon they could definitely challenge for a place at the top of UK thrash now.

The entire album is streaming via Huron's Reverbnation page:-

https://www.reverbnation.com/huronofficial/song

Huron Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Huronofficial

Vimur - Traversing The Ethereal Current

Tracklist:-

1. Elegy Of The Morningstar

2. Leech of Humanity

3. The Pernicious Doctrine

4. Ephemeral Sentience

5. By Black Winds Oppressed

6. Professions Of The Heresiarch

7. Traversing The Ethereal Current

8. To Abide An Eternal Grief

9. Memory Of Heathen Reign

I bet very few of you have heard of this band. Vimur are a black metal band Atlanta (Georgia, US). Their 2014 full-length Traversing The Ethereal Current was sent to me a while ago by Boris Records. So, Vimur started playing their anti-religious, hateful black metal in 2006. They've released a couple of demos and a live album alongside this record, while they're currently recording their second full-length as we speak. They've recently supported 1349, Tombs and Full of Hell in their hometown and will be sharing the stage with ABSU in March too. Sounds like a pretty good start to the year for any band!

Vimur’s black metal is powerful. There’s no other word for it! They hit full gear immediately with opening track Elegy Of The Morningstar. The low-end and downtuned guitar providing menacing melody underneath the gargling screams while the drums press on unabated. Considering the band only had a couple of demos prior to this release, they sound remarkably assured. Leech Of Humanity makes use of some catchy hooks and slightly bizarre time-signatures. There’s no escaping Vimur’s ability to weave real atmosphere though. The brooding instrumental passages are eerily good. Black thrash takes centre stage on The Pernicious Doctrine. Semi-acoustic guitar breaks up the frenetic pace that propels Vimur forwards, providing beautiful glimpses of respite between battering. Ephemeral Sentience is the heaviest song on the album. It’s unrelenting! It has nods to early Venom and Vimur channel all that is good about USBM. The solemn beauty that opens By Black Winds Oppressed doesn’t prepare your what’s to come, as the band switches between icy blasts and mid-paced bleakness, making it sound more symphonic at times. In spite of all of the ungodly black metal that Traversing The Ethereal Current contains, it also holds some subtle modern metal touches. These are ever so slightly present during Professions Of The Heresiarch, mainly in the riffs. I’m not complaining as it’s used in the right way and adds to Vimur’s appeal. Instrumentally it’s an awesome song. The title track is equally as impressive and dare I say it…uplifting! It’s a lengthier number, stretching to over 7 minutes but Vimur can pull it off. They do it by interchanging between their rabid black thrash attack and more thoughtful interludes. It highlights a progressive side to them as well. To Abide In Eternal Grief contains a post-metal/doom feel. It’s different to what’s come before, with a slower tempo and thicker guitars that are allowed more space to breath. The bass once again adds real heft to the recording and it’s thanks in part to the excellent production. Some may think that the song is at odds with the rest of the record, but that’s short sighted in my opinion. It all ends with one final rousing number in the form of Memory Of Heathen Reign. It’s one last opportunity for Vimur to switch everything up to 11. Traversing The Ethereal Current is excellent from first note to last. I think it’s pretty special when a band that I’ve never heard, manages to move me with their music. That’s exactly what Vimur does and a love em!

Vimur Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vimurofficial/

This Noise Is Ours Presents: Reverberations Vol. 2

It's been over two years since I released Reverberations Vol. 1. It was always my intention to put together more than one compilation, but didn't expect it to take this long. Vol. 1 focused on local bands from Yorkshire and the surrounding areas, sticking to the original ethos of This Noise Is Ours by promoting local bands. Since the blog has grown to encompass bands and labels from across the globe, I decided not to limit this volume and wanted to make it as varied as possible. It's also been curated to celebrate the milestone of the blog reaching it's fifth year of existence during 2015.

You can stream and download the full compilation here:-

This post has been written to introduce you to all 23 bands appearing on the compilation. It provides some brief information about them and contains links to their music and merch. I hope that you enjoy the comp and please download it (for free) and share it with others. Lastly, thanks to all of the bands and labels who kindly provided tracks for inclusion. 

1. Aggravator - Fatalist (From album: Populace Destructor)

What better way to open this up than with a sharp burst of US Thrash metal. Texan band Aggravator released Populace Destructor (their second full-length) in 2014. The album was released via European label Dead Center Productions. The full record is available for streaming and download here - https://aggravator.bandcamp.com/album/populace-destructor-3.

Aggravator Website - http://www.aggravatorofficial.com
Dead Center Productions Website - http://deadcenter666.com/label/
Aggravator Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aggravatorthrashmetal
Dead Center Productions Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/deadcenterprod

2. Arcane North - Cold Lonley Moors (From split album: From Moonrise To Moonset w/Torver)
UK black metal band Arcane North provides a glimpse of the bleak but beautiful moors of Northern England. Their 2015 split CD with Torver was released by UK label Blackwood Productions and was the label's first release. A brief glimpse of the split can be heard here - https://www.youtube.com/watch

Arcane North Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ArcaneNorth
Blackwood Productions Store - http://blackwoodproductions.bigcartel.com
Blackwood Productions Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/blackwoodproductionsuk/

3. Black Crane Totem - Esteemed (From EP: Black Crane Totem)
Black Crane Totem are a new UK sludge/noise/powerviolence band who released their debut two-track EP via Vetala Productions last August. The band's minimal online presence adds to their mystique. You can stream and download the EP here - https://vetalaproductions.bandcamp.com/album/black-crane-totem

Vetala Productions Store - http://vetalaproductions.bigcartel.com
Vetala Productions Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vetalaproductions

4. Blastplan - Backstage Pass  (From EP: Illuminati Karate Party)
Devon pop-punks Blastplan released their latest EP via Supersick Records in October 2015. The trio sprung to live in November 2014 and aren't afraid to get into people's faces whenever they can. They're here to break up the heaviness. You can stream and download their EP via Super Sick Records here - https://supersickrecords.bandcamp.com/album/illuminati-karate-party

Blastplan Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Blastplan
Super Sick Records - http://www.supersickrecords.com
Super Sick Records Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/supersickrecords

5. Cranstøn - Macarena Murder Party (From EP: Stoatgobbler)
With our music scene becoming more and more overcrowded, the need to get your name out their and promote your band is important for your own future. UK punks Cranstøn are one such band, having recorded and released their debut EP last December they're giving it away free online. The least you can do is check this song out and then go and stream/download the EP from here - https://cranstonpunk.bandcamp.com/album/stoatgobbler

Cranstøn Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Cranstøn

6. Containment - Not Waving But Drowning (From EP: Containment Demo 2015)
Another band with links to UK label Vetala Productions. Sludge/hardcore trio Containment have slowly been going about their business. They release a demo last year and are due to support Jungbluth and Terrible Love (ex F4AF/Bastions/Grappler/Goodtime Boys) in London in February. Get yourselves acquainted with their metallic misery here -
https://vetalaproductions.bandcamp.com/album/containment-demo-2015

Containment Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/containmentdiy
Vetala Productions Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vetalaproductions

7. Deadspace - With Tears Of Callous Lust (From album: The Promise Of Oblivion)
Australian is known it's hot sun and long sandy beaches, so it's surprising that ambient DSBM band Deadspace call it home. They've kindly provided a song from their debut album, released by Winterwolf Record and they prove being from the other side of the world is no boundary. Stream and purchase the full album out here - https://deadspacecollective.bandcamp.com/album/the-promise-of-oblivion

Deadspace Online Store - http://deadspace.bigcartel.com
Deadspace Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/deadspacecollective
Winterwolf Records Website - http://winterwolfrecords.com
Winterwolf Records Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/winterwolfrecords666/

8. Dys Inbunden - Through Demise And Decay (From album: One With Morbidity, The Opus Misanthropy)
This wouldn't be a global compilation without a horde of raging Swedes. Dys Inbunden appear with a song from their latest full-length, released via Liflatinn Productions. They've been getting plenty of acclaim from the underground music press since the album's release and you can hear why by checking out their track.

Dys Inbunden Website - http://dysinbunden.se/home/
Dys Inbunden Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DysInbunden
Liflatinn Productions Website - http://liflatinn.se
Liflatinn Productions Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/liflatinn13/

9. Gateway - Vox Occultus (From album: Gateway)
Time for change of pace thanks the death/doom of Bruges's Gateway. Their self-titled debut album was release last year via Hellthrasher Productions. Gateway's existence as a solo-projects means that the band hasn't played live yer but that hasn't stopped it from coming to the attention of the like of Cvlt Nation and Terrorizer Magazine. You can stream and purchase the full album here - https://gatewaydeathdoom.bandcamp.com/album/gateway

Gateway Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/gatewaydeathdoom/
Hellthrasher Productions Website - http://www.hellthrasher.com
Hellthrasher Productions Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/hellthrasher.prod

10. Grand Detour - L'entre Deux Mers (From album: Tripalium) 
This new record from French screamo/punk's Grand Detour was release on three formats in a massive collaboration of 35 DIY record labels! With the turbulent times that bands and labels find themselves in nowadays, this release must surely be encouraging. You can stream and buy (as well as research those involved in the release) via Grand Detour's bandcamp page here - https://granddetour.bandcamp.com/album/tripalium

Grand Detour Tumblr - http://granddetour.tumblr.com/
Grand Detour Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wearegranddetour
Crapoulet Records Website - http://crapoulet.fr
Crapoulet Records Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Crapouletrecords

11. Grimmness - Sun (Unreleased)
Grimmness is a new UK noise act inspired by black metal, electronics and all kinds of band like Psywarfare and Full of Hell. The song Sun is due to be released in a split with UK black metal act Kastchei soon. You can hear previous works from Grimmness here - https://grimmness.bandcamp.com

Grimmness Tumblr - http://grimmnessnoise.tumblr.com/
Grimmness Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Grimmness

12. Hanshin - El Diablo 
York based pop-punk band Hanshin are the epitome of why This Noise Is Ours exists. They are so new in fact that El Diablo is currently the only song they've released to date. They are currently working on their debut EP yet they have already been played on BBC Introducing! Anyway, keep an eye on their bandcamp page for the release of their EP - https://hanshin.bandcamp.com/releases

Hanshin Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/hanshinband/

13. Ithaca - Lifelost (From EP: Trespassers)
London hardcore band Ithaca's star is on the rise. They released the great 7" Trespassers last year via CoF Records and this year you'll be seeing a lot more from them. If you want to waste your time listening to a talentless band who act like rock stars then go somewhere else, as you won't get that from Ithaca. Stream and purchase Trespassers and previous EP Narrow The Way here -  http://ithacauk.bandcamp.com/

Ithaca Website - http://ithacaband.co.uk/
Ithaca Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/IthacaUK
CoF Records Store - http://hatecof.bigcartel.com/
CoF Records Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/hatecof

14. Kastchei - Unholy Shitstorm In The Endless Spiralling Thread (Unreleased)
Black metal is one genre that keeps on expanding and evolving within the underground. Midlands (UK) band Kastchei will be appearing on a split with Grimmness (also on the comp) sometime this year. Make sure you listen to this unreleased track to prepare yourself for the harrowing onslaught to come. Hear previous works here - https://kastchei.bandcamp.com

Kastchei Blog - http://kastcheibm.blogspot.co.uk/
Kastchei Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kastcheibm

15. Layover - Doormat (From EP: What Little We Have Left)
Wolverhampton punks Layover self-released What Little We Have Left in September and since then they've been playing non-stop. Despite only having one EP to their name so far, Layover are another reason why they UK pop-punk scene is so strong at the moment. Listen to the full EP here - https://layoveruk.bandcamp.com/

Layover Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LayoverUK

16. Ressurecturis - 10:30 Animals In The Meeting Room (From Album: Nazienda)
Italy has given birth to some pretty experimental metal over the years and Ressurecturis are one band that gave escaped my attention. Well, that's no longer the case thanks to their latest album Nazienda. The crazy thing is, they've been playing music for overn 20 years now and have several demos and albums to their name.

Ressurecturis Website - http://www.resurrecturis.com
Ressurecturis Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/resurrecturismusic

17. Sykelig Englen - Perfecting Failure (From Album: Hymns Of The Dead)
The roots of black metal may well and truly be rooted in Norwegian soil, but with the cold and grey atmosphere that envelopes the UK, it's little surprise that we're catching our Norse cousins up. Solo-project Sykelig Englen has been creating music since 2008 and Hymns Of The Dead contains 12 depressive black ballads. Stream and purchase the album (digitally or physically) here - https://sykeligenglen.bandcamp.com

Sykelig Englen Website - http://jurgkirby.wix.com/sykeligenglen
Sykelig Englen Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SykeligEnglen7

18. This City Limits - Runaway (From EP: Here's To Hoping)
Here's another band from my neck of the woods. This City Limits from Leeds released Here's To Hoping last November and they supported Kris Roe (The Ataris) at his Leeds show in December. Expect some pretty big thing from them over the coming months. Stream and download Here's To Hoping from their bandcamp page - https://thiscitylimits.bandcamp.com

This City Limits Website - http://www.thiscitylimits.com/
This City Limits Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thiscitylimits

19. Thisismenotthinkingofyou - WhiteFeathers III (From Split: w/Us Palm)
Experimental UK ambient screamo, bet you never though you'd hear that! Thisismenotthinkingofyou (or TIMnTOY) has been releasing music at quite the rate over the last year or so. WhiteFeathersIII appears on the recent split tape with Us Palm that came out via Adorno Records. Check their side out here - https://thisismenotthinkingofyou.bandcamp.com

Thisismenothinkingofyou Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/timntoy/

20. Today, They Are Older - From Finland With Love (From EP: Today, They Are Older EP)
If you were to take an educated at the nationality of Today, They Are Older based on this song title, you'd be wrong. This post-hardcore five-piece are in fact from Lancashire. They released this self-titled EP in February 2015, been reviewed in Kerrang! Mag and toured UK in the same year. Not too shabby! You can stream and download the EP here - https://todaytheyareolder.bandcamp.com

Today, They Are Older Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TodayTheyAreOlder

21. Torver - Lunar Ritual (From split album: From Moonrise To Moonset)
Featuring on the same split as Arcane North above, Torver also presented three tracks full of ambient and majestic black metal. With two previous releases to their name and members with plenty of UKBM experience, they're an exciting prospect. The entire split is streaming on Youtube here - https://www.youtube.com/watch

Torver Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Torver666
Blackwood Productions Store - http://blackwoodproductions.bigcartel.com
Blackwood Productions Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/blackwoodproductionsuk/

22. Ungoliantha - Following The Black Kindness (From Album: Through The Chaos, Through Time, Though The Death)
Ukraine, despite it's past and present political strife still manages to produce some excellent extreme metal. Ungoliantha formed in 1996 and took heed from their Norwegian brethren. Adorned in corpse paint they went onto release demos and a live album before release their first full-length proper last via Dead Center Productions. You can stream and download the full album here - https://ungoliantha.bandcamp.com/releases

Ungoliantha Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ungoliantha/
Dead Center Productions Website - http://deadcenter666.com/label/
Dead Center Productions Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/deadcenterprod

23. Vacivus - Ageless, Nameless (From EP: Rite Of Ascension)
Spawning from fellow death metallers Dawn Of Chaos, Vacivus released the brilliant Rite Of Ascension EP via Goatprayer Records last year. Shortly after it's release, a CD version was pressed by Hellthrasher Productions. Vacivus are down to play at this year's North Of The Wall Festival, which promises to be something special. Stream and purchase Rite Of Ascension here - https://vacivus.bandcamp.com/releases

Vacivus Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vacivus/
Hellthrasher Productions Store - http://hellthrasher.com/shop/
Hellthrasher Productions Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/hellthrasher.prod
Goatprayer Records Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/goatprayerrecords

24. Warhawk - Flying Tigers (From Demo: Down In Hell)
I couldn't start drawing this comp to a close with a good old dose of heavy metal. Italy's Warhawk have only released one demo to date, but to have them appearing on here is a pleasure. Get you battle jackets out and enjoy some bouncing riffs and good times. You can stream songs from Down In Hell via Soundcloud here - https://soundcloud.com/fabio-warhawk-trabuio

Warhawk Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/WarhawkMetalBand/

25. Wolf Counsel - Wolf Counsel (From Album: Vol 1 - Wolf Counsel)
Last but not least I leave you with the cavernous doom of Swiss band Wolf Counsel. They formed at the start of 2015 and wasted little time in release their first album. With another on the way this year, you this as an opportunity to get well acquainted with them. Stream and purchase the full album here - https://wolfcounsel.bandcamp.com

Wolf Counsel Website - http://www.wolfcounsel.net
Wolf Counsel Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thewolfcounsel

Cowards - Shooting Blanks & Pills

Tracklist:-

1. Hoarse From The Get Go

2. Last Card

3. Scarce

4. Vices & Hate

5. Arrogant, Unseen

6. Grand Failure

This was the first record to come from Parisians Cowards back in 2012. It was reissued in 2014 via Canadian label Secret Handshake Recordings. I didn't get the chance to review it the first time round but am getting the opportunity now. This is the record that set Cowards (and their infectious blend of hardcore, sludge and black metal) up for future records and Euro tours. I was lucky enough to see them in Leeds a couple of years back and they were excellent. Going backwards in a band's catalogue is a good as going forward!

The title of the opener to this record pretty much describes Cowards to a tea. Hoarse From The Get Go is a head-spinning collage of hardcore screams, off-kilter riffs and blackened noise. In fact it airs more towards black metal than later EP Hoarder did. One listener review on Bandcamp states that this is the standout track on the album and I can certainly see why they think that. Amongst gut-punching the listener, Cowards also present a subtler (but not softer) side with Last Card. It’s a longer and more experimental number that brims with menacing sludge and dark atmospherics. It reminds me of the slow caffeine release imparted by the black coffee I have in hand. That being said, they’ve still manage to make it catchy as hell, even with a repeating and hypnotic riff at it’s heart. Their music becomes even slower on Scarce, which is about as mournful as it gets really. The extended instrumental passage that underpins the haunting spoken word samples becomes all the more vivid as you get sucked in. The best place to experience this would be in a dark and sweaty room at a live show and not while sitting on your couch, but beggars can’t be choosers. Cowards hit back with a barrage of power on Vices & Hate. I guess being current and ex-members of some of France’s most extreme bands helps you achieve this. The wall of sound created by the combination of head-battering instruments and angry human emotions is as close as you’re gonna get to the end-time! Arrogant, Unseen are opposite terms and the song itself is also the opposite to closer Grand Failure, raging and urgent. Grand Failure is every bit the feedback ridden beast you wanted it to be. Bringing to mind UK sludge mainstays Moloch, it attacks with violent bass and lurching tempos. I have to admit I enjoy this side of the band greatly but knowing how bulging the sludge scene right now, the path Cowards went down with Hoarder and later Rise To Infamy makes a lot of sense. At least Secret Handshake’s reissue meant that this record could reach new ears. For that they must be applauded and Cowards lauded for allowing it to happen. 

Stream the album and pick up a CD here:-

I can't seem to find anywhere selling copies of the repress of Shooting Blanks & Pills, but you may be able to get some from distros etc.

Cowards Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cowardsparis
Secret Handshake Recordings Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/secrethandshakerecordings

Poison Tongues - For Freedom's Sake EP

Tracklist:-

1. Bastards

2. Vagabond

3. Lions

4. Keep Your Head Down

Ten years ago if you'd have asked me to name some hardcore bands, the first names that would have sprung to mind would have been Hatebreed, Madball and Agnostic Front. That was before I started this blog and before I truly got into the genre though. Detroit's Poison Tongues are a new band that follows the same bloodline. They rose from the ashes of US hardcore bands like Earthmover, The Alliance and others, which I am ashamed to say I've never heard of but will be seeking out once I've written this review. Poison Tongues released their latest EP via US label Fast Break Records in October of last year.

Poison Tongues write hard-hitting but musically intelligent hardcore. Bastards is a mix of both metalcore in it’s barest (least watered down) form and traditional hardcore. It’s got a comforting chug to it that only highlights their veteran status in the hardcore scene. Vagabond is more to the point and the sub two-minute playing time suits PT’s sound. There’s no pretence or glamour here, just straight-up riffs. No sooner has it finished that Lions enters the fray. Taking elements from beatdown hardcore, PT hammers the point home with precision. Closing song Keep Your head Down is the most metal song on For Freedom’s Sake. It’s crossover appeal comes from the intense drumming and thrash-laden riffs. Poison Tongues are very patriotic and support their serving friends and family. The lyrics in Keep Your Head Down portray a modern day battle scene, as do the samples and effect towards the end. Hardcore has long been used to help get real-life messages out to wider ears and For Freedom’s Sake is no different. This is strong music with a strong message.

For Freedom's Sake isn't streaming in full online, but you can purchase the EP from Fast Break Records here - http://fastbreakrecords-pa.limitedrun.com

Poison Tongues Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ptdetroit/

Fast Break Records Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FastBreakEnt

Idiot Shivers - Por Favor Idiotas EP

Tracklist:

1. Unleash

2. EU Planet

3. Cynical Mother (Self-Interest Warsong)

4. Framtidsbodlar

5. Entombed!

5. Big Rock

I've had this tape for while now. Brighton's Headless Guru Records once again knocked it out the park by release this demo by Swedish hardcore punks Idiot Shivers. Together with partners in crime, Moral Panic Records, they've shone a light another new band (to these ears!). This time there's a clear tape housed within the signature card-sleeve, though don't bother trying to read the song-titles on the back, because if you're copy is anything like mine you'll know that the print is upside down and the wrong way round, whichever way you look at it. Nice touch though!

This is real punk. Raw, noisy and uncontrollable. Ringing feedback wages war with your ears as raging guitar, angry snarling screams and distant drums fight for space on opener Unleash. It’s a pretty apt title as it sets the scene for Idiot Shivers. EU Planet reminds me a bit of The Hammer (which incidentally received a release via both Moral Panic and Headless Guru too). The guitar is super chunky though!. Idiot Shivers prefer short and sweet blasts and before you know you’re halfway through the tape as Cynical Mother (Self-Interest Warsong) breezes past. There’s a short before they channel their inner crust punk on Framtidsbodlar. There’s not a noticeable change in sound here, just an underlying ugliness that reminds that Swedes aren’t just all about brooding death metal. That last sentence leads neatly on to Entombed!, which I’m hoping is an excited nod to the Swe-death pioneers. It’s definitely got a murky, sludgy edge to it that non of it’s predecessors have had. Closing song Big Rock is a tight and solid rock n roll song, as the name suggests. The grooving riffs that start it break to reveal an extended blast of punk that reaches nearly three-minutes. It’s chaotic and unhealthy, but for all the best reasons. If Sweden continues to spit out bands at the same rate as feral  kids getting into legal highs, we’re gonna have to slap a health warning on them! This is brilliant and I want more.

Stream and download the demo (name-your-price) here:-

Buy a tape from the labels below:-

Headless Guru Records - http://headlessgururecords.bigcartel.com/
Moral Panic Records - http://moralpanic.bigcartel.com/

Idiot Shivers Facebook  - https://www.facebook.com/idiotshivers
Headless Guru Records Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeadlessGuruRecords
Moral Panic Records Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/moralpanicrec

Absolutist - Traverse 7"

Tracklist:-

1. Sleepless Tension

2. Lux

3. Traverse

I've just realised that by this time last year, I'd already written three review and a introduction feature so I needed to remedy that...and fast! I decided to turn to arguably one of the nicest looking 7"s released last year. Absolutist's three-track 7" Traverse was released via a cooperative of no less than 7 labels and was their only release of the year. A nice black record housed in a pristine white sleeve with black artwork was what greeted me when it turned up in the post. It came at the right time too as I hadn't got any music by Absolutist since their split with Abest in 2013. 

The crust of Absolutist has become a lot more anthemic (or it just me?) since their earlier releases in 2013. Sleepless Tension may still be caustic in delivery but the melodic riffs that accompany it are a perfect opposite and help create a strong atmosphere. While the opener is short and blasting, Lux feels entirely different with it’s ambient and gentle build-up. When the guitars come into view they present big riffs, backed up by a skillful rhythm section. Elements of post-metal nestle within Absolutist’s hardcore. The release that comes from the verses is palpable, especially when held up against the more sedate passages. The latter-half of Lux rages and wipes out any notion of the band slowing down and abandoning their crust blueprint. I’ve always had a lot of time for Irish bands, Raum Kingdom being one example. On the title-track Absolutist reminds me that I stayed away from this corner of the world for too long (in musical terms). I thought that these three songs were going to be over in a flash but they weren’t at all. Anger tempered with beauty and the way that Absolutist has captured that feeling is really special. This was really enjoyable. 

Stream Traverse here:-

Grab the 7" from the below labels:-

Distro-y Records- http://distroyrecords.com
Svoboda Records - http://www.svoboda-records.fr
Chainbreaker Records - https://www.facebook.com/chainbreakerrecords/
Broken Limbs Recordings - http://www.brokenlimbsrecordings.net
Never Fall Into Silence Records - http://neverfallintosilencerecords.bigcartel.com
Pumpkin Records - http://pumpkinrecords.co.uk
Holy Goat Records - https://www.facebook.com/holygoatrecords/

Absolutist Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Absolutist
Distro-y Records Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Distroy-Records
Svoboda Records Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SvobodaRecords
Broken Limbs Recordings Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/brokenlimbs
Never Fall Into Silence Records Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/neverfallintosilence
Pumpkin Records Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pumpkinrecordsuk

UK Blog Awards 2016: Vote For This Noise Is Ours!

I little while ago, I was nominated for this years UK Blog Awards in the Arts & Culture: Music category and public voting opens today. If you read my blog and enjoy it, please vote via the link below:-

http://www.blogawardsuk.co.uk/vote-now

2015 In Review

I'd talked myself out of doing an "End Of Year List" because I didn't feel I'd covered as many of this years releases as I wanted; however, on reflection it's been a pretty good year and I couldn't let it go without writing something. I've decided to go with a review of 2015 covering the blog's ten most read posts, as well as talking about some of my personal favourite records of the year (based on what I've written about) and to close out by looking ahead to 2016.

Most Read Posts of 2015

These are the posts or reviews that gained the most attention this year in order of views:-

10. Putrid Offal - Mature Necropsy (118 views)

French death metallers Putrid Offal released Mature Necropsy via Kaotoxin Records in February 2015. Death metal seems to have exploded this year and while this was one of the more straight-up releases of the year, it obviously struck a chord with you.

9. Black Years - Black Years II 7" (122 views)

This 7" was the final recorded output from Black Years in early 2015, as they ceased shortly afterwards. A short but sweet slab of UK riffy punk. You can still pick copies up from Footloose Records (check the link in the review above).

8. Last Orders - Witch Hunter Records (125 views)

In 2015 the UK lost another hard-working DIY label. Witch Hunter Records was around before this blog started and many of Chris's releases have been featured here, including the four in this review. Gone but definitely not forgotten.

7. No Omega - Occupants 12” (149 views)

2015 saw the release of this glorious 1-sided 12" via Dog Knights Productions. The blistering hardcore/screamo of Sweden's No Omega was one thing, but the etching on the B-side really made this record standout.

6. Brotherhood - Till Death… (150 views)

Southern Lord's continued habit of releasing heavy music from the archives continued in 2014 with the help of Overkill Records, when they released this rarities LP from US SXE band Brotherhood. This is  your chance to check out a piece of hardcore history if you haven't already.

5. Doom Over Edinburgh 2015 - Post-Gig Review (151 views)

In March 2015 I ventured up to Edinburgh for the first edition of Doom Over Edinburgh. I was my first attempt at reviewing a gig/festival and despite drinking too much on the first night, I managed to rustle something together when I got back. The festival returns in 2016.

4. Caina - Setter Of Unseen Snares LP (161 views)

Caina released what was (in my humble opinion) one of the best LP's of 2015. Setter Of Unseen Snares was the first to feature the band's new vocalist and spawned a new chapter for the band. It still remains on constant repeat here, especially the haunting closer Orphan.

3. Rash Decision - Seaside Resort To Violence (177 - views)

Cornwall's premier punk band Rash Decision released a banger back in 2014. It's release brought together a slew of labels and it proved what DIY ethics can do. There's still plenty of reasons to check this out, especially because they reissued it alongside Headstrung on LP last year!

2. Singapore - A Country of Extremes and Broad Scenes (181 views)

This post was supposed to be the first of many scene reports, but for some reason ended up being the only one I posted in 2015. That said, it seemed to be pretty popular and it was really fun to do.

1. Old Soul/NIC - Split 12” (189 - views)

Finally, here's the post that got the most attention on my humble blog in 2015. A review of the 2014 split 12" by Old Soul and NIC. Screamo grew in popularity during 2015 and this split was an example of the sheer breathe of talent calling the genre home. 

In terms of my highlights from 2015, there have been so many amazing releases that I've been privileged to be able to write about here. There are too many to list (nearly 200!), but I've narrow it down to the 30 that really made their mark on me (in no particular order):-

Caina - Setter Of Unseen Snares LP

Raccoon City Police Department - Nightlife LP

Crowns & Thieves - Gravity LP

Blue Friend - Home/Violence 7”

Hybrid Nightmares - The First Age EP

Occult 45 - Human Abhorrence

Formes - Dysphoria Part 1

Regresser - .2 EP

Simmer - Yellow Streak 7"

Torpor - From Nothing Comes Everything

Faces Of Eve - The Story So Far EP

Okazaki Fragments - Abandoned

IZAH - Sistere

O Graceful Musing's Burden - Im Draußen Bricht Sich Das Drinnen

All Out War - Dying Gods EP

Vacivus - Rite Of Ascension EP

Minors - Anno Domini EP

Bone Tomb - Tombs Of Blood Tape

Fell To Low - Low In The Dust

Disgrace - True Enemy

Total Fucking Destruction/Fubar - Split 7"

Altar Of Complaints/Seek/Stubborn Father/Thetan - Split 12"

Sangus - Pedicabo Mundi EP

Ithaca - Trespassers 7"

Venom Prison - The Primal Chaos 7"

Altarage - MMXV Demo

Pendulous - A Palpable Sense Of Love And Loss

Arcane North/Torver - From Moonrise To Moonset Split

Lychgate - An Antidote For The Glass Pill

Downers - Noose 7"

2016

It looks like 2015 has been a pretty good then! Looking forward to this year, it's going to be a busy one hopefully. Firstly, I'm about to begin uploading my second digital download compilation, Reverberations Vol. 2 and I'll be writing a big promo piece to go with it. I've got songs from over twenty bands from different genres and countries appearing on it.

Following that, I'm going to be interviewing a US post-hardcore/metalcore band. It's going to be a pretty special interview because the band in question haven't been active for over ten years and are from a period when I really started to take notice of underground and new bands. 

I'm looking to build the blog's readership this year, develop a few new things including a podcast and I am looking to do some guest posts elsewhere (if people or publications are up for it?). 

Finally, This Noise Is Ours has been nominated in the Arts & Entertainment: Music category for the 2016 UK Blog Awards. Public voting begins tomorrow so if you like the blog, please go to the following link and vote for me - http://www.blogawardsuk.co.uk.

Thank you for your continued support and interest over the last twelve months.