2021 End-Of-Year List from Mikey Ortega (This Noise Is Ours Contributor/Diclonious)

Top 10 Albums of 2021

Well, it looks like we’ve survived another year.  Even though we’re still living through a pandemic and restrictions are still being enforced, at least we still got some killer tunes to help us get through the year.  We got another all-female three piece from Boise, making their debut. We got a blackened-screamo/post-hardcore band releasing two sick albums and we got one of the most influential experimental hardcore bands, collaborating with one of the most prominent singer-songwriters in the last 10 years. 2021 wasn’t as bad as 2020. At least we were able to see live shows. If there was one thing that sucked about 2021, it’s all the vinyl that had to get delayed, because all the major labels booked every plant there is. But at least we were given download codes, so we can at least listen digitally, before the vinyl arrives.  Lastly, before I get into my Top 10, I want to name some honourable mentions. As you know, it can be a bit difficult putting down your Top 10 with there being thousands of releases coming out this year. In no particular order, here are some albums that I think should get some love:

 

Lustmord & Karin Park – ALTER

Lori Bravo – BARE BONES

Circle of Sigh – NARCI

Amulet – HOUSE OF BLACK + WHITE

Ghorot – LOSS OF LIGHT

Kosmodemonic – LIMINAL LIGHT

The Sun and the Mirror – DISSOLUTION TO SALT AND BONE

I Ya Toyah – OUT OF ORDER

Storie Grubb – CRAWLSPACE

Portrayal of Guilt – We Are Always Alone

 

And now my TOP 10 Albums of 2021:

 

#10. Sawtooth Monk – Peregrination

If you’ve listened to Boise’s Ealdor Bealu, then you know what a talented individual Travis Abbott is.  His side project, Sawtooth Monk, is a perfect blend of folk, space rock and prog, that really captures the atmosphere of the great outdoors. PEREGRINATION is a perfect example of that. It’s an album that really opens your mind and takes you in a journey. With tracks like “Off The Grid”, “The Centering Breath” and “Borrowed Time”, PEREGRINATION is an album that doesn’t repeat itself. Every new track is a new adventure. 

#9. Sara Ohm – Noise Creeps.

One of the most intense releases this year, NOISE CREEPS really packs a punch and makes a statement. It’s an album that captures a time where not everything was what we thought. Seeing everyone speaking up, you knew something has got to really change. When it comes to the writing and texture, you can’t help but admire Sara’s ability to create an atmosphere and challenge the status quo   and I hope that lots of people talk about this album for many years.

#8. Lori LaRayne – Thirst

For a good 5 years, now, I’ve been keeping my ears out on what’s happening in the Boise music scene.  And it’s artist like Lori LaRayne, why I do. Her debut album, THIRST, is an album I don’t come across that often. It’s a great blend of folk, Americana and goth, and it makes me respect each genres even more. Worth checking out if you want to get out of your comfort zone.

#7. Blood Lemon – Blood Lemon

Another Boise band that also grabbed my attention is Blood Lemon. I’ve been anticipating their debut album, ever since their first single, “Burned”, was heard on Radio Boise. It’s a record with lots of great jams that makes you proud of rock n’ roll. Right when you think you have Blood Lemon figured out, they will just change the course, and has you guessing again. When you have 3 talented musicians, who’s been at it for a while, you’re definitely gonna get an album that totally rocks and will blow your mind.

#6. King Woman - Celestial Blues

When King Woman released the video for “Morning Star”, you knew that CELESTIAL BLUES was gonna be another benchmark for the band. They already took Doom to new heights with their debut ep, DOUBT and would later take it up a notch with IN THE VISION OF SUFFERING. There was no doubt that CELESTIAL BLUES was gonna be a crushing album. Kris Esfandari and the rest of the band, have proven that they can push themselves and challenge the genre. It’s really great to see the band expanding themselves with Celestial Blues. You just know the band is going to exceed your expectations.

#5. Lingua Ignota – Sinner Get Ready

When ever Kristen Hayter puts out a new Lingua Ignota album, I can’t help but to be excited. I always wonder what direction the project is gonna take next and with SINNER GET READY, it really caught me surprised. It’s a record that isn’t like the previous ones. With SINNER GET READY, we find Lingua Ignota’s sound a bit more stripped down, but still has that raw power that we all know and love. 

#4. Backxwash – I Lie Here with My Rings and My Dresses

 

Canada’s Backxwash was definitely the darkhorse in my list. I remember Vile Creatures being hyped for this album but I didn’t get to check it out til August. Probably one of the most dark and intense experimental hip-hop albums I’ve heard in a while. You do hear a lot of influences from trap, industrial, black metal, etc. If I LIE HERE WITH MY RINGS AND MY DRESSES sounds like something up your alley, then definitely check it out.

#3. The Armed – Ultrapop

It’s amazing to hear how The Armed started out as a matchcore band to what they are now.  Especially with an album like ULTRAPOP, which is all over the place, yet, very cohesive. ULTRAPOP is a high energy record that keeps the spirit of rock n’ roll alive. You are definitely gonna have lots of fun with this record.

#2. Portrayal of Guilt – Christfucker

 

2021 must have been one hell of a year for Portrayal of Guilt. The band put out two killer records this year – WE ARE ALWAYS ALONE in January and CHRISTFUCKER in November. As much as I would have love to put both records on my Top 10, I felt it wouldn’t be fair to the other artist who put out some killer releases this year. So, I decided to go with CHRISTFUCKER. Maybe because that one is their most recent, so it felt more fresh but CHRISTFUCKER is a pretty dark and ugly record. If there was a soundtrack for how bleak and misanthropic this year has been, CHRISTFUCKER is definitely the one you’ll be spinning.

#1. Amigo the Devil – Born Against

If there was one record that really clicked with me, it would be BORN AGAINST by Amigo the Devil.  From the lyrics to the songwriting, BORN AGAINST brought some comfort that got me through 2021.  Some songs were sad. Others had a sense of humour but above all, every track was beautifully written.  For a folk project, it gets pretty dark, compared to other heavy records that came out this year. This is one of those records that I put on while drinking some whiskey and just watch the World go completely mad.

Well, I hope everyone had an awesome 2021. Can’t wait to see what 2022 brings and keeps the momentum going. Really looking forward to some new music by Author & Punisher, Crowbar, The French Tips, The Black Scorpio Underground and more. Hope to bring new reviews and interviews this year.  

Everyone keep safe and continue supporting the music scene.

Moongazer - Gone

Labels: Silentium In Foresta Records/Larry Records

Formats: CD/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 29 Jul 2021

Tracklist:

1. This Wretched Existence

2. Catatonic

3. Please Don't Go

This review features a band that is new to me and a release that I was due to help promote via a premiere (at least the tape version anyway), but some things don't always work out so I decided I would write about it anyway. Gone is the debut EP from US depressive black metal/blackgaze project Moongazer. It was originally self-released digitally back in July of last year, before seeing a CD release via Mexican label Silentium In Foresta Records (which includes the bonus track 'Rumination'). US label Larry Records picked it up for a tape release shortly afterwards, with the run selling out just as we slid into 2022. With a hint that more maybe coming out later this month, it seems like a good time to give this a spin.

It’s a strange existence that we reside in right now, somewhere beyond normality yet accepting what we have as just that. In uncertain times we find ourselves grasping onto art or possessions that we might not have held so dear before and that certainly counts where music is concerned. Moongazer seems to understand this (whether on purpose or not) and EP (or maybe album?) opener ‘This Wretched Existence’ is aptly presented with both cold extremity and warm melody. Distancing itself from you but also extending it’s hand out in friendship. 

With the use of melancholic guitar, percussion that turns from sensitive to mournfully blasting and vocals that are both ice cold up front, and subtly choral behind, the opener really strikes a chord, as does the piano towards the end. ’ Catatonic’ is an otherworldly piece that features a lot of ambience and noise. It’s unnerving but then I guess it’s supposed to be. Not everything in this life is meant to be comforting. 

Sadness and self-reflection truly prevails on final song ‘Please Don’t Go’. It’s the record’s longest song and as such, it’s most expansive too. Moongazer weaves into it familiar black metal and lighter instrumentation that seems to move between genres. Whatever you feel about black metal and extreme music in general, you’ll be hard pressed to dismiss this release if you’re a genuine music lover. That such beauty and creativity can come from one person, no matter how obscure, is amazing. 

I’m not going to say anything else except listen to Gone and buy it in any format you can. You won’t regret it.

You can stream and purchase the release digitally from Moongazer's bandcamp page below:-

Moongazer - https://www.facebook.com/moongazerofficial

Physical CD copies can be purchased from Silentium In Foresta Records below (only five copies remain):-

https://silentiuminforestarecords.bandcamp.com/album/moongazer-gone

There may be more copies coming from Larry Records, but I'll correct this if not.

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

Silentium In Foresta Records - https://www.facebook.com/SilentiumInForestaRecords

Dr. Colossus – I’m a Stupid Moron with an Ugly Face and a Big Butt and My Butt Smells and I Like to Kiss My Own Butt (by Mikey Ortega)

Label: Self-Released

Format: Vinyl/CD/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 21 May, 2021

 

Tracklist:

1. Sex Cauldron

2. Pickabar

3. Lard Lad

4. So Long Stinktown

5. Get Mendoza

6. Hummingbird of Bengal

7. Space Coyote

 

Australia’s Dr. Colossus is a band that I feel in love with a while back, when Doomed & Stoned reported about a Stoner/Doom band, that sang about The Simpsons. Like, how can you not be a fan of that. As a 90’s kid, The Simpsons was a huge part of my life. Hell, in college, quoting Simpsons lines was a sport. Their impact on pop culture could not be denied. When Dr. Colossus put out their 2017 release, THE DANK, it brought back great memories with some heavy riffage. After releasing two singles, the Springfield worshiping Aussies have entered 2021 with a brand new album (probably the greatest album title), I’M A STUPID MORON WITH AN UGLY FACE AND A BIG BUTT AND MY BUTT SMELLS AND I LIKE TO KISS MY OWN BUTT. So how does this hold up against THE DANK?  Well, let’s go and find out.

 

“Sex Cauldron” gets things started, and boy, does it come out charging at you, like Drederick Tatum. It’s a song that goes full-throttle, like High On Fire. It will definitely get you banging along and flipping the goat. “Lard Lad” is a catchy tune that will have you singing along with your pals, while driving down Springfield. By the 3:30 mark, things pick up and we get a nice guitar solo, with an organ in the background. Excellent placement.  We then go into the heavy-blues of “So Long Stinktown”. The perfect track when leaving your shithole town. The riffs are killer and I’m sure any fan of Doom and Stoner Rock will appreciate it. If there’s a song that defines Dr. Colossus’ musicianship, it will be “Get Mendoza”. Love how it has a Mastodon influence with a touch of Alice In Chains/Jerry Cantrell. Not sure if that’s what they were going for, but it sure as hell would be interesting to be there during the writing process. The album closes out with “Space Coyote”, who is probably the coolest character that The Simpsons have ever created (and voiced by Johnny Cash). The song really captures the feel of the “El Viaje Misterioso de Nuestro Jomer (The Mysterious Voyage of Homer)” episode. You feel a bit lost traveling through a cosmic desert. But no worries, Space Coyote is here to guide us. The track does take you on a journey with the way the instrumentation is built up. From the acoustic intro to those killer grungy-stoner riffs, the solo and back to the acoustic, “Space Coyote” may be one of the best songs Dr. Colossus has ever written. Probably rivals “Holy Driver” from THE DANK. It’s definitely a track that you can crank up at a family BBQ.

 

You can say that the whole Simpsons theme is a total gimmick, but I’M A STUPID MORON WITH AN UGLY FACE AND A BIG BUTT AND MY BUTT SMELLS AND I LIKE TO KISS MY OWN BUTT proves that Dr. Colossus is more than that. From the musicianship to the song writing and vocals, Dr. Colossus have really stepped it up and have left their mark in the Doom/Stoner scene. They were able to have fun and be silly, but at the same time, back it up with killer riffs and with the whole Simpsons theme, I’m sure there are plenty of ideas in the works, that will last them for many years (I hope to see a Halloween album dedicated to Treehouse of Horrors). There’s a reason why the band won “BEST HEAVY METAL ACT” in the 2021 Music Victoria Award and if you can’t hear that on I’M A STUPID MORON WITH AN UGLY FACE AND A BIG BUTT AND MY BUTT SMELLS AND I LIKE TO KISS MY OWN BUTT, then EAT MY SHORTS.

 

You can stream and purchase I’M A STUPID MORON WITH AN UGLY FACE AND A BIG BUTT AND MY BUTT SMELLS AND I LIKE TO KISS MY OWN BUTT on the links below.  and be sure to follow them on social media:-

Website - https://www.drcolossustheband.com/

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

Instagram - @drcolossustheband

Varoshan - ...And Then The Rains Came

Labels: Elitbolaget

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 11 Jan 2022

Tracklist:

1. The Crow

2. The Wrath

3. The Tyrant

4. Tyger Heart (Interlude)

5. The Message (feat. Riina Rinkinen)

6. The Snake

Today marks the release of the debut album from European sludge/hardcore band Varoshan. With members residing in Finland, Germany and the United Kingdom, being able to release an album during the current restrictions is no mean feat. ...And Then The Rains Came is available both on tape and digitally via Finnish label Elitbolaget. I've read that Varoshan can be compared to the likes of Tombs, Converge and Black Sabbath, so this should be quite a ride.

…And Then The Rains Came is initially very different to what I was expecting, given the bands that Varoshan is compared to. I suppose it’s best to leave comparisons at the door sometimes. That might sound like a negative way to begin a review, but it’s not meant to be as Varoshan’s take on metal is very captivating on opener ‘The Crow’. Heavy, groovy and melodic with vocals that are both extreme and approachable. It’s certainly an intriguing listen straight out of the gate.

That groove I was talking about lies well and truly with the guitar work of Anders Bomberg, backed up by bassist Matias Lofman’s low-end on ‘The Wrath’. This is what I had conjured up in my mind when imagining what Varoshan would sound like (although I know that sort of thing is impossible). The very strong percussion of Anders Tornqvist adds a ton of volume to the song, while Mark Howes roars over the top. Heck, there’s even the odd bit of Incubus-like funk going on. I guess that’s where Varoshan’s alternative side shows through.

So far so good then. This album really hits the spot if you’re looking for something meaty and riff-laden. ‘The Tyrant’ is much more reliant on the band’s low-end, as well as atmospherics and spoken-word samples to add to Varoshan’s already intense layers of sound. When they change things up and throw in some nice psychedelic riffs later on, it all gets a bit too much (in terms of how enjoyable it is!). The second half of the album begins with the interlude ‘Tyger Heart’. It breaks things up slightly but at the same time leads you nicely on.

What follows that interlude is ‘The Message’, which features additional vocals from Riina Rinkinen. Varoshan’s sound here takes a slightly slower turn, at least for a time with the instrumentation definitely becoming more doom-like. The addition of Riina’s clean tones give the song a much greater occult feel, even when up next to Mark’s harsher vocals. This is a side that I like very much.

It’s left to ‘The Snake’, the album’s longest song, to wind it’s way to a final conclusion. It’s a mix of the doom of ‘The Message’ and the alternative elements from earlier on in the album. It’s a pretty calming way to close things out and shows the versatility of all members of Varoshan. All of the above mentioned sub-genres are gathered together to create a really solid metal album. One that has it’s own personality and poise. Great job!

You can stream the full album and purchase it both digitally or on tape (or both!) below:-

Varoshan - https://www.facebook.com/varoshandoom

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

Youth Novel/Coma Regalia - The Gentle Harm Of Tradition Split

Labels: Dingleberry Records/Middle-Man Records/Too Far Gone Records/Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 07 Apr 2016

Tracklist:

1. Youth Novel - V

2. Youth Novel - VI

3. Coma Regalia - Each Day A Gift

4. Coma Regalia - From Me To You

I'm back after a few days of family time. I'm getting far too used to not working a full week as well. Got a week coming up where I can catch up on writing/planning and I'm kicking things off with the first Zegema Beach Roster review of 2022, in the form of the 2016 Youth Novel/Coma Regalia split. Released both on vinyl and digitally via a select group of labels, it's not been mentioned much (at least to my knowledge anyway), so here it is.

It’s my intention this year to change up my writing style; however, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks (as they say) and I’m not sure my slightly laboured attempts would suit this split anyway. Also, it’s pretty futile when both bands here lean towards the emoviolence end of the spectrum, meaning that their songs are pretty short.

Youth Novel come first with two songs that come and go in a whirlwind of intense screamo. ‘V’ is pretty much emoviolence but with a calm, melodic mid-section. It certainly shows their best side with accurate and engrossing percussion, bass guitar that’s almost funky, dreamy melodic guitar work and properly rousing vocals. ‘VI’ is no different though there’s a live sense to the song thanks to it’s opening, which includes stirring speeches and applause. It’s equally as engaging as it’s predecessor too, with angular guitar being the main focal point (for me anyway). 

Coma Regalia is a band that should definitely be familiar to you, especially if you’re a fan of anything screamo/post-hardcore. The band has not just released music on almost every size of vinyl format ever,  but has also worked alongside a countless amount of others on split releases. CR’s two songs are meant to come and go very quickly, starting with ‘Each Day A Gift’. Musically spot-on (as always) and like Youth Novel, they’re very good a painting a picture through their sounds and textures. ‘Each Day A Gift’ is instrumental too. CR’s second song ‘From Me To You’ is much more immediate, though moments of calm do show through the intensity. 

I still maintain that releases like this are great. Yes they’re short but that only lends itself to repeat listens and the yearning for more. Both Youth Novel and Coma Regalia are prolific bands in their own right, but together they’re pretty damn unstoppable.

Stream and grab the split digitally below (also available digitally from Middle-Man Records and Too Far Gone Records):-

Youth Novel - https://youthnovel.bandcamp.com

Coma Regalia - https://www.facebook.com/comaregalia

Physical copies can be purchased from the labels below:-

Middle-Man Records - https://middlemanrecords.storenvy.com/

Too Far Gone Records - https://toofargonerecords.com/

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

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

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

Too Far Gone Records - https://www.facebook.com/TooFarGoneRecords

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

Song Premiere: Formants - Plague + Interview

It brings me great joy to be able to bring you my first song premiere of 2022. It's one that's a little bit special. It comes from a new project called Formants, which is an experimental electronic project featuring Derek Allen of post-hardcore band Lower Automation. I was introduced to it by Dave Norman of Zegema Beach Records, Tomb Tree (previously Tomb Tree Tapes) and now also of soft music imprint Softseed Music.

The album is called You'd Think It Was A Mistake and it will be getting the tape treatment that Dave is known for in a week's time. I was lucky enough to be able to listen to a couple of songs before finally settling on 'Plague' as the one I wanted to premiere. I really dig it and I think many of you will too.

Formants was created so that Derek could experiment with different ideas and with electronic music, influenced by the likes of Nine Inch Nails, Einsturzende Neubauten and Depeche Mode, amongst others. You can stream the song in full below:-

As well as premiering the song, I was able to ask Derek some questions about the project, the album and  the his love of electronic music. You can read the full interview below:-

1. What is the history of Formants? Has it always been a solo project?

I started Formants in 2018 or so. I’ve always been really into electronic/experimental music. My first show was actually opening for Dalek and Street Sects. I wanted an outlet for all of the stuff I was making that would never fit in the context of Lower Automation. In the studio it’s always been a solo project, but I have had a few friends (including Brian from Lower Automation) play live with me and contribute some samples. 

2.  What made you decide to go further down the electronic path with Formants, compared to your other band Lower Automation?

I’ve messed around with synthesizers and software since high school. I was primarily in electronic and industrial bands before Lower Automation was started. Actually, Lower Automation was started as a way to get away from all the electronic stuff and just play “organic” instruments.

3. Your debut release is called 'You'd Think It Was A Mistake’. What inspired you when making the album and what was the writing/recording process like?

I think the biggest inspiration for this album was working with Angry Blackmen on their first album and latest EP. It just made me realize how much I love grittiness and noise in music. That was a huge influence for how these tracks turned out. I wanted to get that same mood, but without using distortion outright. So I used lots of field recordings and tried to process sounds in different ways to get a similar feeling. 

4. The album is being released on cassette via new label Softseed Music. How did that agreement come about and how does it feel to be one of the first bands (if not the first) to be working with the label?

Dave’s main label, Zegema Beach, released Lower Automation’s first album last year. When I finished this album and decided I wanted to release it, I asked him if he knew anyone that would be interested. He sent me to a few people and told me to come back to him if none of them worked out. They all ended up passing on the album and Dave was still down to release it. 

5. More and more musicians are moving towards solo projects as a separate outlet from their main bands. Why do you think this is?

Playing in a band is such a democratic process - which is great, but it can be creatively frustrating at times. It’s really therapeutic to sit in the dark by yourself and just let whatever happens happen.

6.  Have you always been a fan of electronic/ambient music and if so, are you familiar with any other current artists/projects? If so, which ones stand out to you?

Yes - I love electronic music! My favorites are Hunz, Rabit, pretty much anything on the Halcyon Veil label, the new Low album, and Nebulo. 

7. What strikes me when listening to both Lower Automation and Formants is that you’re a fan of music and art. What artists/bands mean the most to you at the moment?

My favorite band is Public Enemy. I can’t describe what they mean to me, both sonically and lyrically. I think those first four albums are unmatched. But this last year, I’ve been really into Einsturzende Neubauten and Sisters of Mercy. For whatever reason, that’s been my comfort music the past year. 

8. Do you intend to play live with Formants?

Yeah, I have a Chicago show coming up in March. First Formants show in 2 years. It was supposed to be in January, but has been postponed due to Covid. 

9. It is early days I know, but how do you see Formants evolving and do you plan on releasing more music?

I finished this album in the early fall, and the vast majority of it was done last spring, so I’ve had some time to think about this. I think my next release will be somewhat more instrumental, or at least less lyric-based. I’d kinda like it to be more like the Formants live show - more experimental and free. 

10. I’m really interested in getting musicians views on the shape of today’s music industry. What do you think of things currently and where do you see music consumption going in the future?

I feel very out of the loop with the music industry. But I love Bandcamp. It’s what I use to find and buy pretty much all of the music I listen to - unless I can buy it directly from an artist. So I think that’s really exciting. I don’t use any streaming services, but that seems to be the way things are going. 

You can currently stream another album track called 'Liar' via Softseed Music's bandcamp page below, where the album is also available for digitally pre-order:-

Also, catch a glimpse of what the tapes are gonna look like below:-

For more news about the release, head to these social media pages:-

Formants - https://www.facebook.com/Formants/?ref=page_internal

Softseed Music - https://www.facebook.com/softseedmusic

Descent - Order Of Chaos

Labels: Brilliant Emperor Records/Redefining Darkness Records/Caligari Records

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 14 Jan 2022

Tracklist:

1. Tempest

2. Dragged

3. Resolve

4. Gathering

5. Fester

6. Filth

7. Safe

8. Despotic

It looks like 2022's gonna be a heavy one, beginning with the newest album from Australia's Descent. The HM2 inspired quintet started life in 2015 with their demo before releasing their first album, Towers Of Grandiosity is 2018. Descent's newest full-length Order Of Chaos now gets a multi-format release, as a means of trying to contain the thirty minutes of death metal madness therein. With members of Descent also lining up in some of Australia's nastiest bands, including Resin Tomb, Necroseptic and Feculent, this should be a ripper!

Descent’s approach to death metal on Order Of Chaos is a heady mix of old-school murkiness and grinding intensity, wrapped up in a blackened veil. Technically it’s very strong, unsurprisingly, with the quintet wasting no time with intros or meandering performances. They go straight for the jugular as demonstrated on opening duo ‘Tempest’ and ‘Dragged’. There’s a hardcore backbone to their sound as well, though breakdowns are hidden away in favour of Cursed-like destruction. 

The low-end provides a bass hit that’s hard to ignore and Descent has an ear for melody, although it’s enshrined in a metallic coffin for the majority of the album. The vocals are made up of raspy shrieks and low register growls, somewhat akin to those of Lorna Shore, especially on ‘Gathering’. As eluded to earlier on in this review, there isn’t too much time to ponder as the album rages from start to finish. The songs rarely go over the four-minute mark during the album’s first half, ‘Fester’ leads you into the second-half by doing just that. It’s filled with atmosphere, with the instrumentation given more space.

There’s a greater attempt at variation towards the end of Order Of Chaos, with the utterly blistering ‘Safe’ leaving you battered and bruised. The band’s instrumental virtuosity is obvious, especially in the guitar work with it’s screeching leads and pinch harmonics. Concluding with the hauntingly disturbing ‘Despotic’, Descent have proven beyond any doubt that Australia’s extreme metal community will be leading the way in 2022.

In summary then, Order Of Chaos is uncomplicated and to the point. Descent don’t just copy what influences them, they weave their own rich version of death metal.

The album will be officially released on January 14th, but until then you can stream three of it's tracks below:-

Descent - https://www.facebook.com/descentmetalbrisbane

You can pre-order it digitally from Descent's bandcamp page above, as well as physically from the labels below:-

Brilliant Emperor Records - https://brilliantemperor.bigcartel.com/category/brilliant-emperor-releases

Redefining Darkness Records - https://shop.redefiningdarkness.com

Caligari Records - https://caligarirecords.storenvy.com/collections/278925-caligari-records-releases

Brilliant Emperor Records - https://www.facebook.com/BrilliantEmperorRecords

Redefining Darkness Records - https://www.facebook.com/redefiningdarkness

Caligari Records - https://www.facebook.com/CaligariRecords

Frequencies Deleted #5: See Through Buildings - No Greater Love, No Deeper Loss (by Mikey Ortega)

Label: Self-Released

Format: CD/Digital

Release Date: 16 May 2021

 

Tracklist:

1. A Body So Small with An Energy So Big

2. An Explosion of Silence and Sadness

For many years, dogs have been known as “Man’s Best Friend”. They’ve been there for the good times and the bad times. Shared many memories and have always been there by your side. So you can imagine the loss and grief when you lose someone that close.  Someone that is considered as family. It’s as if a piece of you is missing. On See Through Building’s NO GREATER LOVE, NO DEEPER LOSS, Ben Rehling expresses his grief, after the passing of his dog, Hanna. If you’re familiar with See Through Buildings work, then you know how punishing and aggresive it can be and if you read the credits on STB’s Bandcamp page, you would know this is the first time Ben has delved into this subject matter.  For sure, this one is very personal and you can only hope to find some closure.

 

We start off with “A Body So Small with an Energy So Big”, which, by the title, tells you everything about Hanna. When Hanna was brought home as a small pup, she was full of life. It’s as if you knew she belonged. Especially with the way she interacts with the other pets. That right there tells you Hanna was something special and the soundscapes totally captured that. Like a little ball of energy, just running around the house, with no sight of slowing down. We then go into “An Explosion of Silence and Sadness”, which just hits you with a ton of bricks. Those low-ends just gets you in the feels and you can understand what Ben is going through. You’re so used to hearing barking and other noise, that silence just feels out of place and that makes your loss very hard to get through.

 

NO GREATER LOVE, NO DEEPER LOSS, is an album that anyone can relate to. We’ve seen our loved one on their last leg. We’ve seen them struggle and suffer. We do our best to make their last days in this World comfortable. We try to spend as much time with them as much as possible, because we don’t know how long they have in this World and even though they’re no longer with us, we do our best to keep their memory alive. I like to think NO GREATER LOVE, NO DEEPER LOSS is an album that can help us get through some rough times. To remind us that those we’ve lost, will forever live inside us and that they are never gone. NO GREATER LOVE, NO DEEPER LOSS, is a perfect send-off to Man’s Best Friend. R.I.P, Hanna. Always enjoyed those pics that Ben posted on facebook and Instagram.

 

You can download NO GREATER LOVE, NO DEEPER LOSS on Bandcamp. All proceeds goes to animal rescues in the Southern California area and also be sure to follow See Through Buildings on social media in the link below.

See Through Buildings - https://www.facebook.com/seethroughbuildings

From This Year To Next

This first paragraph sums up 2021 for me, blog-wise anyway. The year started off well and then I fell behind, and I'm still catching up (who am I kidding, that's never going to happen!). I slowed down somewhat as the year went on and started to think about where I was at, and where I wanted to go. Over the last few weeks I've been doing more planning and while I'm nowhere near the top of my inbox, things are moving forwards.

2022 will include more song/release premieres, as I've already alluded to on social media. It'll also feature more interviews and maybe a few surprises too, but we'll see. I plan to utilise Youtube more too, so you may see me doing some videos if I can get over being camera shy.

I'm now into my 12th year of the blog, which in itself is a huge achievement and I've got some targets I'd love to hit. I hope to hit the 1,000,000 reader mark. I really want to grow my reach so that more people can experience the bands and music that I love. It's not all about me though, as my good friend Mikey Ortega will be pitching in from across the pond too, which is always humbling.

In the near future there will hopefully be some 2021 end-of-year lists on the way, as well as a song premiere/interview going live on January 3rd too for definite. 2022 will be another exciting year for heavy music, so I hope you'll continue to drop by both here and on social media too. All that's left for me to say is thank you for your support and enthusiasm in 2021, and happy new year.